Psoriasis: causes and possible manifestations

Psoriasis is an unpleasant skin disease in which the body becomes covered with red rashes that turn into spots.A person may be bothered by itching, which prevents him from falling asleep, and if complications in the form of arthritis arise, severe joint pain may occur.Psoriasis significantly affects quality of life.Studies show that patients feel as bad as those who have had a heart attack, heart failure or severe hypertension.

Unfortunately, doctors still have not found an answer to the question of how to cure psoriasis.Everything that is offered by the pharmaceutical industry and medicine - ointments, creams, ultraviolet rays, immune drugs - brings only temporary relief.Other measures - psychotherapy, taking vitamins, diet for psoriasis - do not cure, but help to improve the disease.

Psoriasis disease

Psoriasis on the head

How does scalp psoriasis manifest?

• The first lesions appear in the form of scaling at the back of the head.
• Then the peeling spreads further, the skin itches and itches.In the initial stage of psoriasis, patients tend to believe that they simply have dandruff and intensely search for a remedy to get rid of it.Contacting a doctor is often ineffective: a dermatologist can confuse the lesions with seborrheic dermatitis and prescribe shampoos for this.
• At the next stage, the itching becomes unbearable, the patient injures his skin by scratching until it bleeds.
• Then red patches and bumps appear, which a person easily injures when scratching.
• The plaques are invaded by gray particles which gradually cover the entire scalp.The particles are epithelium exfoliated from the surface.
• After that, psoriasis spreads to the smooth scalp that is not covered with hair.

Skin psoriasis

Cutaneous psoriasis is a non-infectious skin lesion that affects approximately 4% of the population.The reasons have not been fully identified, but the main version is a genetic disease.An equally common opinion is that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease.Versions about the infectious origin of the disease deserve attention.

Nail psoriasis

Depending on how the nail plate is damaged, there are:

• Change in color of the nail bed.
• The appearance of grooves and localized damage on the plate.
• Corrosion or on the contrary thickening of the nail.
• Thickening of the skin under the nail plate.

Diagnosis of nail psoriasis is possible after appropriate tests to detect the presence of fungus.But sometimes even this type of study does not completely exclude the disease, since a fungal infection can accompany existing psoriasis.

Psoriasis in adults

Psoriasis in women

Psoriasis in pregnant women

Psoriasis is a chronic disease with periods of exacerbations and improvements.How does it behave during pregnancy?Observations show that pregnant women feel much better - they worry less about the manifestations of the disease, although during this period any treatment is almost completely canceled in order not to harm the unborn baby.

Sometimes the disease does not go away completely, even during pregnancy, and medication is needed.If necessary, it is best to treat psoriasis with products that do not contain hormones.

Psoriasis in breastfeeding mothers

How to treat psoriasis for breastfeeding mothers?Many drugs are authorized which do not have a systemic effect and are not transmitted through milk:

• Hormonal drugs, provided that they are used under the supervision of a doctor and in case of urgent need, on small areas of the body.
• Moisturizing creams (including for children's skin).
• Fats and fatty creams that can moisturize the skin by being retained in the stratum corneum.
• Treatment of psoriasis with salicylic ointment is allowed.
• To achieve an antiallergic effect, various absorbents can be used.
• The use of phototherapy is authorized (without oral administration of photosensitizers).

Psoriasis in men

Psoriasis is slightly less common in men than in women.The course of the disease in men may be milder - the manifestations are less pronounced and the disease begins on average at a later age than in women.Otherwise, the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis are almost the same in both sexes.

A characteristic feature of men is the localization of psoriasis in the glans area.Since the disease occurs without characteristic peeling, the diagnosis can be difficult, especially if the patient turns not to a dermatologist, but to a urologist, whose specific work does not imply in-depth knowledge of the symptoms of psoriasis.

