Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a non-infectious disease that affects a person's skin, nail plates and joints. The disease is characterized by a wavy course with periods of exacerbations and remissions. The danger of this disease lies not only in the unpleasant sensations it causes, but also in the fact that the disease greatly complicates life, hindering social adaptation and normal quality of life. In severe cases, severe depression may be the result of an acute form of the disease.

How to get rid of psoriasis, what is this disease, what are the symptoms and treatment of psoriasis? You will learn about this from our article.

Psoriasis: causes

Under normal conditions, the skin of a healthy person is renewed within a month. During this time, the dead cells exfoliate and new ones appear in their place. If there is a malfunction in the mechanism of skin renewal, the process of maturation of new cells takes only about a week, which disrupts cell balance. As a result, cells die much faster.

In the areas affected by the pathological process, there is excessive proliferation of immune system cells, macrophages and epithelial tissue cells. Therefore, exfoliation of the skin and creation of favorable conditions for the inflammatory process is observed. In addition, the processes of formation of new capillaries are accelerated, due to which the skin at the site of inflammation becomes red.

Chronic psoriasis is non-infectious, which is why the disease is considered non-infectious. This has been established since the 19th century, but so far scientists have not been able to pinpoint the exact reason for its appearance.

Among the reasons that are prerequisites for the development of the disease are:

• Heredity. If a person's parents or close relatives have a predisposition to skin pathologies, it is very likely to be inherited. This is due to a mutation in some parts of DNA that has been found in patients with psoriasis and a similar mutation found in their relatives.
• Gene mutations. Disorders in the structure of DNA, affecting the disruption of the processes of skin renewal, can not only be inherited, but also occur at a later age in people whose relatives do not suffer from psoriasis. What causes such genetic changes is unknown.
• Weakening of the immune system. Any violation of the body's defenses can become a trigger for the development of psoriasis.
• Disorders in metabolic processes. Metabolic disorders manifest themselves in the form of changes in the metabolism of fats, nitrogen, carbohydrates and vitamins in psoriasis. As a result, there is an accumulation of toxins in the body, reduced adaptability and increased susceptibility to infections. Also, patients have an increase in bile acid fractions in the blood serum caused by metabolic disorders.
• External incentives. Friction, constant contact with chemicals, wearing tight clothing, cuts and insect bites - all this causes the appearance of microtraumas on the skin, which over time can develop into psoriasis.
• Common allergic reactions. If a person has a tendency to atypical immune system reactions, manifested in the form of skin rashes, itching and rashes, this is an additional chance of getting psoriasis.
• Strong experiences or prolonged stressful situations. Any stress causes a weakening of the body's defenses and undermines the immune system. If a person has a predisposition to skin diseases, it can manifest itself at such moments. In addition, any stress affects the endocrine processes, which is why significant doses of adrenaline and norepinephrine are released into the blood. This process affects metabolic processes and biochemical reactions, becoming a prerequisite for the development of psoriasis.
• General weight loss caused by serious pathologies - atherosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, diabetes, hypertension and others.
• Unbalanced diet and alcohol abuse. If a person eats too many fatty, smoked, salty, sweet and spicy foods, the likelihood of developing psoriasis increases. Also in some cases a prerequisite for the development of the disease is excessive consumption of chocolate and citrus fruits.
• Hormonal surges caused by serious changes in hormone levels during menopause, puberty, pregnancy, lactation, after abortion. It is worth noting that the hormonal cause of psoriasis may not be related to the above periods. In this case we are talking about a change in the functioning of the organs of the endocrine system.
• Climate change, living in unfavorable environmental conditions. If a person is prone to psoriasis and moves to a colder area, the disease can worsen significantly. The same applies to stays in areas with highly polluted air and water. However, the climatic factor can hardly be called the main cause of the disease: rather, it acts as a catalyst that activates the "sleeping" form of the body's tendency to psoriasis.

How to determine if it is psoriasis: symptoms of the disease

First of all, psoriasis is a skin condition. However, in some, especially severe cases, it can affect not only the skin but also the tendons, internal organs, spine, nail plates and joints. Below we will look at the signs of psoriasis that appear in the first place and allow you to distinguish psoriasis from other skin pathologies.

