Psoriasis is a chronic, non-communicable skin disease. This disease recurs. Very rarely, psoriasis can affect the joints, nails and mucous membranes. People of all ages are susceptible to psoriasis. According to statistics, there is a tendency for the disease to develop in childhood.
Psoriasis is absolutely not a contagious disease of a chronic nature. Most dermatologists tend to believe that psoriasis is a systemic disease. According to them, the disease affects not only a certain area of the skin, but also attracts in the pathological process almost all body systems (endocrine, immune, nervous).
From the outside, psoriasis may appear to be a mild illness. But in reality this is far from the case. The disease is dangerous. Deaths are known in dermatology. In case of untimely or incorrect treatment, psoriasis affects the whole body, which leads to severe complications. For example:
- psoriatic arthritis
- swollen lymph nodes
- conjunctivitis
- mucosal damage
- flattening and damage to the nail plates
- spontaneous pain
- amyotrophy
- rarely - heart damage
As a rule, psoriasis does not disrupt the normal rhythm of life of a sick person. The only inconvenience is peeling and inflammation of the skin. Unfortunately, it is impossible to recover from this disease, but it is quite possible to stop its development or prevent recurrence. To do this, it is enough to follow all the doctor's prescriptions and undergo systematic treatment in a hospital.
Causes of psoriasis
There is no specific cause for the disease. There are many factors that can lead to the development of psoriasis. In dermatology there is no unambiguous opinion for one reason or another. There are many versions. Most dermatologists believe that the disease has a genetic predisposition. It is impossible to unequivocally confirm or deny that heredity is the root cause. There have been cases where the whole family has had psoriasis.
In other words, we can say this: if a mother has psoriasis, then it is not necessary for her offspring to definitely show signs of this disease. But it is also impossible to rule out a genetic predisposition. For example, if a grandmother suffers from this disease, then it is possible that the grandchildren will never be diagnosed with psoriasis. The question of the reasons for the development of the disease at the genetic level remains open to this day.
The next factor that many dermatologists say can provoke psoriasis is a disease of the endocrine system. For example, adrenal dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, pituitary dysfunction. The percentage of signs of psoriasis in people suffering from pathologies of the endocrine system is quite high. Therefore, the link between diseases exists and is proven by numerous examples.
In addition to the above reasons, there are many endogenous factors. For example:
- Delayed infectious diseases, such as tonsillitis. According to statistics, 17% of patients surveyed believe that psoriasis is a consequence of complications of angina.
- Chronic infectious pathological processes, such as laryngitis or tonsillitis, can also provoke psoriatic disease.
- Long-term use of some drugs: interferons, NSAIDs, beta-blockers and others.
- Strange as it may sound, pregnancy can also lead to the development of psoriasis. Significant hormonal changes occur in a woman's body, which often cause a dormant pathological process in the body.
- It is impossible to exclude the negative effect on the human body from excessive consumption of ultraviolet radiation, ie prolonged exposure to the scorching sun or frequent visits to the solarium.
Of course, in addition to endogenous factors, there are a number of exogenous causes. For example, skin diseases (dermatitis, mycosis, pyoderma), mechanical damage to the integrity of the skin, allergic dermatitis.
An interesting fact. Psoriasis is significantly more common in people living with HIV than in healthy people. It is important to note that women are more susceptible to psoriasis than men. Dry, thin and sensitive skin is another predisposing factor.
You should know that if a person has disorders of the immune system, then quite often this pathology provokes psoriasis. Immune disorders and psoriasis are closely linked.
There are a huge number of causes leading to psoriasis, but there is none that can completely lead to the development of the disease.
Types and forms of psoriasis
Psoriasis is a multiform disease. According to statistics, people usually suffer from only one form of psoriasis at a time. But there are cases when a person has had several forms of psoriasis at the same time. Quite often in dermatological practice and such cases when one form of psoriasis smoothly passes into another. Such "rebirth", as a rule, leads to a sharp cessation of prescribed treatment.
In dermatology, there are two main groups of types of psoriasis: non-pustular and pustular.
Pustular forms- Barbera psoriasis, psoriasis of the feet and palms (see photo), psoriasis Tsumbusha, annular pustulosis. This form of psoriasis is conditionally divided into generalized and localized. The last pustular psoriasis can appear on absolutely any area of the skin. There are cases when pustules form on plaques in psoriasis vulgaris.
As an example of an independent disease you can consider Alopo acrodermatitis. As a rule, this disease is characterized by lesions of pustules and crusts of the distal phalanges of the fingers and toes. Another example of an independent disease of a localized form of psoriasis is pustular psoriasis of the feet and palms. It is important to note that some dermatologists tend to believe that this disease is a form of pustular bacteria.
