Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that is difficult to treat.Psoriatic plaques appear on various parts of the body, causing a lot of inconvenience and suffering to the patient.A noticeable aesthetic defect worsens relationships with others and causes the development of complexes.
Treatment of psoriasis requires an integrated approach.Failure to consult a doctor in a timely manner leads to serious consequences: the disease can be hereditary.Following the doctor's recommendations will relieve suffering and reduce the manifestations of psoriasis.
Causes
Skin diseases are of increasing interest to researchers.Doctors only have hypotheses about the factors that can cause psoriasis.The most common cause of psoriasis is a genetic predisposition.However, dermatologists have not yet reached a consensus: "Why does psoriasis appear?"
There are two theories:
- the first says: the scaly type of lichen develops when the maturation of epidermal cells, their reproduction and differentiation are impaired.Autoimmune processes play a minor role;
- second hypothesis: the cause of skin lesions is a dysfunction of the immune system.Problems related to the normal functioning of epidermal cells are secondary.
Provoking factors:
- lack of vitamins and minerals in the body due to the small amount of vegetables and fruits on the menu;
- compromised nervous health due to frequent stress;
- abuse of powerful drugs;
- metabolic disorders due to poor diet;
- decreased immunity after infectious diseases.
Risk group:
- hypertensive patients;
- obese people;
- diabetics;
- people who drink alcohol in excess;
- patients who have undergone courses of chemotherapy, treatment with corticosteroids and strong antibiotics.
Symptoms and stages of the disease
Stages of psoriatic rashes:
- initial stage.Pink or reddish papules appear on the elbows and other areas, covered with scales of heterogeneous structure.Over time, the rash occupies an increasingly larger area, redness of the skin appears, swelling and itching develop;
- Most symptoms appear in people whose body is oversaturated with medications.Those at risk include those who have experienced psycho-emotional trauma;
- the next step is the emergence of the Koebner phenomenon.After scratching, abrasions, sores and bleeding areas appear on the body.Little by little, they merge, symmetrical lines and plates are formed.Nails are often affected;
- third step.The rash becomes brighter, the plaques take on sharp contours, the affected areas turn blue, itch and peel;
- the disappearance of symptoms occurs gradually.The coat first disappears, then the color of the epidermis is restored.The final stage is the resorption of infiltrates, improving the condition of the skin.
Is psoriasis contagious?Is it possible to get sick from communicating, shaking hands, playing together or having sex?Answer: “No! » The nature of the pathology is different;there are no viruses or fungi on the skin.Don’t alienate someone with psoriasis!It's already hard for him.Support the person morally.
Locations:
- elbow joints.Relatively light shape.Groups of plaques with clearly defined boundaries appear symmetrically on both arms.Color – salmon or pinkish red;
- palms.The disease is characterized by keratinization of surfaces, scaling, severe itching;
- ears and scalp.Psoriatic rashes appear inside and outside the ears and on the head.If unexpected itching occurs inside the ears, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist immediately;
- legs.Often, plaques, redness and itching on the lower extremities appear simultaneously with rashes on the arms.Outwardly, the manifestations of the disease are similar;
- back.Lichen squamosus affects various areas of the back.The rash takes the shape of a drop.Often, rashes look like regular patches;
- confront.Rashes appear less frequently in this area.Small papules appear on the eyebrows, in the nasolabial folds and near the eyes.In isolated cases, formations covered with scales are visible on the lips.
Diagnosis of the disease
A dermatologist or therapist can easily diagnose psoriasis based on its characteristic symptoms.Sometimes a biopsy of the affected skin is necessary.A microscopic part is sent for laboratory testing.
The hemoscan method using a drop of blood is widely advertised.Special computer programs and a high-power electron microscope are used.
Experts recommend refusing the services of "doctors" who do not have medical training.Charlatans often use only this method to diagnose various diseases, without bothering with additional research.
Be sure to consult a dermatologist or therapist.An experienced doctor will tell you whether you have psoriasis or not based on clinical signs.
Treatment methods
How to treat psoriasis?Complex therapy will help eliminate unpleasant symptoms and improve the patient's condition.In many cases, treatment is long-term;with additional exposure to provoking factors, relapses are possible.
Experts recommend using not only medications, but also traditional recipes, dietary nutrition and physiotherapy methods.The patient is required to strictly follow the doctor's instructions.
