Psoriasis is a chronic and non -communicable skin disease. The disease is recurrent. Rarely, psoriasis can attack joints, nails and mucous membranes. People of all ages are prone to psoriatic disease. According to statistics, there is a tendency for the development of this disease in childhood.
Psoriasis is by no means an infectious disease of a chronic nature. A large number of dermatologists tend to believe that psoriasis is a systemic disease. In their opinion, the disease not only affects certain areas of the skin, but also involves pathological processes of almost all body systems (endocrine, immune, nervous).
From the outside, it seems that psoriasis is a mild disease. But in reality, this is far from the problem. This disease is dangerous. Death is known in dermatology. If treatment is not timely or incorrect, psoriasis affects the entire body, resulting in severe complications. For example:
- psoriatic arthritis
- swollen lymph nodes
- conjunctivitis
- mucosal damage
- leveling and damaging the nail plate
- spontaneous pain
- amyotrophy
- rarely - heart damage
As a rule, psoriasis does not interfere with the normal rhythm of life of the patient. The only discomfort is exfoliation and inflammation of the skin. Unfortunately, it is impossible to recover from this disease, but it is very possible to delay its progression or prevent a relapse. To do this, it is enough to fulfill all doctor's prescriptions and undergo systematic treatment in the hospital.
Causes of psoriasis
There is no specific reason for the onset of the disease. There are many factors that can cause the development of psoriasis. There is no definitive opinion on one cause or another in dermatology. There are many versions. Most dermatologists believe that the disease has a genetic predisposition. It is impossible to assert or deny emphatically that heredity is the primary cause. There are cases when the whole family is sick with psoriasis.
In other words, we can say this: if a mother is ill with psoriasis, then not necessarily her offspring will definitely show signs of the disease. But it is impossible to exclude genetic predisposition. For example, if a grandmother suffers from this disease, it is possible that the grandchild will not be diagnosed with psoriasis. The question of the cause of disease progression at the gene level remains open to this day.
The next factor, which, according to many dermatologists, can provoke the appearance of psoriasis, is a disease of the endocrine system. For example, adrenal dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, pituitary dysfunction. The percentage of symptoms of psoriatic disease in people suffering from pathology in the endocrine system is quite high. Thus, a link between diseases exists and is proven by many examples.
In addition to the above reasons, there are many endogenous factors. For example:
- Delayed diseases of an infectious nature, such as tonsillitis. According to statistics, 17% of patients surveyed believe that psoriasis is the result of angina complications.
- Chronic infectious pathological processes, such as laryngitis or tonsillitis, can also provoke psoriatic disease.
- Long-term use of certain drugs: interferons, NSAIDs, beta-blockers, and others.
- As strange as it is, pregnancy can also lead to the development of psoriasis. In the female body, significant hormonal changes occur, which often trigger inactive pathological processes in the body.
- It is impossible to exclude the negative effects on the human body from the use of excessive ultraviolet radiation, namely prolonged exposure to the scorching sun or frequent visits to the solarium.
Naturally, in addition to endogenous factors, there are a number of exogenous causes. For example, skin diseases (dermatitis, mycosis, pyoderma), mechanical damage to the integrity of the skin, allergic dermatitis.
Interesting fact. Psoriasis is much more common in people infected with HIV than in healthy people. It is important to note that women are more susceptible to psoriatic disease than the male population. Dry, thin and sensitive skin are other predisposing factors.
You should know that if a person has a disorder of the immune system, then often this pathology gives rise to psoriasis. Immune disorders and psoriatic disease are closely linked.
There are a large number of causes that cause psoriasis, but none of the causes completely cause the development of this disease.
Types and forms of psoriasis
Psoriasis is a multiforme disease. According to statistics, people usually only suffer from one form of psoriasis at a time. But there are cases when a person has several forms of psoriasis at the same time. Quite often in the practice of dermatology, and such cases when one form of psoriasis progresses smoothly into another form. Such "rebirth", as a rule, results in the abrupt cessation of prescribed treatment.
In dermatology, there are two main groups of psoriasis types: non -pustular and pustular.
Pustular form- Barbera psoriasis, psoriasis of the soles of the feet and palms (see photo), Tsumbusha psoriasis, annular pustulosis. This form of psoriasis is conventionally divided into generalized and localized. The last pustular psoriasis can occur in any area of the skin. There are cases when pustules form on plaques in psoriasis vulgaris.
As an example of independent disease, you can consider Allopo acrodermatitis. As a rule, the disease is characterized by lesions of pustules and crusts on the distal phalanx of the fingers and toes. Another example of a disease independent of a localized form of psoriasis is pustular psoriasis of the soles of the feet and palms. It is important to note that some dermatologists tend to believe that the disease is a form of pustular bacteria.
