Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a non -communicable disease that attacks a person’s skin, nail plates and joints. The disease is characterized by a non -wavy path with periods of deterioration and reduction. The danger of this disease is not only due to the unpleasant sensations it causes, but also the fact that the disease greatly complicates life, disrupts social adjustment and normal quality of life. In severe cases, severe depression can occur as a 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 find out this from our article.

Psoriasis: the cause

Under normal circumstances, the skin of a healthy person is renewed within a month. During this time, the dead cells peel off, and new cells replace them. If there is damage in the skin renewal mechanism, the process of maturation of new cells only requires about a week, which disrupts the cell balance. As a result, cells die faster.

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

Chronic psoriasis is not contagious, so the disease is considered non -contagious. This was formed in the 19th century, but until now scientists have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause of its occurrence.

Among the reasons that are prerequisites for the development of this disease, there are:

• Descendants. If a person’s parents or close relatives have a predisposition to skin pathology, it will most likely be inherited. This is due to mutations in some parts of the DNA found in patients with psoriasis, and similar mutations are found in their loved ones.
• Gene mutations. Violations in the structure of DNA, which affect the violation of the process of skin renewal, can not only be inherited, but also manifest themselves at a later age in people whose relatives do not suffer from psoriasis. What caused the gene change is unknown.
• Weakens the immune system. Any violation of the body's defenses can be a trigger for the development of psoriasis.
• Disorders in metabolic processes. Metabolic disorders are manifested 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, a decrease in adaptability, and an increase in susceptibility to infection. Also, patients experience an increased breakdown of bile acids in the blood serum, which is caused by metabolic disorders.
• External stimuli. Friction, constant contact with chemical compounds, wearing tight clothing, wounds and insect bites - all this leads to the appearance of microtraumes on the skin, which over time can develop into psoriasis.
• Frequent allergic reactions. If a person has a predisposition to atypical reactions of the immune system, 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 damages the body’s immune system. If a person has a predisposition to skin diseases, it can manifest itself right at such moments. In addition, any stress affects endocrine processes, due to which significant doses of adrenaline and norepinephrine are released into the blood. This process affects metabolic processes and biochemical reactions, being a prerequisite for the development of psoriasis.
• Weakness of the body is generally caused by serious pathologies - atherosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, diabetes, hypertension, etc.
• Unbalanced diet and alcohol abuse. If a person eats too many fatty, smoky, salty, sweet and spicy foods, their chances of developing psoriasis increase. In some cases, a prerequisite for the development of the disease is excessive intake of chocolate and citrus fruits.
• Hormonal surges are caused by serious changes in hormone levels during menopause, puberty, pregnancy, lactation, after abortion. Keep in mind that the hormonal cause of psoriasis may not be related to the period described above. In this case, we are talking about changing the function 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 cooler area, the disease can get worse. The same goes for living in areas with highly polluted air and water. However, climatic factors can hardly be cited as the cause of the disease: instead, they act as a catalyst that activates the "inactive" form of the body’s predisposition to psoriasis.

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

First of all, psoriasis is a skin condition. However, in some cases, especially severe ones, it can not only affect the skin, but also tendons, internal organs, spinal space, 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, hands, elbows, buttocks, armpits, under the breasts, in the sacral area, on the genitals) and sometimes on the mucous membranes, round dry reddish areas appear. At first, the size is quite small: each papule is only a few millimeters in diameter. However, over time, the affected area increases, the papules merge with each other and form so -called psoriatic plaques: their diameter reaches 10 cm and even more.

At first, papules do not cause discomfort to a person. They are practically not itchy or itchy. However, over time, as it grows and plaque increases, the affected area thickens and rises slightly above the healthy skin area. This phenomenon is accompanied by itching.

A hallmark of psoriasis in the early stages is the formation of small dry scales with loose structures on the affected part of the body. Their color ranges from whitish to yellowish gray, and thin pink edges can be seen around each plaque. Externally, these zones are a bit like liquid paraffin, for which it is called a "paraffin lake".

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 - called the psoriatic triad - helps determine the type of disease.

1. Stearic stain stage. It is characterized by the formation of stearin -like shavings, which appear when plaque is scraped off.
2. Terminal movie stage. It appears as a smooth, moist and shiny red surface found under the scales.
3. The level of "blood dew". If a person begins to scrape the terminal film, small droplets of blood form on its surface, due to precise bleeding. Instead, it is due to thinning of the vascular network and fragility of capillaries.

