Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease of non-infectious origin. According to statistics, 3. 7% of the world's population suffers from psoriasis. People call the disease "squamous lichen. "
Psoriasis is not gender dependent, it is not contagious; most often it develops at the age of 14-27 years. The disease is characterized by the appearance of red, plaque-like scales (spot) covered with white scales. One spot (or several spots) can be anywhere on the body, but most often in places with thin, dry skin: elbows, knees, lower back, scalp.
The spots are of different sizes and are altered in different ways: in some patients only irritation of the skin is noticed; in other patients, large areas of the skin are affected, which is accompanied by discomfort, itching, pain, insomnia, and decreased quality of life.
Psoriasis is a chronic disease, characterized by periods of exacerbations (rashes) and remission (decreased symptoms).
Psoriasis often complicates pregnancy.
Causes of psoriasis
Psoriasis is a systemic process that involves not only the skin, but the entire body. The causes of psoriasis are not fully understood, but it is assumed that there are several: neurogenic (stress), hereditary, infectious, viral, mixed (skin damage with penetration of staph in combination with any of the above reasons), etc. In this case, cellular and humoral immunity is activated and an autoimmune process of damage to cells is triggered, mainly to skin cells (epidermis).
In addition to activating immunity, metabolism is disturbed. The disease is compounded by a burdened inheritance. As a result, the renewal (regeneration) of cells is accelerated 3-5 times: psoriatic plaques form on the skin.
Without timely treatment, the injury worsens: spots on the skin grow, crack, become infected; nails are destroyed, joints are affected, etc.
The quality of life of a patient with psoriasis depends 80% on timely diagnosis and adequate treatment.
Once again, we list the factors that contribute to the appearance of the disease:
- bad inheritance. Scientists have identified 9 genes that determine the development of the disease, but their interaction is unclear. It is well established that in 15% of cases, psoriasis is inherited by 1st and 2nd generation relatives;
- stress, nervous tension, depression. It has been proven that stress in 70% of cases causes an exacerbation of psoriasis;
- hormonal imbalance;
- dysbiosis;
- metabolic disorders, drug addiction;
- colitis and parasitic infections (intestinal worms, lamblia, intestinal infections, etc. );
- viral infections;
- streptoderma; candidiasis of the skin;
- allergies
Symptoms of psoriasis
In the initial stage, psoriasis rashes appear as red plaques (spots) with scaly scales. The appearance of a skin plaque is accompanied by intense itching. A denser layer (keratinous) is found under the scales.
Here are the 6 main forms of psoriasis; each has its own symptoms:
Plaque psoriasis occurs in 85% of patients. It is characterized by dry, pink rashes raised above the skin, covered with silvery scales. The skin in the affected areas often exfoliates; In this place there are red spots that bleed during the trauma. In 60% of cases, the plaques fuse into large plaques.
Guttate psoriasis is characterized by many small, dry lesions in the form of pink droplets that rise above the surface of the skin. The rashes are located on the thighs, legs and affect large areas of the body. In 60% of cases, guttate psoriasis worsens after a strep infection.
Pustular psoriasis can be recognized by blisters on the skin that are filled with clear fluid. The blisters are surrounded by red and edematous scaly skin. The legs and thighs are most often affected.
Psoriasis of the flexor surfaces manifests itself in the form of smooth, non-scaly red spots, which are found in the area of the skin folds - the lateral surface of the thighs, the armpits and the area of the external genitalia. Due to mechanical irritation (physiological friction), the spots become injured, bleed and ooze.
Nail psoriasis manifests itself by discoloration, spots, and transverse lines on the nails. The skin around the injury is hardened. As the disease progresses, the nail exfoliates, thickens, and then dries out or falls off.
Psoriatic arthritis (15% of cases). All joints are affected, but more often the small ones - the phalanges of the hands and feet. The fingers become like sausages. Joint psoriasis leads to bursitis, a person's disability.
Let's talk separately about head and elbow injuries.
Psoriasis of the scalp (mainly the scalp) is the most common form of the disease. It is most common at a young age. It manifests as scaly red spots that itch and itch. Redness is almost always noticeable, thus causing emotional distress and leading to social isolation of a person.
Elbow psoriasis is a disease of middle-aged people. It manifests itself in the form of rashes on the extensor surfaces of the elbow joints. The rash spreads outward and coalesces - a large plaque (plaque) forms, covered with silvery scales that easily peel off. Along with the scales, a thin protective film is released, exposing the bleeding surface. In 80% of cases, the spots disappear on their own, without treatment, but sometimes they thicken (age) and persist for years, causing psoriatic lesions in the elbow joint.
Psoriasis diagnosis
The diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis is performed by a dermatovenerologist.
Due to the characteristic skin lesions, the diagnosis of psoriasis is straightforward. As additional laboratory tests, a general blood test and rheumatoid factor determination are used. For the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis, a consultation with a rheumatologist and an x-ray of the affected joints is indicated. In rare cases, a skin biopsy is performed for differential diagnosis.
Psoriasis must be distinguished from similar skin diseases: seborrhea, lupus, etc.
Psoriasis treatment
Psoriasis is a chronic disease with periods of exacerbation (reappearance of skin rashes) and remission (disappearance of rashes). It is impossible to recover from psoriasis forever. It can lengthen remission and reduce the intensity of exacerbations.
Only in 40% of cases is it possible to immediately find an effective treatment. Sometimes it takes months and years. Therefore, psoriasis is treated at home, except for severe exacerbations and complications. The effectiveness of treatment is influenced by the type of psoriasis, age, concomitant diseases, etc. With a mild degree of psoriasis, topical preparations are prescribed - ointments and creams based on:
- glucocorticosteroids;
- zinc;
- tar;
- salicylic acid;
- vitamin D3.
In severe cases of psoriasis (25% of the skin surface is affected, joint damage) and the ineffectiveness of local treatment, complex therapy is prescribed:
- cytostatics that inhibit epidermal cell division;
- immunomodulators that normalize immune responses;
- glucocorticosteroids, which regulate metabolic processes and reduce inflammation;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (to reduce itchy skin);
- multivitamins.
Physiotherapy is prescribed: ultraviolet irradiation, cryotherapy, plasmapheresis, hirudotherapy. Home remedies are also used: ointments based on celandine and lard, meadowsweet and petroleum jelly, beeswax and lard. To normalize immunity, they drink homemade oatmeal kvass, an infusion of bay leaves and a decoction of dill.
Diet, especially with exacerbations of psoriasis, plays an important role. Spicy and sweet dishes are excluded from the diet. Fast food and alcohol are prohibited. Nutrition must be balanced, rich in vitamins and minerals.
To avoid exacerbations of psoriasis, you need to improve your health, avoid stress, hypothermia, and seasonal diseases.
Here are the simple rules to prevent exacerbations of psoriasis:
- do not over-dry the skin;
- avoid prolonged exposure to the sun;
- avoid skin lesions;
- avoid stress;
- do not smoke or abuse alcohol.
Is psoriasis contagious?
There is not a single proven case of psoriasis transmission from a sick person during household or other contacts. Therefore, it is believed that psoriasis is not contagious.
Which doctor to contact
To begin timely treatment and prevent the spread of psoriasis, consult a dermatovenerologist. In the presence of psoriatic arthritis, a consultation with a rheumatologist is indicated.