Psoriasis: possible causes and manifestations.

Psoriasis is an unpleasant skin disease in which the body is covered with red rashes that merge into spots.A person may be bothered by itching, which prevents him from falling asleep, and if complications occur in the form of arthritis, 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 have not yet found the answer to the question of how to cure psoriasis.Everything that the pharmaceutical industry and medicine offers (ointments, creams, ultraviolet radiation, immunity drugs) only provides temporary relief.Other measures (psychotherapy, vitamin intake, psoriasis diet) do not cure, but help improve the condition.

psoriasis disease

Psoriasis on the head

How does scalp psoriasis occur?

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

skin psoriasis

Skin psoriasis is a non-infectious skin lesion that affects approximately 4% of the population.The reasons for this have not been fully identified, but the main version is a genetic disorder.An equally popular opinion is that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease.The 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 specific damage on the plate.
• Corrosion or, conversely, thickening of the nail.
• Thickening of the skin under the nail plate.

The diagnosis of nail psoriasis is possible after performing appropriate tests to detect the presence of fungi.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 do you behave during pregnancy?Observations show that pregnant women feel much better: they are less worried about the manifestations of the disease, even if during this period all treatment is almost completely canceled so as not to harm the fetus.

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

Psoriasis in nursing mothers

How to treat psoriasis in nursing mothers?Many drugs are allowed that do not have a systemic effect and are not transmitted through milk:

• Hormonal medications, as long as they are used under medical supervision and when urgently needed, in small areas of the body.
• Moisturizing creams (even for children's skin).
• Fats and fat-like creams that can moisturize the skin by being retained in the stratum corneum.
• Treatment of psoriasis with salicylic ointment is allowed.
• To achieve an anti-allergic effect, various sorbents can be used.
• The use of phototherapy is allowed (without oral administration of photosensitizers).

Psoriasis in men

Psoriasis is somewhat less common among men than women.The course of the disease in men may be milder: the manifestations are less pronounced and, on average, the disease begins at a later age compared to 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, diagnosis can be difficult, especially if the patient does not turn 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 the child, because it is accompanied by itching, pain and, if the joints are affected, their mobility may be limited.And peers are sometimes tactless and mock children with "lichen", having no idea about the true non-infectious nature of the disease.

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

• Location in typical places: on the extensor surfaces of the extremities, 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 defect.Versions of an unfavorable external environment are also considered: exposure to allergens, rubbing of the skin with clothing, chronic and acute stress.Finally, another possible cause of the disease is previous infections.

Psoriasis: symptoms

Symptoms of psoriasis in adults.

The symptoms of psoriasis are so characteristic that they allow an accurate and quick diagnosis.The main manifestation of the disease is red, scaly spots (plaques) on the surface of the skin, consisting of papules.Patients are concerned about severe itching and signs of inflammation in the area of the spots.One of the characteristic features of psoriasis is the spread of plaques where there are skin lesions: microtrauma, scratches, cracks.The favorite location for rashes is on the head under the hair, on the extensor surfaces of the joints, in the lumbar area and sacrum, in all natural folds of the skin.

Psoriasis has an undulating course, in which periods of exacerbation are spontaneously replaced by remissions.Many patients note that they cannot associate any events in their lives with the exacerbation that has begun.During this period, the symptoms of psoriasis manifest themselves more clearly: the peeling intensifies, the redness of the spots becomes clearly bright, and as a result of peeling of the skin scales and infection, suppuration of the plaques is possible.

Symptoms of psoriasis in children.

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

• Teardrop-shaped: Red bumps that appear after injuries and infections.They are often confused with allergies.
• Plates.It manifests itself with the same symptoms as the corresponding form in adults.
• The pustular form is rare and is usually caused by an infection, anxiety, or taking certain medications.The disease is expressed in the spread of pustules on the skin, vesicles containing purulent fluid.As with plaques, the danger comes from scratching the pustule and possible infection.
• The erythrodermic form is characterized by spread of lesions throughout the body, severe inflammation and itching of the skin, fever and fever.The severe 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 in pain and swelling of the joints, stiffness of the muscles.
• A special form of the disease is the so-called diaper psoriasis, in which the rashes cover the child's buttocks and are therefore mistaken by the pediatrician and the mother for irritation caused by contact with urine and feces.