Psoriasis in children

In childhood, psoriasis can bring a lot of suffering to a child, as it is accompanied by itching, pain and if the joints are affected, their mobility may be limited.And peers are sometimes tactless and tease children with "lichen", having no idea of the true non-contagious nature of the disease.

How does childhood psoriasis manifest?It is characterized by several forms:

• Localization in typical places - on the extensor surfaces of the limbs, buttocks.
• Nail damage.
• Psoriasis on the scalp, on the scalp.

The exact causes of psoriasis in children are unknown, but the main cause is believed to be a genetic abnormality.Versions of an unfavorable external environment are also considered - exposure to allergens, friction of the skin with clothing, chronic and acute stress.Finally, another possible cause of the disease lies in previous infections.

Psoriasis: symptoms

Symptoms of psoriasis in adults

The symptoms of psoriasis are so characteristic that they allow an accurate and rapid diagnosis.The main manifestation of the disease is red, scaly spots (plaques) on the surface of the skin, consisting of papules.Patients worry about severe itching and signs of inflammation in the spots.One of the characteristic features of psoriasis is the spread of plaques where there are skin lesions - microtraumas, scratches, cracks.The preferred location of rashes is on the head, under the hair, on the extensor surfaces of the joints, in the lower back and sacrum, in all natural skin folds.

Psoriasis has a wavy course, in which periods of exacerbation are spontaneously replaced by remission.Many patients note that they cannot connect any events in their life with the exacerbation that began.During this period, the symptoms of psoriasis are most clearly manifested: peeling intensifies, the redness of the spots becomes clearly bright, and due to the peeling of skin scales and infection, suppuration of the plaques is possible.

Psoriasis Symptoms in Children

Psoriasis in children is almost as common as atopic dermatitis.It presents itself in several forms characteristic of childhood:

• Teardrop-shaped – red bumps that appear after injuries and infections.They are often confused with allergies.
• Platelets.It manifests itself with the same symptoms as the corresponding form in adults.
• The pustular form is rare and is usually caused by infection, anxiety, or taking certain medications.The disease is expressed by the spread of pustules on the skin - vesicles with purulent liquid contents.As with plaques, the danger comes from scratching the pustule and possible infection.
• The erythrodermic form is characterized by the spread of lesions throughout the body, severe inflammation and itching of the skin, fever and fever.The serious course of the disease requires urgent hospitalization of the child.
• Psoriatic arthritis is one of the forms and at the same time a complication of psoriasis.It appears against the background of an existing disease and is expressed by pain and swelling in the joints, muscle stiffness.
• A special form of the disease is the so-called diaper psoriasis, in which rashes cover the child's buttocks and are therefore confused by the pediatrician and mother with irritation caused by contact with urine and stool.

Forms of psoriasis

There is still no generally accepted classification of psoriasis.We distinguish the following forms:

• Plate (ordinary).
• Exudative.
• Arthropathic.
• Pustular.
• Psoriatic erythroderma.
• Scalp psoriasis.
• Psoriasis of the folds.
• Psoriasis of the palms and soles.

Certain clinical variants of the disease, of varying severity, can be observed in the same patient.

Pustular form

Psoriasis sometimes appears as pustular skin lesions.It is characterized by the formation of pustules-vesicles filled with purulent or sterile contents.The size of the bubbles can reach 2.5 to 3 cm.The extension areas of the arms and legs as well as the torso are the favorite place for rashes.Pustular psoriasis of the scalp is common.The surface of the patient's body is red and warm.Patients complain of fever and fever, general malaise.

Exudative form

The exudative form is characterized by the appearance of large plaques on the surface of the skin which, unlike common psoriasis, are then covered with yellow-brown crusts.

A characteristic feature of exudative psoriasis is the atypical localization of skin rashes.Unlike other forms, they occupy surfaces at the curvatures of the arms and legs, as well as the folds of the skin.Due to friction from clothing and irritation, the rash can become injured and then infected.