Generalized pustular psoriasis includes:
- herpetiform impetigo,
- Tsumbusha psoriasis,
- exanthemic generalized psoriasis.
As a rule, men aged 15 to 35 suffer from psoriasis Tsumbush. This disease is much less common in women.
Exanthematic pustular psoriasis occurs suddenly (suddenly) and acutely. In most cases, it is closely related to other infectious diseases, such as tonsillitis. The rash is located mainly on the trunk. More often children, adolescents are susceptible to the disease, less often adults.
Herpetiform impetigo is a serious disease that can lead to death. As a rule, this disease is characteristic of pregnant women, more often in the second trimester. But in dermatological practice there are still extremely rare cases of the disease in men, non-pregnant women and children.
Non-pustular psoriasis. . . In other words, we can say simple psoriasis. This form of the disease differs from the others in a stable course. For the non-pustular form of psoriasis, almost the entire body surface is affected. This type includes:
- erythrodermic psoriasis
- psoriasis vulgaris, or common, or plaque.
Ordinary psoriasis is quite common, up to 90% of patients with psoriasis are patients with the vulgar form of this disease.
Psoriatic erythroderma is a serious disease that often leads to death - death of the patient. With the disease there is a violation of the function of thermoregulation, as well as a decrease in the barrier function of the skin. These pathologies lead to pyoderma or sepsis.
Classification and symptoms of psoriasis
There is no single classification of psoriasis generally accepted by dermatologists. There is still controversy over how to classify this skin disease. Some sources have their own list of forms of psoriasis. The most common classification of the disease:
- Guttate psoriasis
- Pustular psoriasis
- Psoriatic onychia
- Mucosal psoriasis
- Exudative psoriasis
- Psoriasis of the feet and palms
- Arthropathic psoriasis
- Intertriginous psoriasis
- Psoriatic erythroderma
- Seborrheic psoriasis
- Vulgar psoriasis
- Pustular bacteria
- Tsumbusha psoriasis
Arthropathic psoriasisit is initially almost asymptomatic. Patients sometimes report only mild joint pain. Over time, the pain intensifies, becoming sharp and sharp. The affected joints swell. If the disease is not treated, then the joints are deformed and there is a restriction in their mobility. As a rule, arthropathic psoriasis is often accompanied by rheumatoid pain. In winter there is an exacerbation of the disease, ie seasonality is characteristic of such psoriasis.
Pustular psoriasis. . . It is not common, only 1% of the total mass of patients with psoriasis falls on this type of disease. In most cases, the rash is symmetrical and localized on the feet and palms. Pustular psoriasis is generalized and localized. The latter form is more common than the previous one. Generalized pustular psoriasis is difficult. In dermatology, there are frequent deaths as a result of sepsis and severe intoxication of the body.
Psoriatic erythroderma. . . Severe psoriasis as a result of exacerbation of pre-existing psoriasis. This disease can be both a consequence of an exacerbation of the underlying disease and the first time it has occurred. Secondary psoriatic erythroderma develops, as a rule, in 2% of sufferers of this disease.
Quite often this disease occurs spontaneously, but cases of psoriasis as a result of improper, irritating treatment of dermatosis in the acute period of the disease are not excluded. Patients report an increase in pathological foci of desquamation, fever, and dehydration. In dermatological practice, there are cases of death in psoriatic erythroderma.
Guttate psoriasis- the second most common disease among all forms of psoriasis, children and adolescents suffer more often. It is characterized by the appearance on the skin of a large number of dry, purple and small elements that rise slightly above the surface of unaffected skin. The rash is in the form of a drop, circle or tear. As a rule, the elements cover the entire human body, but most "densely" are localized on the thighs. In most cases, the appearance of psoriasis in the form of a drop is provoked by streptococcal infection. For example, streptococcal angina, streptococcal pharyngitis.
Psoriatic onychia. . . This disease is characterized by various changes in the appearance of the nail plate, both on the hands and feet. First, the color of the nail changes, sometimes the nail bed together. The nail becomes gray, yellow or white. Dots or small spots appear on the nails, and sometimes even under the nail plate itself. The nail plate thickens, streaks and brittleness appear. Another clinical manifestation of the disease is the thickening of the skin around the nail bed. The difficult result of psoriatic onychia is the spontaneous loss of the nail.
Mucosal psoriasis- is a type of pustular psoriasis or psoriasis vulgaris. The mucous membranes of the cheeks, tongue and lips are most often affected, less commonly the mucous membranes of the genitals and eyes. In the pustular form of psoriasis, the rash is more extensive, affects a large area of the mucosa and there is a geographical glossitis. In ordinary psoriasis, flat white-gray papules with clear borders appear on the mucous membranes, rising above the unaffected surface.