Common pustular psoriasis includes:
- impetigo herpetiform,
- psoriasis Tsumbusha,
- common exanthemic psoriasis.
As a rule, men aged 15 to 35 years suffer from Tsumbush psoriasis. The disease is more rare in women.
Exanthemic pustular psoriasis occurs suddenly (suddenly) and acutely. In most cases, there is a close relationship with other infectious diseases, such as tonsillitis. The rash is localized mainly on the trunk. More often children, adolescents are prone to this disease, more rarely adults.
Herpetiform impetigo is a serious disease that can be fatal. As a rule, the disease is characteristic of pregnant women, more often in the second trimester. But in the practice of dermatology, there are still very rare cases of the disease in men, women and non-pregnant children.
Psoriasis is not pustular. . . In other words, we can say moderate psoriasis. This form of the disease differs from the others in a stable course. For non -pustular forms of psoriasis, almost the entire surface of the body is affected. These types include:
- erythrodermic psoriasis
- psoriasis vulgaris, or common, or plaque.
Common psoriasis occurs frequently, up to 90% of patients with psoriasis are patients with the vulgar form of the disease.
Psoriatic erythroderma is a serious disease that often leads to a fatal consequence - the death of the patient. With this disease, there is a violation of thermoregulatory function, as well as a decrease in the barrier function of the skin. This pathology leads to pyoderma or sepsis.
Classification and symptoms of psoriasis
There is no single classification of psoriasis that is generally accepted by dermatologists. There is still a debate about how to classify these skin diseases. Some sources have their own list of forms of psoriasis. Classification of the most common diseases:
- Intestinal psoriasis
- Psoriasis pustular
- Onychia psoriatic
- Psoriasis of the mucous membranes
- Exudative psoriasis
- Psoriasis of the feet and palms
- Arthropathic psoriasis
- Interrelated psoriasis
- Psoriatic erythroderma
- Seborrheic psoriasis
- Strange psoriasis
- Pustular bacteria
- Psoriasis Tsumbusha
Arthropathic psoriasisat first almost asymptomatic. Patients sometimes experience only slight pain in the joints. Over time, the pain worsens, becoming sharp and acute. The affected joint becomes swollen. If the disease is not treated, then the joint is deformed, and there is a limitation in its movement. As a rule, arthropathic psoriasis is often accompanied by rheumatoid type pain. In winter, there is an increase in the disease, that is, seasonality is a hallmark of such psoriasis.
Psoriasis pustular. . . Unusually, only 1% of the total number of patients with psoriasis fall for this type of disease. In most cases, the rash is symmetrical and localized on the soles of the feet and palms. Pustular psoriasis is generalized and localized. The latter form is more common than the former. Pustular psoriasis is generally difficult. In dermatology, there are many cases of death due to sepsis and severe body intoxication.
Psoriatic erythroderma. . . Severe psoriasis is caused by an increase in pre -existing psoriasis. The disease can be the result of an increase in the underlying disease, and first arises. Secondary erythrodermal psoriasis develops, as a rule, in 2% of those suffering from this disease.
Often, the disease occurs spontaneously, but cases of psoriasis due to improper and irritating treatment of dermatosis in the acute period of the disease are not excluded. Patients noted increased focal pathological desquamation, increased temperature, and detected dehydration. In dermatological practice, there have been cases of death in psoriatic erythroderma.
Intestinal psoriasis- the second most common disease among all forms of psoriasis, children and adolescents suffer more often. It is characterized by the appearance on the skin of a large number of dry, purple and small elements that rise slightly above the surface of the unaffected skin. The rash is in the form of droplets, circles, or tears. As a rule, the elements cover the entire human body, but most of the "solids" are localized in the thighs. In most cases, the appearance of tear -shaped psoriasis is provoked by streptococcal infection. For example, streptococcal sore throat, streptococcal pharyngitis.
Onychia psoriatic. . . The disease is characterized by various changes in the appearance of nail plates, both on the hands and feet. First of all, the color of the nails changes, sometimes the nail bed is united. Nails turn gray, yellow, or whitish. Dots or small spots appear on the nail, and sometimes even under the nail plate itself. Nail plates thicken, dents and brittleness appear. Another clinical manifestation of this disease is a thickening of the skin around the nail. The difficult result of psoriatic onychia is spontaneous nail loss.
Psoriasis of the mucous membranes- is a type of pustular psoriasis or psoriasis vulgaris. Often, the mucous membranes of the cheeks, tongue and lips are affected, more rarely the mucous membranes of the genitals and eyes. With the pustular form of psoriasis, the rash becomes more extensive, large areas of the mucous membranes are affected, and geographical glossitis is observed. In normal psoriasis, flat white-gray papules with clear borders appear on the mucous membranes, protruding on the unaffected surface.