Stages of psoriasis

Initial stage of psoriasis

To assess the severity of psoriasis and its stage, different scales are used, including:

• Rash area.
• The severity of the disease (redness, itching, swelling and exudate, bleeding from the surface).
• General symptoms (general emotional and physical state).
• The influence of illness on a person’s lifestyle and social functions.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of previous therapeutic attempts.

The initial stage of psoriasis is the stage at which the skin surface is damaged by no more than 3%, the nails and joints are not affected.At this stage, stable remission of the disease can be achieved.

Middle stage of psoriasis

The intermediate stage of psoriasis corresponds to skin lesions ranging from 3 to 10% of the skin.

Severe stage of psoriasis

The severe stage of psoriasis is skin lesions of more than 10% or the development of psoriatic arthritis in any area of the rash.The disease at this stage causes significant inconvenience and suffering for patients, since arthritis can be accompanied by pain, and a large area of rash is accompanied by debilitating itching and insomnia.

Psoriasis: causes

Causes of psoriasis in adults

The causes of psoriasis are not yet fully identified.Of course, science has progressed in the study of the disease, but the exact answer to the question of why psoriasis appears has not yet been found.It is certain that the skin disease is not contagious, which means that the cause is probably not due to an infection.Researchers tend to believe that the disease is multifactorial in nature: both metabolic disorders and immune problems are the cause.

Causes of psoriasis in children

Psoriasis in children appears against the background of infectious diseases, emotional stress, cold, excessive tanning and herbs.The trigger for the development of the disease can be frequent contact with allergens.

Diagnosis of psoriasis

Visual examination and identification of the psoriatic triad

Psoriasis disease has characteristic symptoms that allow the doctor to accurately diagnose the disease using a visual examination of the skin:

• “Stearin stain” – if the plaque is scraped, chips similar to stearin form.
• "Terminal film" - after the scales are removed from the surface of the papule, a surface similar to a polyethylene film becomes visible in their place.
• “Blood dew” - after continuing to scratch the surface that appears under the plaque, bleeding occurs in the form of drops.

Unlike the cutaneous form, nail psoriasis is diagnosed by a dermatologist not by a triad of symptoms, but by other signs:

• Change in color of the nail bed.
• Corroded nail.
• Grooves located around the nail.
• Small dots on the nail plate, reminiscent of sewing needle pricks.
• Increase the thickness of the skin under the nail.
• Thickening and change in shape of the nail, internal growth into the finger.

Laboratory research

Based on the structure and characteristics of the cells of the fragment, a specialist can determine the origin of the rash: in psoriasis, an increase in the number of Rene's bodies, increased proliferation of keratinocytes and accumulation of T lymphocytes and macrophages in the skin layer is observed.

Psoriasis: treatment

Treatment of psoriasis in adults

How to treat psoriasis?Medicine has not yet provided a comprehensive answer to this question, but the therapeutic principles were developed a long time ago.They can be divided into three groups:

• Eliminate the cause of the disease.
• Relieve symptoms.
• Strengthening immunity.

The goal of any type of treatment is to put the disease in remission for as long as possible.

The effectiveness of the therapy varies in each individual case.

Treatment of psoriasis in children

Treatment of psoriasis in children is aimed at quickly achieving long-term remission and is not fundamentally different from treatment for adults:

• Follow a hypoallergenic diet with the usual composition of foods: excluding fried, salty, spicy fruits and vegetables, containing preservatives that can cause allergies.
• Create an allergen-free life (down pillows, old dusty items).
• Follow hygiene advice (appropriate washing, drying and moisturizing damaged skin).
• Physiotherapy.Electrosleep, phototherapy, magnetotherapy, ultrasound and laser can be used.The use of photochemotherapy, due to its potential harmful effects, is recommended for children aged 15 and over.
• Sanatorium treatment with mineral baths and therapeutic mud.
• Local treatment with hormonal and non-hormonal ointments and creams prescribed by a doctor depending on the severity of the disease, the intensity of skin manifestations and individual response.
• If local treatment is not enough, children can be prescribed systemic drugs and procedures (UVA photochemotherapy, drugs acting on the immune system, retinoids).