Psoriasis of the feet and palms. . . This disease is a form of localized pustular psoriasis. As a rule, this form is chronic and recurrent. In dermatology, there are cases where Barbera's psoriasis occurs simultaneously with plaque psoriasis. Pustules appear on the inner surface of the arms and / or legs. Over time and under the influence of medical therapy, the vesicles-pustules dry out. Then such dried elements form thick brownish crusts.
Intertrigue psoriasis. . . This disease is characterized by the appearance of rashes in mostly large folds of skin. For example, intergluteal, folds between the fingers, groin, armpits and the area under the mammary gland. Intertrigue psoriasis is more common in patients with diabetes, VSD (vegetative-vascular dystonia), obesity, who do not follow simple hygiene rules.
Erythematous-papular edematous foci, erosive and weeping, form in the folds. An important feature of the elements of this disease is that the separation of the stratum corneum is expressed on the periphery. Intertrigue psoriasis is very similar to epidermophytosis, candidiasis or rubromycosis. It is important to note that the clinical picture of candidiasis or dermatomycosis is much brighter and more acute than that of psoriasis.
Seborrheic psoriasis. . . In terms of its symptoms, seborrheic psoriasis is very similar to seborrheic eczema. As a rule, the psoriatic rash has the same localization as the elements with seborrheic eczema. Can not be:
- nasolabial folds
- scalp
- auricles
- chest area
- interscapular region
In seborrheic psoriasis, areas of the scalp appear with severe scaling of the skin. An important feature of this disease is the formation of a type of psoriatic crown. The skin lesion arises from the forehead and spreads smoothly to the scalp, in such a simple way the outlines of the crown appear. It should be noted that dandruff is an alarm signal that "speaks" about the development of seborrheic psoriasis.
Behind the auricle, as a rule, red eczema forms and purulent crusts are often layered. For rashes with localization of the chest and face are characterized by gray-yellow scales. Psoriatic rash always causes severe itching. It is important to note that seborrheic psoriasis is difficult to diagnose as it is often confused with seborrhea.
Exudative psoriasis. . . This type of psoriasis is more common in children and the elderly. Quite a high risk of developing this disease in patients with disorders of the endocrine and immune systems. Exudative psoriasis often affects the healthy skin of overweight or diabetic people.
This disease is characterized by excessive accumulation of exudate in the papule, which gradually comes to the surface, forming a yellowish crust. If the crusts are removed, a weeping and bleeding surface is revealed. The scales dry up over time and lie on top of each other, thus forming a fairly dense and massive conglomerate.
The main feature of exudative psoriasis is the clear localization of pathological foci. As a rule, the lower limbs and large folds are most affected. The rash gives a person the strongest itching and burning sensation. The clinical picture of this disease is acute and acute.
Vulgar psoriasis. . . It has different names in different sources. For example, a plaque, plain, simple. This type of psoriasis ranks first in prevalence - almost 90% of patients with psoriasis have this type. The disease usually begins acutely enough. The first symptoms appear almost immediately.
Psoriasis vulgaris is characterized by the appearance of typical elements that rise slightly above the unaffected areas of the skin. The rash is inflamed, red and hot to the touch. The elements are thickened, covered with a silvery-white, scaly, dry film (leather), which peels off easily.
You should know that gray crusts are easily removed, which leads to injury to the lower layer of the papule, which is equipped with many small vessels. This usually results in minor undercutting. Affected lesions in dermatology are called psoriatic plaques.
Such plaques tend to merge, leading to an increase in size. Over time, plaques form with plaques, which have a peculiar name - "paraffin ponds". Psoriatic eruptions with ordinary psoriasis are highly scaly. Treatment is long-term and requires inpatient treatment.
Pustular bacteria. . . According to statistics, this disease occurs mainly in young people (from 20 years) and medium (up to 50 years). The exact etiology of the pustular bacterium has not been established. It is suggested that the disease develops against the background of a strong and prolonged allergy associated with infectious foci. For example, carious teeth, tonsillitis or tonsillitis.
Psoriatic eruptions affect the skin of the palms and soles of the feet. The pustular bacterium is chronic, recurrent. The first foci appear, if on the palms, then in the center, if on the sole, then on the arch. The primary psoriatic elements are small in size, not exceeding the size of the pinhead. Over time, the pustules dry out and form lamellar crusts. Patients experience severe itching and pain in the affected areas.
The paroxysmal course of the disease is characteristic of pustular bacteria. At the same time, inflammation occurs in all areas affected by psoriasis. Gradually the psoriatic foci increase and after a few weeks almost the entire surface of the palms or soles of the feet becomes involved in the pathological process. As a rule, the pustular bacterium lasts for years and with constant recurrences.
