People who are faced with this skin disease for the first time, which has very unpleasant symptoms, want to know what psoriasis is and how to get rid of this disease.This is a disease that mainly affects the upper layer of the epidermis and its appendages: the nail plate and bed, the hairs.According to statistics, psoriasis affects approximately 4% of the world's population.In addition, the disease is more common at a young age - from 18 to 23 years.
There are many diseases similar to psoriasis, so it is important to know its symptoms in order to choose the appropriate treatment.
In general, it is not advisable to self-medicate with this disease, since psoriasis develops very quickly and can cause serious complications.A visit to a dermatologist is the only right decision if you discover signs of the disease.
Species
There are many varieties of this skin disease.When classifying psoriasis, the nature of the rash, the severity of the course and the location of the lesions are taken into account.There are the following main types of psoriasis:
- Plaque psoriasis (common).This is the most common type of disease and occurs in 85% of all patients.It is characterized by the presence of raised grayish or silvery-white plaques on the surface of the skin, which come off easily.Psoriasis vulgaris is another name for this form of the disease.
- Guttate psoriasis.The harmful elements in this type of disease resemble droplets or dots that range from red to violet.
- Pustular psoriasis.The most serious form of this skin disease.It is characterized by the presence of pustules on the body, vesicles filled with a clear, uninfected fluid.When the disease is advanced, the fluid becomes purulent.
- Psoriatic nail damage (onychodystrophy).The symptoms of this form of psoriasis affect the nail plates and the area around them: the shade of the nail changes, spots appear on its surface, the skin around the bed thickens, the plate breaks and delaminates.
- Arthropatic psoriasis.The disease is characterized by inflammation of small joints.This form of psoriasis often causes disability.
- Inverse psoriasis (fold or reverse).The disease affects the skin folds in the groin area, on the inner thighs, armpits and under the mammary glands (in women).
- Palmoplantar psoriasis.With the development of this form of the disease, all the characteristic symptoms begin to appear on the feet and hands.In severe cases, the disease affects the nails and other areas of the body.
- Seborrheic psoriasis.In this form, the rashes are located on the head, face and back.
Symptoms of the disease
What does psoriasis look like?How not to confuse it with another skin disease?At the initial stage of the disease, the following signs of psoriasis appear:
- the appearance on the skin of pink, red or bluish papules, symmetrically located in specific areas of the body;
- general weakness;
- chronic fatigue;
- depression or apathy.
Gradually, the rash combines into plaques, scaly formations that are easily removed.The area of inflammation grows towards the edges.
At this stage of psoriasis, there are signs that can help distinguish the disease from other skin ailments.If you scrape off the scales, you can observe the phenomenon of the psoriatic triad, consisting of the following symptoms:
- stearin stain - after scraping off the plaque, silvery-white flakes are separated, resembling stearin shavings;
- terminal film - at the site of the scraped formation, a very thin shiny film remains, covering the papule;
- "Blood dew" - at the site of the removed terminal film, point bleeding may appear, which occurs due to injury to the subcutaneous vascular network.
Psoriasis symptoms vary depending on the specific stage of the disease and the season.In most patients, the manifestations of psoriasis intensify in winter.The "summer" form of the disease is quite rare, since the patient's condition improves under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.
How does psoriasis manifest itself in the different stages?In total, there are 3 stages of development of the disease.
- In the progressive stage, new rashes constantly appear and existing plaques increase in size.The patient feels intense itching, the skin peels all the time.
- What does psoriasis look like in the stationary stage?During this period, the growth of papules stops.Small folds are observed in the area of the plates.There is still intense itching.
- In the regression stage, the plaques begin to disappear, the peeling disappears, and the itching stops tormenting.Pigmented areas may appear at the site of the formations.
Some types of psoriasis have distinctive symptoms.
For example, when the scalp is affected, plaques resembling dandruff first appear.In this case, only the skin suffers;Hair condition and growth are not affected by the disease.From the head, the rashes spread to the area behind the ears, neck and forehead.
The appearance of psoriasis on the palms and feet is accompanied by thickening of the skin and the appearance of cracks.At the initial stage of the disease, pustules with transparent contents form, which gradually become purulent.Subsequently, scars appear in the place of such formations, which cause discomfort and pain during physical activity (working with hands, walking).In the future, the disease can be transmitted to the backs of the hands and fingers.
Nail psoriasis has the following description: first of all, the plate becomes covered with small depressions reminiscent of needle marks, changes color and begins to peel off and peel off.The tissue around the nail becomes thick and inflamed.
Main reasons
The pathogenesis of psoriasis has not been fully studied to date.Scientists have proposed several theories as to why this disease occurs.There are two main causes of psoriasis.
- The causes of the disease are a malfunction of the immune system.Cells that are designed to protect the body from bacteria and viruses enter the upper layer of the epidermis, where they produce substances that trigger the inflammatory process.Because of this, skin cells divide rapidly and the affected area thickens.This theory is supported by a study of a psoriatic plaque, which revealed a large accumulation of immune cells.