Psoriasis of the feet and palms. . . The disease is a localized form of pustular psoriasis. As a rule, this form is chronic and recurrent. In dermatology, there are cases when Barbera’s psoriasis is extended with plaque psoriasis at the same time. Pustules appear on the inner surfaces of the hands and / or feet. Over time and under the influence of medical therapy, the vesicles-pustules dry out. Then the dry element forms a dense brownish crust.
Psoriasis intertrigue. . . The disease is characterized by the appearance of a rash on large folds of skin. For example, the intergluteal, the folds between the fingers, the folds of the groin, the armpits and the area under the mammary glands. Intertrigue psoriasis is more common in patients with diabetes mellitus, VSD (vegetative-vascular dystonia), obesity, who do not follow simple hygiene rules.
Erythematous-papular edematous foci, erosive and weeping, are formed in the folds. An important feature of this disease element is that separation of the stratum corneum is pronounced along the periphery. Intertrigue psoriasis is very similar to epidermophytosis, candidiasis, or rubromycosis. It is important to note that the clinical picture of candidiasis or dermatomycosis is much brighter and sharper than the picture of psoriasis.
Seborrheic psoriasis. . . In terms of symptoms, seborrheic psoriasis is very similar to seborrheic eczema. As a rule, psoriatic rash has a localization similar to the elements with seborrheic eczema. It can be:
- nasolabial folds
- scalp
- auricle
- chest area
- interscapular region
With seborrheic psoriasis, areas on the head appear where the skin peels off badly. An important feature of this disease is the formation of a kind of psoriatic crown. Skin lesions occur from the forehead and spread smoothly to the scalp, in a simple way the outline of the crown appears. It should be noted that dandruff is an alarm signal that "speaks" about the development of seborrheic psoriasis.
Behind the auricle, as a rule, red eczema is formed, and purulent crusts are often layered. For rashes with localization on the chest and face, gray-yellow scales are characteristic. Psoriatic rashes always cause severe itching. It is important to note that seborrheic psoriasis is difficult to diagnose, as it is often confused with seborrhea.
Exudative psoriasis. . . This type of psoriasis is more common in children and the elderly. Relatively high risk of developing this disease in patients with disorders of the endocrine and immune systems. Exudative psoriasis often affects the healthy skin of people who are overweight or have diabetes.
The disease is characterized by excessive accumulation of exudate in the papule, which gradually comes to its surface, forming a yellowish crust. If the crust is removed, the surface of weeping and bleeding is exposed. The scales dry over time and lie on top of each other, forming relatively dense and large conglomerates.
The main feature of exudative psoriasis is the localization of a clear pathological focus. As a rule, the lower limbs and large folds are most affected. The rash gives a person the strongest itchy and burning sensation. The clinical picture of the disease is sharp and acute.
Strange psoriasis. . . It has different names in various sources. For example, plaque, ordinary, simple. This type of psoriasis ranks first in terms of prevalence - in almost 90% of patients with psoriasis, this type is observed. The disease usually starts quite accurately. The first symptoms appear immediately.
Psoriasis vulgaris is characterized by the appearance of a special element that rises slightly above the unaffected skin area. The rash is inflamed, red, and hot to the touch. The elements are thickened, covered with a silvery white (skin) film and scaly that easily peels off.
You should be aware that the gray crust is easily removed, which causes injury to the lower layer of the papule, which is lined with many small vessels. This usually results in a small exit. The lesions affected in dermatology are called psoriatic plaques.
Such plaques tend to coalesce, which causes an increase in their size. Over time, plaque plates formed, which have a special name - "paraffin lake". Psoriatic eruptions with normal psoriasis are very unstable. Treatment is long -term, requiring in -patient care.
Pustular bacteria. . . According to statistics, the disease occurs mainly in young people (from 20 years) and middle (up to 50 years). The exact etiology of pustular bacteria has not been determined. There is a presumption that the disease develops against a background of strong and prolonged allergies associated with infectious foci. For example, gums, tonsillitis or tonsillitis.
Psoriatic eruptions affect the skin of the palms and soles of the feet. Pustular bacteria are chronic, recurrent. The focus first appears, if in the palm of the hand, then in the middle, if in the palm, then in the arch. The primary psoriatic element is small in size, not exceeding the size of the pin head. Over time, the pustules dry out and form a lamellar crust. The patient feels itching and pain in the affected area.
The course of paroxysmal disease is characteristic of pustular bacteria. At the same time, inflammation occurs in all areas affected by psoriasis. Gradually, the psoriatic focus increases, and after a few weeks, almost the entire surface of the palms or soles of the feet is drawn into the pathological process. As a rule, pustular bacteria last for many years and with persistent recurrence.