Medicines to treat psoriasis

Psoriasis cream

Which creams are most popular in the treatment of psoriasis?

• Containing synthetic hormones.They are good because they quickly and effectively relieve itching and inflammation and help reduce the size of psoriatic plaques.Hormonal creams have many side effects and should be used strictly according to the instructions and under the supervision of a doctor.
• Non-hormonal creams have the same effect as hormonal creams, but it takes much longer to occur after prolonged use.They are therefore not used as ambulances.But unlike hormones, these creams are not addictive and have virtually no side effects.

Ointment for psoriasis

Like creams, ointments are hormonal and non-hormonal:

• Hormonal drugs contain hormones, from the weakest to the strongest 4th generation drugs.Ointments are prescribed by a doctor and can be stopped by gradually reducing the dosage.
• Non-hormonal ointment for psoriasis moisturizes the skin, relieves inflammation and itching, and heals wounds.

Physiotherapy as a cure for psoriasis

The procedures are aimed at achieving various therapeutic effects:

• The main type of physiotherapy is phototherapy (or photochemotherapy).The treatment involves treating the skin surface with ultraviolet irradiation of different wavelengths.
• X-ray methods – treatment of the skin surface with gentle X-rays.
• Electrosleep is the introduction of a patient into a state of sleep using electrical influence on the brain.The procedure does not treat skin rashes, but helps to reduce excitability and manifestations of neurosis, which improves the general condition of patients.
• Cryotherapy – treatment of the skin surface with nitrogen to accelerate regeneration, relieve inflammation and itching.
• Magnetic therapy is used when psoriasis is complicated by arthritis.
• Laser therapy is primarily used to treat dental plaque.

How to cure psoriasis at home

What is self-treatment of psoriasis at home?

• Organize a hypoallergenic lifestyle - you need to get rid of carpets, pillows and blankets, try to replace furniture with ones that are easy to remove dust.It is best not to have pets for psoriasis patients, even if an animal allergy is not confirmed.Prolonged contact with them can cause allergization of the body.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, quit smoking and drinking alcohol.
• The diet for psoriasis should be healthy and nutritious.
• Elimination of stress and anxiety, as they can serve as a reason for exacerbation.
• Compliance with hygiene rules - refusal of a bath in favor of a shower, careful drying, washing and subsequent moisturizing of the skin with special products prescribed by the doctor.
• Take medications and perform procedures prescribed by a dermatologist depending on the stage of the disease.
• If the doctor prescribed sunbathing or ultraviolet irradiation, you must strictly adhere to the procedure schedule.

Treatment of psoriasis with folk remedies

What methods are used in traditional medicine?

• Birch tar is used in soap form or in pure form for application to affected skin.
• Soda treatment is based on the hypothesis that psoriasis is caused by an increase in skin acidity.To neutralize it, it is proposed to treat the surface with an alkaline preparation, which is soda.
• Treatment of psoriasis with folk remedies in the form of fat is based on hydrating the skin thanks to the fat it contains.
• Copper sulfate and potassium permanganate are also used to treat psoriasis.For treatment, a solution of vitriol and potassium permanganate is used, which is used to treat the skin surface for several hours.

Diet for psoriasis

What does a psoriasis diet enable and even encourage?

• Fiber.It allows you to improve metabolic processes and normalize digestive function.
• Calcium is a generally recognized useful product that has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect, and therefore its presence in the diet is necessary: cottage cheese, dairy products and fermented milk products are obligatory for the patient.
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids are necessary to normalize fat metabolism, help absorb many vitamins and improve the condition of the skin and vascular walls.
• Zinc must be present in the diet to promote protein synthesis, which strengthens immunity.
• At any stage of psoriasis, you need to eat foods rich in antioxidants.