How does psoriasis start?

On the surface of the skin (most often on the knees, arms, elbows, back, armpits, under the chest, in the sacrum, on the genitals) and sometimes on the mucous membranes appear rounded dry reddened areas. Initially, their size is relatively small: each papule is only a few millimeters in diameter. Over time, however, the affected areas increase, the papules merge with each other and form the so-called psoriatic plaques: their diameter reaches 10 cm and even more.

Initially, papules do not cause noticeable discomfort to a person. They practically do not itch and do not itch. However, over time, as plaque grows and accumulates, the affected areas thicken and rise slightly above healthy areas of skin. This phenomenon is accompanied by itching.

A characteristic feature of psoriasis in the initial stage is the formation of small dry scales with a loose structure on the affected areas of the body. Their color varies from whitish to yellowish-gray, and a thin pink-red edge can be seen around each plaque. Externally, these areas resemble a little melted paraffin, which is called "paraffin lakes".

Initially, the signs of psoriasis on the skin of the body and face can be confused with manifestations of eczema or other skin pathologies. The stage of psoriasis - the so-called. Psoriatic triad - helps to determine the type of disease.

1. Stearin staining. It is characterized by the formation of characteristic steroid-like shavings that appear when the plaque is scraped.
2. Terminal movie scene. It looks like a smooth, moist and shiny red surface found under the scales.
3. Stage of "blood dew". If a person starts scraping the final film, small droplets of blood form on its surface, caused by precise bleeding. In turn, this is caused by thinning of the vascular network and fragility of the capillaries.

The appearance of psoriasis is also accompanied by symptoms that are not related to the skin. Patients usually complain of increased fatigue, apathy, irritability, drowsiness, mood swings, dizziness, nausea and sleep problems.

How does psoriasis manifest other than skin lesions?

This disease affects not only the skin but also other organs and systems. The following manifestations and forms of psoriasis are distinguished:

• Psoriatic arthritis. In some cases, the lesion is not located in the upper areas of the skin, but much deeper. As a result, the disease spreads to the joints. The course of the disease is in many respects similar to the development of rheumatoid arthritis, but there are a number of differences between them. For example, in psoriatic arthritis, asymmetric joint damage is usually observed, the greatest peak of discomfort occurs in the morning, but the main difference is that rheumatoid factor is absent in the blood of patients with psoriatic arthritis.

• Muscle damage. If the disease is at an extremely advanced stage, atrophy of muscle tissue may occur after damage to cartilage and joints.
• Liver dysfunction. The task of the liver is to purify the blood and remove harmful substances. If the body has an increase in the content of toxins characteristic of psoriasis, the liver suffers from this in the first place.
• The transition of the disease from the skin to the mucous membranes. If the disease is not overcome, it progresses and spreads to the mucous membranes of the cheeks and genitals, to the lips and tongue. The mucous membranes swell, and foci of inflammation appear on them, accompanied by desquamation.
• Damage to the nail plates (psoriatic onychodystrophy). Psoriasis affects the nails quite often. The disease manifests itself in the form of thickening of the nail plates of the hands and feet, a change in their color, the appearance of grooves and spots on them. Inflammatory processes affecting the skin around the nails, bleeding under the nail plate, dryness, delamination and increased brittleness of the nails can also be observed. In particularly severe cases, we can talk about complete detachment of the nail and its loss.

As you can see, this disease is quite dangerous, so its treatment should begin as soon as possible to prevent its transfer to other organs and systems.

Is psoriasis contagious?

Because the disease is non-infectious and non-viral in nature, it is not contagious at all. The only way the disease is transmitted is a genetic predisposition caused by heredity.

Types of psoriasis

There are several varieties of this disease, each of which has its own characteristics of the course and characteristic symptoms.

• Simple / vulgar / plaque / plaque / common. According to the International Classification of Diseases - prosiasis vulgaris. This form is more common than others: in about 80-90% of cases the disease is psoriasis vulgaris. It is characterized by the appearance of "paraffin ponds" or psoriatic plaques.