Forms of psoriasis

There is still no generally accepted classification of psoriasis.The following forms are distinguished:

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

In the same patient, certain clinical variants of the disease of varying severity can be observed.

pustular form

Psoriasis sometimes presents as pustular skin lesions.It is characterized by the formation of pustules-vesicles filled with purulent or sterile content.The size of the bubbles can reach 2.5-3 cm.The favorite place for rashes is the extensor areas of the arms and legs and the torso.Pustular psoriasis on the scalp is common.The surface of the patient's body is red and hot.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 are then, unlike psoriasis vulgaris, covered with yellowish-brown crusts.

A characteristic feature of exudative psoriasis is the atypical location of the rashes.Unlike other shapes, they occupy surfaces in the curves of arms and legs and 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

Different scales are used to evaluate the severity of psoriasis and its stage, including:

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

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

Middle stage of psoriasis

The middle stage of psoriasis corresponds to skin lesions that range between 3 and 10% of the skin.

Severe stage of psoriasis.

The severe stage of psoriasis is more than 10% skin damage or the development of psoriatic arthritis in any area of the rash.The disease at this stage causes significant discomfort and suffering to patients, because 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 have not yet been fully identified.Of course, science has advanced in the study of the disease, but the exact answer to the question of why psoriasis occurs has not yet been found.It is known for certain that dermatosis is not contagious, which means that the cause is most likely not due to an infection.Researchers are inclined to believe that the disease is multifactorial in nature: both metabolic disorders and immunological problems are to blame.

Causes of psoriasis in children.

Psoriasis in children appears against the background of infectious diseases, emotional stress, cold weather, 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.

The disease psoriasis has characteristic symptoms that allow the doctor to accurately diagnose the disease by visual examination of the skin:

• "Stearin stain": If plaque is scraped, stearin-like chips form.
• "Terminal film" - after removing the scales from the surface of the papule, a polyethylene film-like surface becomes visible in its place.
• "Blood spray" - after continuing to scrape the surface that appears under the plaque, bleeding occurs in the form of droplets.

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 along the nail.
• Small dots on the nail plate, reminiscent of punctures with a sewing needle.
• Increase the thickness of the skin under the nail.
• Thickening and change in shape of the nail, growth towards the inside of the finger.

laboratory research

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

Psoriasis: treatment

Treatment of psoriasis in adults.

How to treat psoriasis?Medicine has not yet given a complete answer to this question, but the principles of therapy have been developed a long time ago.They can be divided into three groups:

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

The goal of all types of treatment is to put the disease into 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 childhood is aimed at quickly achieving long-term remission and does not fundamentally differ from therapy for adults:

• Follow a hypoallergenic diet with the usual composition of foods: excluding fried, salty, spicy vegetables and fruits that contain preservatives and that may cause allergies.
• Create a life without allergens (feather pillows, old and dusty things).
• Following hygiene advice (proper washing, drying and hydration of damaged skin).
• Physiotherapy.Electrosleep, phototherapy, magnetotherapy, ultrasound and laser can be used.The use of photochemotherapy, due to its potential harm, is recommended in children 15 years and older.
• Sanatorium-resort treatment using mineral baths and therapeutic muds.
• Local treatment with hormonal and non-hormonal ointments and creams prescribed by a doctor according to the severity of the disease, the intensity of skin manifestations and individual response.
• If local treatment is not enough, children may be prescribed systemic medications and procedures (UVA photochemotherapy, drugs that affect the immune system, retinoids).

Medications to treat psoriasis.

Psoriasis cream

What creams are the most popular in the treatment of psoriasis?

• Contains 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 as directed and under the supervision of a doctor.
• Non-hormonal creams have the same effect as hormonal ones, but take much longer to produce after prolonged use.Therefore, they are not used as an ambulance.But unlike hormones, these creams are not addictive and have almost no side effects.