Complications of psoriasis

Psoriatic erythoderma

Psoriatic erythroderma is a complication of psoriasis in which the patient's entire skin becomes covered with bright red spots.A person's temperature rises, their joints hurt, their lymph nodes enlarge, and their general condition deteriorates.The complication is dangerous because it contributes to the development of heart failure, kidney and liver failure.Peeling and inflammation of the skin leads to dehydration, heat and protein loss.

Generalized pustular psoriasis

Skin psoriasis can be complicated by a rash on the surface of the body in the form of small blisters (pustules) with bright red edges.As the disease progresses, the pustules coalesce into spots, break open or remain intact, and then dry out to form a yellow crust.Places of rashes are the chest, sides and back, extensor areas of the limbs.

Symptoms of pustular psoriasis also include fever, increased temperature, burning, and pain in the area of the rash.

Arthropathic psoriasis

Skin psoriasis with a prolonged course, 5 to 6 years after its onset, can be complicated by the involvement of the joints in the process.The complication is called arthropathic psoriasis and usually manifests itself as inflammation of the phalanges of the fingers and toes.The fingers become swollen, the skin in the area of inflammation turns red.In addition, the disease also affects other joints: intervertebral, iliac, heel.

Psoriasis disease in the form of arthropathy has a wave course with improvements and exacerbations, sometimes accompanied by skin rashes, but can also occur without skin manifestations.Patients complain of severe pain and limited mobility in the damaged joint.Arthropathic psoriasis is easy to identify in the presence of accompanying rashes, and if they are not present, the disease can be confused with other types of arthritis.

Prevention of psoriasis exacerbations

Thermal treatment

What is the effect of staying at a resort?

• Mud therapy helps improve skin condition and relieve inflammation.
• Climate therapy - exposure to mild heat, sea air and swimming has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the skin and strengthens the immune system.
• Sunbathing (heliotherapy) is indicated in moderation.They are good for the skin thanks to the beneficial effects of ultraviolet rays.However, excessive exposure to the sun can cause complications of psoriasis, so tanning should not be overused.
• Hydrogen sulfide baths and thermal waters from natural springs improve capillary blood circulation and promote better skin regeneration.

Ultraviolet irradiation

An excellent remedy for psoriasis is ultraviolet irradiation, which can be natural (solar) or artificial.Ultraviolet treatment comes in several forms:

• PUVA photochemotherapy, when long-wave irradiation is combined with the ingestion of a photosensitizer.
• 311 nm narrow wave therapy – phototherapy with narrow spectrum rays.
• Combined phototherapy is a combination of medium and long waves.

Lifestyle

What needs to change in patients' daily lives?

• It is advisable to follow a hypoallergenic diet, limit alcohol and drink plenty of clean water (6 to 8 glasses per day, not counting liquids in dishes).
• Personal hygiene should include taking a shower instead of a bath.
• The air in the rooms must be sufficiently humidified.
• Sun exposure is beneficial for psoriasis patients, as long as it is approved by a doctor.
• To prevent the appearance of new foci of the disease, the skin must be protected from injury.
• In order not to provoke an exacerbation of psoriasis, you need to strengthen your immune system and protect yourself from colds and respiratory viral infections.
• The exact causes of psoriasis are unknown, but stress has been confirmed to cause its exacerbation.Therefore, patients should try to protect themselves from negative emotions, emotional stress and fatigue.It is very important to get enough sleep.

Vitamin therapy course

What vitamins are useful for skin diseases?

• Retinol (vitamin A).
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E.
• Vitamin C.
• Vitamin B.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that completely changes a person's life.Diagnosis of the disease is not difficult, because the “signature” psoriatic rashes are well known to any dermatologist.The causes of skin lesions have not yet been precisely established, and no effective means of getting rid of them has been invented: neither creams, nor taking hormones, nor ointment against psoriasis guarantee complete cure.But don't despair!You should always remember that this is not a fatal disease and with proper treatment, diet, preventive measures and sanatorium treatment, you can achieve stable remission.