- Psoriasis, a skin disease, is caused by poor division and maturation of epithelial cells.As a result of this pathology, immune cells attack diseased skin cells.
The development of psoriasis is influenced by a number of factors.The risk of disease increases if the body is affected by several of the following conditions at once.
- Have dry and thin skin.Experts noted that people with thick, oily, hydrated skin rarely suffer from psoriasis.This is due to the structural characteristics of the epidermis and the protective functions of sebum.
- Excessive love for hygiene.An unjustified desire to constantly keep the body clean, too frequent use of soap and wipes damages the skin and reduces its protective properties.
- Bad habits.When smoking and drinking alcohol, the condition of the epidermis worsens: subcutaneous blood circulation and tissue nutrition are disturbed.
- Negative factors from abroad.According to statistics, skin diseases appear most often in those who regularly come into contact with detergents, household chemicals, alcohol solutions, etc.
- Medications.Chronic use of certain medications, for example antidepressants and anticonvulsants, can cause psoriasis symptoms.
- infectious diseases.Often, pathology occurs immediately after a disease caused by a fungus or staphylococcus.
- Climate change.It happens that for the development of psoriasis it is enough to move to another climatic zone.
- Skin injury.The constant wearing of uncomfortable clothes with rough seams or poor quality shoes, the habit of scratching the same area can cause the appearance of the first symptoms of psoriasis.
- Stress.Both psychological and physical shocks (for example, prolonged hypothermia) on the body can precede the onset of the disease.
- Serious eating disorders.The course of the disease can be complicated by the abuse of sweet foods, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, smoked meats and salty foods.
- Genetic predisposition.Is it possible to inherit psoriasis?According to scientists, the genes responsible for the activity of the immune system are carriers of the disease.That is why the disease is transmitted from parents to children.
The life of patients with psoriasis.
Although psoriasis is not a contagious disease and cannot be transmitted through physical contact with a patient, many patients consider themselves marginalized from society, which is why they experience serious psychological discomfort.
The biggest problem is the presence of rashes on the head, ears and face. More than half of those affected constantly focus on their appearance and fear public condemnation and rejection from society, since psoriasis often looks like a lichen.As the disease progresses, a person limits communication with people.Only a quarter of psoriasis patients do not experience stress due to their own appearance.
The disease also causes serious physical discomfort.The constant itching and burning limits the patient's ability to work, interferes with adequate rest, often causes insomnia, and interferes with exercise.Psoriatic arthritis adds joint pain to unpleasant symptoms.
Psychological anxiety combined with physical discomfort can lead to severe depression and some patients even experience social phobia.The expensive and long-term treatment of the disease also negatively affects the patient, also saps his strength and interferes with his socialization.
Why is psoriasis dangerous?
At the initial stage, the disease causes a person discomfort associated with the manifestation of symptoms: itching, burning, peeling.
If psoriasis is not treated, it progresses, which poses a danger to the patient's health and even life.
In many cases, the following dangerous complications develop:
- pathological changes occur in metabolic processes;
- cardiac function worsens, there is a risk of stroke, myocarditis;
- there are disturbances in the activity of the kidneys and liver;
- joints are affected (most often the phalanges of the fingers, elbows, knees);
- mucous membranes are affected: eyes, gastrointestinal tract, bladder;
- As a result of severe psoriasis, the brain and nervous system are affected;
- potency may be weakened in men;
- due to the spread of plaques throughout the skin, the respiratory function of the skin and the activity of sweat and fat glands are disturbed;
- Thermoregulation is disturbed, causing inflammation of the epidermis, which can lead to blood poisoning and, as a consequence, death.
The consequence of an aggravated disease may be erythroderma.
This complication occurs in only 2% of all patients.In the initial stage, it is characterized by the appearance of bright red lesions on the skin, reminiscent of burns.Over time, scales appear in these areas, which come off in large layers.The skin in this area becomes hot and very sensitive.Other symptoms also appear: a feeling of tightness, constant itching, brittle nails, severe hair loss, enlarged lymph nodes.
If you find signs of psoriasis, you should immediately contact a dermatologist.Diagnosis is based on an external examination of the skin and nails.Additional tests are usually not prescribed.If the patient complains of joint pain, x-rays and blood tests are taken to rule out other types of arthritis.
Only a doctor can make the correct diagnosis and decide how to treat psoriasis.
Treatment methods
It should be noted right away that psoriasis cannot be completely cured.
Winston Churchill also said: “I will erect a monument of pure gold to the one who can learn all about psoriasis and find an effective treatment for this disease.”
External preparations
Whatever the causes of psoriasis, first of all, the doctor prescribes local remedies that help relieve unpleasant symptoms.First of all, non-hormonal lotions, ointments and creams containing tar, oil, zinc or medicinal herbs are used.In most cases, these drugs help to forget about the unpleasant signs of psoriasis after 3-4 weeks of use.