The onset of psoriasis is also accompanied by symptoms not related to the skin. Typically, patients complain of increased fatigue, apathy, irritability, drowsiness, mood swings, dizziness, nausea, and sleep problems.

How are the manifestations of psoriasis, other than lesions on the skin?

The 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 lesions are localized not in the upper part of the skin, but deeper. As a result, the disease spreads to the joints. The course of the disease is in many ways 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 factors are not present in the blood of patients with psoriatic arthritis.

• Muscle damage. If the disease is at a very advanced stage, atrophy of muscle tissue can occur after cartilage and joint damage.
• Liver dysfunction. The job of the liver is to cleanse the blood and remove harmful substances. If in the body there is an increase in the content of toxins, a hallmark of psoriasis, the liver suffers from the beginning.
• The transition of the disease from the skin to the mucous membranes. If the disease is not treated, it will continue and pass to the mucous membranes of the cheeks and genitals, to the lips and tongue. The mucous membranes swell, a focus of inflammation appears on them, accompanied by desquamation.
• Damage to the nail plate (psoriatic onychodystrophy). Psoriasis often attacks the nails. The disease manifests itself in the form of thickening of the nail plates on the hands and feet, their discoloration, the appearance of grooves and dots on them. Inflammatory processes affecting the skin around the nail, bleeding under the nail plate, dryness, melting and increased fragility of the nail can also be observed. In very severe cases, we can talk about the complete removal of the nail and its loss.

As you can see, this disease is quite dangerous, therefore, its treatment should be started as soon as possible to prevent its transmission to other organs and systems.

Is psoriasis contagious?

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

Types of psoriasis

There are several types of this disease, each with its own characteristic course and symptoms.

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

• Inverse (reverse psoriasis). This type of disease mainly affects the skin folds, the outer surface of the thighs, the groin area with the external genitalia. The main difference between reverse psoriasis and psoriasis vulgaris is that with the reverse form of the disease, plaques do not form on the skin: the skin is covered with red spots, accompanied by an inflammatory process. The danger of reverse psoriasis is that it develops with sweat and friction. As a result, microcracks form on the skin, where the infection enters. As a result, it can cause skin lesions with cocci and fungi.
• Drop -shaped (according to the ICD - guttate psoriasis) The difference from other types is that the rash with tear -shaped psoriasis does not merge into large plaques. The patient's body is covered with small spots that resemble 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 on the skin, then pustular or exudative psoriasis can be identified by tears filled with clear fluid. In this case, the skin around the blisters usually turns red, the local temperature rises. If the blister explodes or if the patient brushes it, there is a danger of infection and subsequent suppuration - this is the main danger of this form of pustular disease.

• Psoriatic erythroderma. This is one of the most severe forms of the disease, which, if the course is not good, can lead to the death of the patient. Its distinctive feature is the exfoliation of the skin, as a result of which infection with pathogenic microflora can occur. The first signs and symptoms of the disease-psoriasis manifests itself in the form of severe itching of the skin, small red rash with white scales, enlarged lymph nodes, swelling of tissues and an increase in overall body temperature to 38-39 degrees. It is divided into general and hyperergic types.

• Seborrheic psoriasis. Often, this type of disease affects the scalp, but in some cases can involve the nasolabial folds, the skin near the auricles, and the shoulder blade area. It is characterized by the appearance of dandruff (when localized on the head), severe itching, and gray blooms.

Exacerbation of psoriasis

The disease is characterized by a chronic undulating course with periods of exacerbation and reduction. A decrease in the intensity of symptoms is usually observed in the summer, while the disease worsens in the winter and autumn.

The factors that lead to the occurrence of this disease are

• Stress, anxiety.
• Unbalanced work and rest schedules.
• Weakens the body after experiencing an infectious or viral disease.
• A sharp hormonal surge.
• Taking medicine.
• Improper use of cosmetics.
• Skin contact with household chemicals.
• Dysfunction of the organ system.
• Excessive exposure to dry, hot, or cold air.
• Strict personal hygiene is not required.
• Insect bite.
• Exacerbates allergic reactions.
• Wear tight synthetic clothing.
• Switching to an unusual climate.

Exacerbation of skin diseases (including psoriasis) causes discomfort to the patient - not only physically, but also psychologically. The quality of life of a person suffering from severe psoriasis in the acute stage is significantly reduced.

