Psoriasis with the localization of the main changes in the elbow area occurs in about 5% of patients with this disease. The formation of psoriatic lesions on the elbow is possible at any age, but according to statistics, this form of the disease is mainly characteristic of the elderly.In most cases, the pathology can be treated successfully with timely consultation with a doctor, but in advanced cases it can be complicated by psoriatic arthritis.
Causes and symptoms
Elbow psoriasis has the same etiological causes of development as other forms of the disease. These are heredity, metabolic disorders, endocrine disorders, decreased immune system function, mechanical damage to the skin, and traumatic situations. The factor that provokes the appearance of psoriatic lesions in the elbow area is considered to be dyshidrosis - chronic dehydration of the skin.
The disease begins with the appearance of one or more reddish spots that stand out slightly on the skin. At first they are red, then they become covered with a whitish film and gradually a layer of scales forms on their surface, which gives the plaque a silvery color.
In addition to these changes, elbow psoriasis can be identified by the following symptoms:
- The resulting individual spots merge with each other over time, which leads to the appearance of large lesions;
- The scales are easily removed from the surface, leaving a thin skin where drops of blood may appear;
- The formation of pustules is characterized by the appearance of a clear red rim that separates healthy skin from affected tissue;
- The appearance of the rash is accompanied by severe itching in 80% of cases;
- Regression, that is, the loss of the plaque starts from the center, and in its place after the process subsides, the place of light remains.
In mild cases, the pathology disappears within one and a half to two months. In more advanced ones, the spots may not disappear completely - during the remission stage, one or several small plaques remain on the skin.
If left untreated, elbow psoriasis can lead to psoriatic arthritis, an inflammation of the joints. Complications are manifested by swelling and swelling in the affected joint area, increased local temperature, and pain during movement.
Characteristics of elbow psoriasis
Psoriasis on the elbow has specific development and course characteristics, these include:
- Age of disease onset. Often, parents consult a doctor with this form of the disease, in children and adolescents, damage to this area is rare;
- Only in 30% of cases is symmetry of the lesion determined - plaques are formed on both the right and left elbows. In other cases, the inflammation covers only one area of the elbow;
- Psoriatic lesions in psoriasis, unlike eczema and dermatitis, are localized only on the outer, extensor part of the joint;
- The disease is characterized by seasonality - most frequent exacerbations occur in the cold months of the year, that is, when the skin is more dehydrated;
- The rash can be either dry or wet;
- Lesions spread mainly towards the forearm;
- Over time, elbow psoriasis causes thickening of the skin in the affected area. The skin becomes dense, dry, and quickly cracks, which is accompanied by the appearance of blood, pain and itching.
Elbow psoriasis must be treated and this must be done under the supervision of a dermatologist.The lack of therapy leads to the fact that it is impossible to completely eliminate all changes in the affected area, and this causes internal discomfort and can lead to depression.
Treatment methods for elbow psoriasis
Treatment of psoriasis on the elbow should be comprehensive. It includes the use of external agents, systemic drugs, physiotherapy, and traditional methods of therapy.
Ointment
In the early stages of the disease, when only a few small plaques are formed and if there is no significant swelling and redness, you can use an ointment that has a softening, anti-inflammatory effect and can soften the outer layer of keratinized spots.
In severe cases, that is, when swelling, itching, pronounced hyperemia, and spots tend to increase quickly, therapy begins with the use of ointments with glucocorticosteroids.
Any of the above ointments for psoriasis on the elbows should be prescribed by a doctor. They are used in short courses, observing the frequency of use and dosage. Failure to follow instructions for using hormonal drugs greatly increases the likelihood of developing local and systemic adverse reactions.
Patients with elbow psoriasis are recommended to use ointments with emollient and vitamin components even during exacerbations of the disease. Their continuous use nourishes the skin, prevents dehydration, thereby prolonging the period of remission.
Drug therapy
Medicines are chosen for patients depending on the symptoms of the disease, its severity, and concomitant diseases. Medicines are prescribed especially if psoriatic changes continue to develop, with frequent relapses.
Standard oral therapy:
Antihistamines. The main purpose of prescribing antihistamines is to reduce itching, which accelerates the process of plaque healing and prevents the penetration of microbes into the damaged epidermis;Medicines with a sedative effect – tinctures of valerian, motherwort. Its use helps reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and prevent the development of depression;Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Drugs from this group relieve inflammation and pain well, promote skin regeneration;Vitamin therapy. The use of vitamins increases the protective properties of the body and improves metabolic processes.
All medications prescribed by your doctor must be taken in full.Reduction of rash lesions does not indicate that therapy should be completed, otherwise the disease may again enter a progressive stage.
Physiotherapy
The main treatment of elbow psoriasis can be supplemented with physiotherapy. They are prescribed to improve blood circulation and metabolic reactions in the skin; its use helps to increase local immunity and accelerate the recovery of the normal epidermis. For psoriasis, procedures such as magnetic therapy, phototherapy, PUVA method, laser treatment and skin irradiation with ultraviolet rays show good results.
Patients with elbow psoriasis are prescribed sanatorium treatment, diet therapy, and normalization of the nervous system.
Get rid of psoriasis using traditional methods
Treatment of inflamed skin on the elbow at home using folk methods can be carried out after the acute process has subsided. The effectiveness of self-prepared ointments and tinctures for compresses, herbal mixtures for internal use, and medicated baths has been proven. All means of traditional therapy should be used, taking into account the tolerance of the components that form the basis.
Bath to treat elbows. Chamomile, sage, celandine herb, and string should be mixed in equal proportions. Two or three tablespoons of the mixture are poured with boiling water in a ratio of 1: 10. The mixture is infused for half an hour, after which you can soak your elbow in the medicinal solution. The duration of the procedure is until the infusion has cooled completely;Therapeutic bath. The shells of 10 walnuts are brewed with a liter of boiling water, after an hour the infusion is filtered and poured into a water bath. You need to lie in a medicated bath for 20-30 minutes, repeat every day for at least 5 days;Compressed garlic. A few small cloves from a head of garlic are ground and poured into a glass of hot water. You need to soak the garlic solution for an hour and a half, then you need to dip a bandage folded in several layers into it, squeeze it lightly and apply it to the elbow area. The compress changes when the gauze is dry, it is advisable to carry out the procedure within an hour;Birch tar. You need purified birch tar; apply to areas with plaque. The first procedure should last no more than 8-10 minutes, each subsequent day the time increases. The course of treatment with tar is 14 days. You can wash the tar off your elbows with laundry soap;Phytocompress. 10 grams of dried grape leaves, 10 grams of burdock root and 10 grams of flax seeds should be ground in a blender. The prepared mixture is poured into a glass of hot milk and heated over low heat for 2-3 minutes. After cooling in the liquid, moisten a gauze napkin and apply it to the elbow. Keep the compress for half an hour.
Psoriasis on the elbow causes a lot of inconvenience, but this form of the disease is considered one of the mildest. Timely consultation with a doctor, changes in lifestyle and diet, and adherence to preventive measures can completely clear the skin on the elbow joint and significantly extend the period of remission of the disease.