Nutrition for psoriasis
Patients with psoriasis are required to follow a diet and adhere to the basic principles of proper nutrition. The main task of the diet is to maintain a normal acid-base balance. But it is important to note that the alkaline background of the body is slightly higher than that of acid.
Naturally, body balance depends on the foods that psoriasis patients eat on a daily basis. It is important to know for every person suffering from this disease that 70% of the daily diet should be taken into account by products that form alkali in the body. For acid formation - no more than 30%. In simpler terms, it is possible to say this: products that produce alkali must be consumed 4 times more than those that form acid.
List of products that form alkali in the body:
- Any vegetables except star anise, pumpkin, and Brussels sproutsIt is important to remember that potatoes, peppers, eggplant and tomatoes are strictly prohibited.
- Fruit cannot be ruled out. The main thing is not to use prunes, cranberries, currants and blueberries. Keep in mind that bananas, watermelons and apples should not be eaten in conjunction with other foods.
- Be sure to drink fresh vegetable juices from carrots, beets, parsley, celery and spinach.
- Fruit juices from grapes, pineapples, pears, oranges, papayas and grapefruit, mangoes, lemons and apricots can be eaten daily. It is important to add lemon juice to your food.
List of foods prohibited by psoriasis patients (acid form):
- You should eliminate or reduce the consumption of foods that contain starches, fats, sugars and oils. Typically, this includes the following foods: potatoes, beans, cream, cheese, cereals, meat, dried beans. An unbalanced daily intake of these products will definitely cause an acid reaction in the blood. The result is a decline in well -being.
- It is important to balance your diet properly. There are a number of foods that are forbidden to be eaten at the same time. For example, meat products with foods that contain large amounts of sugar, and sweets and starches should not be combined.
- It is important to limit your sugar intake. Preservatives, vinegar, dyes and various food additives should be included in the diet as little as possible.
- The main thing is necessary to exclude the intake of alcohol and alcoholic beverages completely.
Every psoriasis patient should remember that eating properly is an important condition in the treatment of this disease. It is very important to replace frying with stewing or boiling. You need to eat foods that must be processed gently.
Psoriasis treatment
Treatment of psoriasis should take place during exacerbations in the hospital, and on an outpatient basis - during remission. Diet is an important point in treatment. Fasting days are useful.
In addition to specific diets and treatments, it is important to monitor skin hygiene carefully. For washing, it is better to use tar soap, you can also use baby soap. You should, as often as possible, take a bath with a decoction of celandine, violet tricolor or hops.
If there are no contraindications, you can try psoriasis treatment and folk remedies. Don’t experiment and treat yourself. Only a doctor has the right to advise on which folk remedies are useful and necessary.
List of safe and effective ointments for psoriasis:
- A packet of butter (but not spread) butter should be put in a pot with crushed propolis (10 g). Put on the fire and cook after boiling for 15 minutes. After - need to strain the mixture thoroughly and let cool. Store this medicine only in the refrigerator. Method of application - rub into the affected area several times a day.
- In a clay plate, need to grind fresh flowers of St. John's wort. John's wort (20 g), celandine root, propolis, calendula flowers (10 g). Vegetable oil is added to the resulting mixture. Store in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Method of use - lubricate the psoriatic eruption thoroughly 3 times a day.
- In a liter of white wine for half an hour, boil the gallbladder and scales of sea fish, weighing more than three kilograms, over a fairly low flame. Cool, strain, then add a glass of olive oil. Method of use - wash the affected area with egg soap and wipe dry. After that, lubricate the elements with this mixture. The course of treatment is until the medicine runs out.
- Mix equal parts of celandine powder and petroleum jelly (by weight). Method of use - ointment is placed in a thin layer on the rash and left for up to three days. After that, you need to rest for a while, about 4 days. Treat until the psoriasis is completely gone.
- One tablespoon of vegetable oil is added to the beaten homemade eggs (2 pieces). The mixture was whipped again, after which acetic acid (40 g) was introduced. Store the ointment in a jar with a tight lid. Method of use - treat psoriatic eruptions once a day, preferably at night.
- An equally effective and common remedy for the treatment of psoriasis is a mud cure. The mud must be heated to 38 degrees and applied to the affected skin. This procedure should be done in the evening, preferably before bedtime. After 30 minutes, the dirt is removed with warm water. It is important to remember that after a stain, all rashes should be treated with salt. The body must be dry and the excess salt will fall off. Without washing or moisturizing the skin, you need to sleep. And only in the morning, lubricate the psoriatic elements with cream. The recommended course is 20 procedures (daily).
Whatever popular method of treating psoriasis is chosen, it must be consulted with the attending dermatologist.