Patients with psoriasis often experience significant difficulties and problems with social adjustment, which can have a negative impact on work / school / personal life. One rejects relationships with others, preferring to spend most of their time alone. As a result, she develops social anxiety, which can develop into serious depression over time.

The exacerbation of the disease can lead to the fact that it is difficult for the patient to take care of himself and his loved ones, lead a normal life and even sleep. If the rashes are localized in the genital area, they can cause physical and psychological discomfort and cause the couple to reject intimacy.

Severity of the disease

Depending on the area of skin affected and the spread of the lesion to the joints, nails and internal organs, mild, moderate and severe forms of the disease are transmitted.

• The mild form shows little damage to the skin, when the lesion area is around 3%.
• The defeat of 3 to 10% of human skin is considered the severity of the disease.
• Severe levels mean significant skin lesions - from 10% or more of the entire skin area.

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

How to get rid of psoriasis: treatment

The question of how to cure psoriasis is forever the concern of everyone who suffers from this disease. The fight against external manifestations of the disease gives only temporary results, therefore, in order for its effects to last, it is important to eliminate the cause of psoriasis. This usually takes a lot of time - up to several years. The patient must be patient, but only in this case he can rely on long -term effects.

Below we look at how to treat psoriasis with medications, hormone therapy, phototherapy, exercise. We also turned to methods of treating psoriasis with folk remedies - in combination with traditional therapies, traditional medicine can provide significant results.

Treatment of psoriasis with medications

The first thing to do after you find a suspicious round rash, increased dryness and peeling of the skin on yourself or your loved ones is to seek qualified medical help. Only a dermatologist can determine the type of skin lesion that occurs in your case. Remember: You cannot self -medicate, as lack of therapy or medication of your own choice can pose a serious danger to your health.

It usually does not require tests or skin tests to diagnose the disease. It is enough for the doctor to look at the skin covered with papules or plaques to determine the cause of the lesion. If there is a serious form of the disease, a dermatologist can prescribe a referral for tests - general studies and biochemistry of blood and urine, and in very difficult cases, a skin biopsy may be required. X-rays may also be needed to diagnose psoriatic arthritis.

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

To get rid of itching and exfoliation of damaged skin, creams, gels, ointments, sprays and lotions are used. They can be made on the basis of salicylic acid, pyrithione, tar and other active components. The main task of hormonal and non -hormonal external preparations is to soften psoriatic plaques, disinfect, eliminate inflammation, moisturize and nourish the affected skin area.

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

Positive results in the treatment of skin psoriasis give a break at sea. At the same time, it is advisable to choose a resort with a relatively mild and warm climate. The ideal solution is treatment in a specialized sanatorium and spa center, the rest is aimed at complex psoriasis therapy.

Psoriasis: treatment at home

Treatment of psoriasis with home and folk remedies will only be effective if it serves as an adjunctive therapy that complements the main drug treatment. Also, bets on traditional medicine recipes can be made if the patient has an allergic reaction to the medicines. However, what to do with psoriasis should be decided by the doctor, so if you want to use this method or that 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 softening effect on psoriatic plaques, softens rough skin, reduces itching and improves litter disposal. Based on soda, homemade ointments, baths are prepared, soda is taken orally, compresses and lotions are made.

Also, salt baths are an effective method of treating this disease. They become a viable alternative if the patient does not have the opportunity to travel to the sea.

Celandine juice used on psoriatic plaques also gives positive results. However, you should remember that this medication is quite aggressive, so you need to make sure that its juices do not get into healthy skin areas.

Walnut shells are also used to combat psoriatic plaques. The shells are poured with boiling water, after which it is pressed, the resulting infusion is filtered and added to a warm water bath. This drug is very effective during the onset of the disease.

How to cure psoriasis with diet?

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

During treatment, as well as to prolong the remission period, doctors recommend to stop drinking 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 best to reduce the amount of salt, refined sugar, chocolate and sweets as well as other citrus eaten. Doctors advise to focus on the use of low -fat fermented milk products, plant foods, cereals, lean meats and fish.

Although at the time of the diet it is desirable to reduce the amount of fat consumed, it is irrational to abandon it completely. You just need to replace animal fats with vegetable oils - olive, flaxseed, corn, sunflower.

Prevention of psoriasis

The stage of psoriasis treatment necessarily includes a remission period. It is important to extend this period as long as possible. To do this, patients must adhere to several rules of disease prevention:

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