Psoriasis ointment

Like creams, ointments are hormonal and non-hormonal:

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

Physiotherapy as a remedy for psoriasis

The procedures are aimed at achieving various therapeutic effects:

• The main type of physical therapy is phototherapy (or photochemotherapy).The treatment consists of treating the surface of the skin with ultraviolet irradiation of different wavelengths.
• X-ray methods: treatment of the skin surface with soft X-rays.
• Electrosleep is the introduction of a patient into a dream state through electrical influence on the brain.The procedure does not treat skin rashes, but helps to reduce excitability and manifestations of neurosis and, thanks to this, 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 plaque.

How to cure psoriasis at home.

What is psoriasis self-treatment at home?

• To organize a hypoallergenic lifestyle: you should get rid of rugs, pillows and blankets, and try to change the furniture to something that is easy to dust.It is best for psoriasis patients not to have pets, even if an animal allergy has not been confirmed.Prolonged contact with them can cause allergies in the body.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
• The diet for psoriasis should be healthy and nutritious.
• Elimination of stress and anxiety, because they can serve as a reason for exacerbation.
• Compliance with hygiene rules: refusal of bathing in favor of showering, 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 has prescribed sunbathing or ultraviolet irradiation, you must strictly adhere to the procedure schedule.

Treatment of psoriasis with home remedies.

What methods are used in folk medicine?

• Birch tar is used in soap form or in pure form to apply to affected skin.
• Treatment with soda is based on the hypothesis that psoriasis occurs due to increased acidity of the skin.To neutralize it, it is proposed to treat the surface with an alkaline preparation, which is soda.
• The treatment of psoriasis with home 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, with which the surface of the skin is treated for several hours.

Diet for psoriasis

What allows and even encourages a psoriasis diet?

• Fiber.It allows you to improve metabolic processes, as well as 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 and fermented milk products are mandatory 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 should be present in the diet to promote protein synthesis, which improves immunity.
• At any stage of psoriasis, it is necessary to consume foods rich in antioxidants.

Complications of psoriasis

Psoriatic erythoderma

Psoriatic erythroderma is a complication of psoriasis, in which the patient's entire skin is covered with bright red spots.A person's temperature rises, joints hurt, lymph nodes enlarge, and his general condition worsens.The complication is dangerous because it contributes to the development of heart failure and kidney and liver failure.Peeling and inflammation of the skin causes 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 outlines.As the disease progresses, the pustules coalesce into spots, split open or remain intact, and then dry to form a yellow scab.The places of rash are the chest, sides and back, extensor areas of the extremities.

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

Arthropatic psoriasis

Prolonged skin psoriasis, after 5-6 years from its appearance, 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 swell, the skin of the inflamed area turns red.In addition, the disease also affects other joints: intervertebral, iliac and heel.

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

Prevention of psoriasis exacerbations.

spa treatment

What is the effect of staying in resorts?

• Mud therapy helps improve skin condition and relieve inflammation.
• Climatic 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 due to the beneficial effects of ultraviolet radiation.However, excessive exposure to the sun can cause complications of psoriasis, so it is not advisable to abuse tanning.
• Hydrogen sulfide baths and thermal waters of natural origin 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 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 (6-8 glasses a day, not counting liquid from dishes).
• Personal hygiene should include showering instead of bathing.
• 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, it is necessary to strengthen your immune system and protect yourself from colds and respiratory viral infections.
• The exact causes of psoriasis are unknown, but it has been confirmed that stress causes 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 courses.

What vitamins are useful in case of 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.Diagnosing the disease is not difficult, because any dermatologist is well aware of the "characteristic" psoriatic rashes.The causes of skin damage have not yet been precisely established, and no effective means of eliminating it have been invented: neither creams, nor taking hormones, nor ointments for psoriasis guarantee a complete cure.But don't despair!It should always be remembered that this is not a fatal disease and that with proper treatment, diet, preventive measures and sanatorium treatment, stable remission can be achieved.