• Reverse (reverse psoriasis). This type of disease mainly affects the folds of the skin, the outer surface of the thighs, the groin area with the external genitalia. The main difference between reverse psoriasis and vulgar psoriasis is that the reverse form of the skin disease does not form plaques: the skin is covered with red spots accompanied by an inflammatory process. The danger of reverse psoriasis is that it progresses with sweating and rubbing. As a result, microcracks form on the skin, into which the infection enters. As a result, it can lead to skin lesions with cocci and fungus.
• Drop-shaped (according to ICD - guttate psoriasis). Its difference from other varieties is that the rash with drop-shaped psoriasis does not combine into large plaques. The patient's body is covered with small spots resembling drops (hence the name of the disease), the color of which varies from pink to purple.

• Pustular / exudative. If other types of disease are characterized by dry areas of skin, then pustular or exudative psoriasis can be recognized by tearful blisters filled with clear fluid. In this case, the skin around the blisters usually turns red, the local temperature rises. If the blisters burst or if the patient scratches them, there is a risk of infection and subsequent suppuration - this is the main danger of the pustular form of the disease.

• Psoriatic erythroderma. This is one of the most severe forms of the disease, which, if the course is unfavorable, can lead to the death of the patient. Its distinctive feature is the exfoliation of the skin, which can result in infection with pathogenic microflora. The first sign and symptom of this type of disease - psoriasis manifests itself in the form of severe itching of the skin, small red rashes with white scales, enlarged lymph nodes, swelling of the tissues and an increase in total body temperature to 38-39 degrees. It is divided into generalized and hyperergic type.

• Seborrheic psoriasis. Most often, this type of disease affects the scalp, but in some cases can affect the nasolabial folds, the skin near the atria and the shoulder blades. It is characterized by the appearance of dandruff (when localized on the head), severe itching and grayish color.

Exacerbation of psoriasis

The disease is characterized by a chronic wavy course with periods of exacerbations and remissions. A decrease in the intensity of symptoms is usually observed during the warm season, while the disease worsens in winter and autumn.

Factors provoking exacerbation of the disease can be:

• Stress, anxiety.
• Unbalanced work and rest schedule.
• Weight loss after an infectious or viral illness.
• A sharp jump in hormones.
• Taking certain medications.
• Use of inappropriate cosmetics.
• Skin contact with household chemicals.
• Organ dysfunction.
• Exposure to too dry, hot or cold air.
• Intensive personal hygiene is not justified.
• Insect bites.
• Exacerbation of allergic reactions.
• Wearing tight synthetic clothing.
• Transition to an unusual climate.

The exacerbation of any skin disease (including psoriasis) brings the patient great discomfort - not only physically but also more psychologically. The quality of life of a person suffering from severe acute psoriasis is significantly reduced.

Patients with psoriasis often have significant difficulties and problems with social adaptation, which can negatively affect work / school / personal life. One refuses contact with others, preferring to spend most of the time alone. As a result, he develops social anxiety, which over time can turn into severe depression.

Exacerbation of the disease can lead to the fact that the patient finds it difficult to take care of himself and his loved ones, lead a normal life and even sleep. If the rash is localized in the genital area, they can cause physical and psychological discomfort and cause partners to refuse intimacy.

The severity of the disease

Depending on the area of the affected skin and the spread of the lesion in the joints, nails and internal organs, there is a mild, moderate and severe form of the disease.

• The mild form suggests slight damage to the skin when the total area of the lesion is about 3%.
• Damage to 3 to 10% of human skin is considered moderate.
• Severe means a significant skin lesion - 10% or more of the total skin area.

If the patient is diagnosed with damage to the joints, muscles and internal organs, we are talking about a severe form of the disease, even if there are practically no plaques and papules on the body.

How to eliminate psoriasis: treatment

The question of how to cure psoriasis forever is a concern for all people suffering from this disease. Fighting the external manifestations of the disease gives only a temporary result, so in order for the effect to be lasting, it is important to eliminate the causes of psoriasis. This usually takes a long time - up to several years. The patient must be patient, but only in this case can he count on a long-term effect.

Below we discuss how to treat psoriasis with drugs, hormone therapy, phototherapy, exercise. We also turn to the methods of treating psoriasis with folk remedies - in combination with traditional therapy, traditional medicine can give noticeable results.