If non-hormonal ointments are not effective, hormone-based psoriasis medications are used.They should be used strictly as prescribed by a specialist, without in any case exceeding the dosage or increasing the course of treatment.With the help of hormonal ointments, you can quickly forget what it is - psoriasis, but there is a high risk of serious side effects.
Even the newest local medications should be used in combination with other medications.In addition to ointments, enterosorbents are prescribed, which will remove toxic substances from the tissues, and immunosuppressants, designed to reduce the reaction of the immune system.Treatment is impossible without taking vitamin complexes, especially vitamins B, A, C, D.
Physiotherapy
These psoriasis treatment methods are widely used in all stages of the disease.Procedures such as baths, phototherapy and ultraviolet irradiation provide excellent results.
New methods of treating the disease include cryotherapy, electrosleep, hirudotherapy and PUVA therapy.
In advanced forms of the disease, the use of ultraviolet light has a good effect.Thanks to this method, in just 20-30 procedures, damaged cells are destroyed, peeling is eliminated, damaged skin is restored, and the immune system returns to normal.Before performing the complete procedure, a test session is performed, exposing a small area of the patient's body to the rays.If the skin reaction is normal, a full course is prescribed.In summer, the patient is offered to continue ultraviolet treatment under the natural rays of the sun.
traditional medicine
Home remedies for any type of psoriasis can only be used after consulting a doctor.
It is important to understand that severe psoriasis symptoms cannot be eliminated at home.
Traditional recipes only help soften flaky skin and temporarily eliminate itching.The following products received the best reviews among patients.
Tar:
- in the first days of the onset of the disease, apply tar to the affected areas with a cotton swab for 10 minutes, then wash off with tar soap;
- on days 4-5, increase the duration of the procedure to 40 minutes;
- the full course of treatment is 12 days;
- It is best to use tar before going to bed, as its smell completely disappears overnight.
Celandine:
- put several uprooted celandine bushes through a meat grinder;
- Squeeze the juice from the resulting mass;
- lubricate each affected area of the body with juice;
- repeat the procedure until the external signs of the disease completely disappear.
Eggs and vinegar:
- prepare the ointment by beating 2 eggs and 20 ml of vegetable oil;
- add 10 ml of acetic acid to the dough;
- Lubricate rashes and plaques with the resulting product every night;
- Treatment course: 3 to 4 weeks.
Herbs:
- grind 20 g of St. John's wort flowers, 20 g of celandine root, 10 g of calendula flowers and 10 g of propolis to a paste (it is better to do this in a clay container);
- add 20 ml of vegetable oil to medicinal herbs;
- Apply the prepared product to the affected areas three times a day;
- You can stop treatment as soon as visible signs of the disease disappear.
Elderberry infusion:
- pour 0.5 liters of boiled water into 10 g of elderberry leaves and flowers;
- leave the infusion in room conditions for half an hour;
- take 80 ml of infusion every time the itching increases after eating;
- treatment course - 10 days.
Diet
Whatever treatment method is used for psoriasis, without following a special diet, it will not be possible to achieve much improvement.To adjust the diet, it is better to contact a specialist who will create a menu taking into account the individual characteristics of a particular patient.In order for the entry “psoriasis” to no longer appear in the medical record, the general rules of nutrition for patients must be known and followed.In case of this disease, the following should be excluded from the menu:
- any nut;
- citrus;
- smoked meats;
- spices;
- salinity;
- spicy dishes;
- fatty foods;
- alcohol;
- blue cheese.
If your medical history includes a diagnosis of psoriasis, you should make sure your diet is balanced.Every day there should be foods on the table that provide the body with all the necessary substances.
It is especially important to obtain fatty acids, which are found in sufficient quantities in all types of fish.
Recommendations for the patient
In order to forget for a long time what kind of disease tormented you, no matter what type of psoriasis you had, follow these important rules during and after treatment:
- use gentle skin care: wash with warm water and a neutral product, do not rub the body with a towel, dry gently;
- give up regular cosmetics for a while, avoid using products that are new to you;
- When doing any household work, wear protective gloves;
- limit contact with allergens;
- wear clothes and shoes made of natural fabrics without rough seams;
- Drink at least 1.5 liters of clean water daily.
You must understand that it is impossible to completely cure psoriasis.However, if you choose the right means to combat this disease, you will be able to get rid of its unpleasant symptoms and achieve stable remission.
Keep your skin clean, pay attention to the slightest changes in its condition and if you have suspicious symptoms, contact a specialist.Taking care of your own body will allow you to always stay healthy and beautiful.To stay up to date with interesting information and current news, subscribe to our articles and be sure to share them with friends on social networks.See you again!
This article has exclusively educational, encyclopedic and informative functions.It is necessary to obtain your doctor's approval before using the tips and recommendations described in this article.You should not self-medicate!