Drugs
Topical and systemic medications are used:
- antihistamines;
- sedatives;
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- ointments and gels for psoriasis.
Physiotherapy treatments are effective:
- phototherapy;
- ultraviolet irradiation;
- laser therapy;
- cryotherapy.
Nutrition for psoriasis
The patient should follow a hypoallergenic diet for psoriasis.It is necessary to consume as little as possible foods that cause a rush of blood to the affected skin.It is important to emphasize foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
Forbidden :
- spicy dishes;
- smoked meats;
- alcohol;
- red, black pepper, other spices;
- coffee;
- hot drinks.
Not recommended:
- chocolate;
- candy;
- whole milk;
- Honey;
- citrus;
- vegetables, red fruits.
Folk remedies and recipes
After consulting a dermatologist or therapist, add home methods to medications and physiotherapy treatments.Effective ointments, decoctions of medicinal herbs, lotions and baths will improve the condition and relieve itching and burning.
Treatment of psoriasis at home with folk remedies.Best recipes:
- baths with string and sea salt.Prepare a decoction: per liter of water – 2 tbsp.L.inheritances.Pour 4 tablespoons into the bath.L.sea salt, pour in the strained broth.The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes.An excellent soothing and drying agent;
- decoction of medicinal herbs.Prepare a teaspoon of nettle, burdock root, licorice and calamus in 0.5 liters of water.Boil for 5 minutes, let it infuse.Wipe the affected areas with a healing decoction several times a day;
- dandelion root tea, nettle leaves, St. John's worttake internally.The drink perfectly cleanses the blood, improves immunity and calms;
- herbal lotions.Take 4 tbsp.L.celandine, add calendula, string, motherwort, chamomile (you will need 2 tablespoons of all herbs).Fill with a liter of hot water and heat in a bain-marie.Apply gauze soaked in the broth to painful areas twice a day;
- homemade ointment.Mix fish oil, pine resin, aloe juice, olive oil, sulfur and birch tar in equal proportions.Add the same amount of celandine, top with herbs, pour in a few drops of sea buckthorn oil.Leave to infuse, filter.Lubricate affected areas daily.The product soothes the skin, reduces itching, heals wounds;
- apply birch taron the elbows, ears and other areas affected by the manifestations of scaly lichen it gives a good effect;
- monastery tea for psoriasis.A medicinal drink based on medicinal herbs will facilitate the course of the disease.
Skin psoriasis in children
Chronic illness occurs in both infants and older children.Most cases of psoriasis are seen in preschool children and elementary school students.
Symptoms :
- spots, blisters and red dots appear on the skin;
- Gradually, the number of rashes increases and peeling appears;
- the body itches, the crusts crack and painful areas appear.
Main locations of rashes:
- elbows;
- knees;
- legs, arms;
- Sometimes psoriasis affects the nails.
The diagnosis is not difficult.Pronounced symptoms are difficult to confuse with the manifestations of other diseases.
Reasons:
- stress;
- hormonal imbalance;
- colds;
- certain medications;
- genetic predisposition;
- respiratory diseases;
- sudden climate change.
Treatment :
- proper skin care;
- ascorbic acid;
- vitamin B12;
- ointments and gels;
- antihistamines.
Herbal baths with chamomile, yarrow, celandine and string give a good effect.Soothing preparations will help improve your sleep.In severe cases, the doctor will prescribe sleeping pills.
Sometimes a child needs to be hospitalized to relieve acute symptoms.Don't give up on hospitalization.Droppers and injections significantly alleviate the situation.
Advice!Do not prescribe strong medications yourself.Doctors are trying to use fewer drugs that have a toxic effect.
Preventive recommendations
There are no specific measures to prevent this serious skin disease.It is for this reason that many people suffer from unpleasant symptoms for many years.
Sometimes psychological trauma is no less serious than periodic rashes and itching during exacerbations.Try to slow the progression of the disease.
What else can you do:
- avoid hypothermia;
- maintain optimal air humidity in the room;
- take care of the epidermis;
- create a calm environment in the family;
- if necessary, change jobs to avoid stressful situations and other harmful influences;
- do not leave wounds on the skin.
Remember– you are not alone in your problem.The diagnosis of psoriasis is recorded in the outpatient records of hundreds of thousands of people.Do not despair, even with such a serious illness you can live without losing hope for the future.Communicate, seek support from loved ones, follow the recommendations of doctors.Try not to let the illness consume you.