Treatment of psoriasis with drugs

The first thing to do after finding suspicious round rashes, increased dryness and flaking of the skin in yourself or your loved ones is to seek qualified medical attention. Only a dermatologist can determine exactly what type of skin lesion is occurring in your particular case. Remember: under no circumstances should you self-medicate, as lack of therapy or self-selected medications can cause serious harm to your health.

There is usually no need for tests or skin tests to diagnose the disease. It is enough for the doctor to see the skin covered with papules or plaques to determine the cause of the lesion. If there is a serious form of the disease, the dermatologist may prescribe a referral for tests - general and biochemical tests of blood and urine, and in particularly difficult cases, a skin biopsy may be necessary. X-rays may also be needed to diagnose psoriatic arthritis.

There are several effective treatments for psoriasis. The choice of the appropriate treatment option depends on the degree of damage to the skin, joints, nails and the intensity of the disease progression. Usually the best option is to choose a comprehensive treatment regimen that includes the use of topical and internal medications, the use of ultraviolet radiation, bathing in salt and soda baths, and physical therapy.

Creams, gels, ointments, sprays and lotions are used to remove itching and flaking of the damaged skin. They can be made on the basis of salicylic acid, pyrithione, tar and other active ingredients. The main task of hormonal and non-hormonal external preparations is to soften psoriatic plaques, to disinfect, to eliminate inflammation, to moisturize and nourish the affected areas of the skin.

In the role of drugs taken orally in the treatment of psoriasis in humans, there are drugs based on efalizubam, gamma-D-glutamyl-D-tryptophan sodium and others.

A positive result in the treatment of psoriasis of the skin gives a vacation at sea. At the same time it is advisable to choose resorts with a relatively mild and warm climate. The ideal solution is the treatment in specialized sanatoriums, the rest of which is aimed at the complex therapy of psoriasis.

Psoriasis: home treatment

Treatment of psoriasis with home and folk remedies can be effective only if it acts as an adjunct therapy, complementing the main drug treatment. Prescription prescriptions from traditional medicine can also be made if the patient has allergic reactions to medications. But in any case, what to do with psoriasis should be decided by the doctor, so if you want to use this or that folk method, be sure to consult a dermatologist.

One of the most common traditional remedies for psoriasis is the use of baking soda. Sodium bicarbonate has a emollient effect on psoriatic plaques, softens rough skin, reduces itching and improves waste removal. Homemade ointments, baths are prepared on the basis of soda, soda is taken orally, compresses and lotions are made.

Salt baths are also an effective method of treating the disease. They become a worthy alternative if the patient is unable to travel to the sea.

Celery juice applied to psoriatic plaques also gives positive results. However, you must remember that this drug is quite aggressive, so you need to make sure that the juice does not fall on healthy areas of skin.

Walnut shells are also used to fight psoriatic plaques. The shell is poured with boiling water, then insist, the resulting infusion is filtered and added to a warm bath. This drug is especially effective in periods of exacerbation of the disease.

How to treat psoriasis with diet?

Adequate nutrition plays an important role in all skin diseases and psoriasis is no exception. Of course, a balanced diet can not be one hundred percent remedy for psoriasis, but in combination with drugs and traditional medicine gives good results.

During treatment, as well as to prolong the remission period, doctors recommend abstinence from alcohol, smoked and salty foods, fatty and spicy foods, the use of artificial flavors, preservatives, emulsifiers and chemical dyes, fatty meats, mayonnaise, ketchup. It is also advisable to reduce the amount of salt consumed, refined sugar, chocolate and other pastries and citrus fruits. Doctors advise you to focus on the use of low-fat fermented dairy products, plant foods, cereals, lean meats and fish.

Despite the fact that during the diet it is desirable to reduce the amount of fat consumed, it is unreasonable to completely abandon them. You just need to replace animal fats with vegetable oils - olives, flaxseed, corn, sunflower.

Prevention of psoriasis

The stages of treatment of psoriasis necessarily include a period of remission. It is important to extend these periods as long as possible. To do this, the patient must follow a number of rules for disease prevention:

• Avoid stressful situations.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Refuse to wear tight clothes made of wool and synthetic materials.
• Spend enough time outdoors.
• Get adequate rest and enough sleep.
• Take good care of your skin.