Nutrition in psoriasis
Patients with psoriasis simply need to follow a diet and adhere to the basic principles of proper nutrition. The main task of the diet is to maintain a normal acid-base balance. But it is important to note that the alkaline background of the body should slightly prevail over the acidic.
Naturally, the body's balance depends on the foods that psoriasis patients consume on a daily basis. It is important to know for every person suffering from this disease that 70% of the daily diet should be taken from products that form alkalis in the body. For acid-forming - no more than 30%. In simpler words, it is possible to say this: products that produce alkalis should be consumed 4 times more than those that form acid.
List of products that form alkalis in the body:
- All vegetables except rhubarb, pumpkin and Brussels sprouts. It is important to remember that potatoes, peppers, eggplants and tomatoes are strictly forbidden.
- Fruits should not be excluded. The main thing is not to use prunes, blueberries, blackcurrants and blueberries. It is worth noting that bananas, melons and apples should not be consumed at the same time with other foods.
- Be sure to drink fresh vegetable juices from carrots, beets, parsley, celery and spinach.
- Fruit juices from grapes, pineapple, pear, orange, papaya and grapefruit, mango, lemon and apricot can be consumed daily. It is important to add lemon juice to your diet.
The list of foods that patients with psoriasis are forbidden to eat (form acid):
- You should completely eliminate or minimize the consumption of foods containing starch, fats, sugars and oils. They usually include the following foods: potatoes, beans, cream, cheese, cereals, meat, dried peas. An unbalanced daily intake of these products inevitably leads to the initiation of acid reactions in the blood. The result is a deterioration in well-being.
- It is important to balance your food properly. There are a number of foods that are forbidden to be consumed at the same time. For example, meat products with foods that contain large amounts of sugars, as well as pastries and starch should not be combined.
- It is important to limit your sugar intake. Preservatives, vinegar, colorants and various food additives should be included in the diet as little as possible.
- The main thing is that it is necessary to completely exclude the consumption of alcohol and alcoholic beverages.
Every patient with psoriasis should remember that proper nutrition is an important condition in the treatment of this disease. It is necessary to replace frying with stewing or cooking. It is necessary to eat foods that are subject to gentle processing.
Treatment of psoriasis
Treatment of psoriasis should be performed during an exacerbation in a hospital setting and outpatient - during remission. Diet is an important point in treatment. Fasting days are useful.
In addition to diets and specialized treatments, it is important to carefully monitor skin hygiene. For washing it is best to use soap tar, you can also use baby soap. You should, as often as possible, take baths with a decoction of celandine, violet tricolor or hops.
If there are no contraindications, you can try to treat psoriasis and folk remedies. Do not experiment and self-medicate. Only a doctor has the right to advise which folk remedy is useful and necessary.
List of safe and effective ointments for psoriasis:
- One pack of butter (but not greased) oil should be placed in a saucepan with crushed propolis (10 g). Put on the fire and cook after boiling for 15 minutes. After - it is necessary to strain the mixture thoroughly and leave to cool. Store this medicine in a refrigerator only. Method of application - rub into the affected area several times a day.
- In a clay pot it is necessary to grind fresh flowers of St. John's wort (20 g), celandine root, propolis, marigold flowers (10 g). Vegetable oil is added to the resulting mixture. Store in a cool place out of direct sunlight. Method of application - thoroughly lubricate psoriatic eruptions 3 times a day.
- In a liter of white wine for half an hour, boil the gallbladder and scales of marine fish, weighing more than three kilograms, on a fairly low flame. Cool, strain, then add a cup of olive oil. Method of application - wash the well-affected areas with egg soap and wipe dry. Then lubricate the elements with this mixture. The course of treatment is until the drug is exhausted.
- Mix well equal parts of celandine powder and Vaseline (by weight). Method of application - the ointment is placed in a thin layer on the rash and left for up to three days. Then you should take a short break, about 4 days. Treat until the psoriasis disappears completely.
- One tablespoon of vegetable oil is added to the beaten homemade eggs (2 pieces). The mixture was broken up again, then acetic acid (40 g) was added. Store the ointment in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Method of application - treat psoriatic eruptions once a day, preferably at night.
- An equally effective and common remedy for psoriasis is the healing mud. The mud should be heated to 38 degrees and applied to the affected skin. This procedure should be performed in the evening, preferably at bedtime. After 30 minutes, the dirt is removed with warm water. It is important to remember that after contamination, all rashes should be treated with saline. The body must dry out and the excess salt must fall off. You should go to bed without washing or moisturizing the skin. And only in the morning, lubricate the psoriatic elements with cream. The recommended course is 20 procedures (every other day).
Whatever popular method of treating psoriasis is chosen, it should be agreed with the treating dermatologist.