Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a non-infectious disease that affects a person's skin, nail plates and joints. The disease is characterized by a wavy course with periods of worsening and remission. The danger of this disease lies not only in the unpleasant sensations it causes, but also in the fact that the disease greatly complicates life, interfering with social adaptation and normal quality of life. In severe cases, severe depression can result from an acute form of the disease.

How to get rid of psoriasis, what is it, what are the symptoms and treatment of psoriasis? You will learn about this from our article.

Psoriasis: causes

Under normal conditions, a healthy person’s skin regenerates within a month. During this time, the dead cells peel off and are replaced by new ones. If there is a defect in the mechanism of skin regeneration, the process of maturation of new cells takes only about a week, which disrupts cellular balance. As a result, the cells die much faster.

In the areas affected by the pathological process, there is an excessive proliferation of cells of the immune system, macrophages and epithelial tissue cells. Therefore, peeling of the skin and the creation of favorable conditions for the inflammatory process are observed. In addition, the processes of creating new capillaries are accelerated, due to which the skin at the site of inflammation becomes red.

Chronic psoriasis is not contagious, so the disease is considered non-infectious. This was established in the 19th century, but so far scientists cannot state the exact reason for its origin.

Among the reasons that are prerequisites for the development of the disease are:

• Heredity. If a person's parents or close relatives have a predisposition for skin pathologies, it is very likely that they will be inherited. This is due to a mutation in some parts of the DNA found in patients suffering from psoriasis, and similar mutations found in their loved ones.
• Gene mutations. Violations in the structure of DNA, which affect the violation of the process of skin regeneration, can not only be inherited, but can manifest at a later age in people whose relatives do not suffer from psoriasis. What causes such gene changes is not known.
• Weakening of the immune system. Any violation of the body's defenses can become 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, toxins accumulate in the body, reduced adaptive abilities, and increased susceptibility to infections. Also, patients have an increase in bile acid fractions in the blood serum, caused by metabolic disorders.
• External stimuli. Friction, constant contact with chemical compounds, wearing tight clothing, cuts and insect bites - all this causes the appearance of microtraumas on the skin, which can eventually develop into psoriasis.
• Frequent allergic reactions. If a person has a tendency towards atypical reactions of the immune system, which are manifested in the form of skin rashes, itching and rashes, it is an additional chance of getting psoriasis.
• Strong experiences or long-term stressful situations. Any stress causes a weakening of the body's defenses and undermines the immune system. If a person has a tendency towards skin diseases, it can be manifested in such moments. In addition, any stress affects the endocrine processes, which is why significant doses of adrenaline and noradrenaline are released into the blood. This process affects metabolic processes and biochemical reactions, becoming a prerequisite for the development of psoriasis.
• General weakening of the organism caused by serious pathologies - atherosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, diabetes, hypertension, etc.
• An unbalanced diet and alcohol abuse. If a person eats too many fatty, smoked, salty, sweet and spicy foods, the probability of developing psoriasis increases. Also, in some cases, the precondition for the development of the disease is excessive consumption of chocolate and citrus fruits.
• Hormonal spikes caused by serious changes in hormonal levels during menopause, puberty, pregnancy, lactation, after abortion. It is worth noting that the hormonal cause of psoriasis may not be related to the above periods. In this case, we are talking about changing the functioning 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 colder area, the disease can worsen significantly. The same applies to living in areas with heavily polluted air and water. However, the climatic factor can hardly be called the main cause of the disease: it acts as a catalyst that activates the "dormant" form of the body's tendency to psoriasis.

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

First of all, psoriasis is a skin condition. However, in some, especially severe cases, it can affect not only the skin, but also the tendons, internal organs, spine, 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 begin?

On the surface of the skin (usually on the knees, arms, elbows, back, armpits, under the breast, in the area of the sacrum, on the genitals), and sometimes on the mucous membrane, rounded dry redness appears. Initially, their size is relatively small: each papule is only a few millimeters in diameter. However, over time, the affected areas enlarge, the papules merge with each other and form so-called psoriatic plaques: their diameter reaches 10 cm and more.

Initially, papules do not cause noticeable discomfort in a person. Practically no itching or itching. However, over time, as deposits grow and accumulate, the affected areas thicken and rise slightly above the healthy areas of the skin. This phenomenon is accompanied by itching.

A characteristic feature of psoriasis in the initial stage is the formation of small dry scales of loose structure on the affected parts of the body. Their color ranges from whitish to yellowish-gray, and a thin pinkish-red border can be seen around each plate. On the outside, these zones are a bit like melted paraffin, which is why they are called "paraffin lakes".

Initially, the signs of psoriasis on the skin of the body and face may be confused with manifestations of eczema or other skin pathologies. The psoriasis stage - the so-called psoriatic triad - helps determine the type of disease.

1. Stearin phase stains. It is characterized by the formation of characteristic stearin-like shavings, which appear when the plaque is scraped.
2. Terminal film stage. It looks like a smooth, moist and shiny red surface under the scales.
3. The "bloody dew" phase. If a person starts scraping from the final film, small drops of blood appear on its surface, caused by accurate bleeding. In turn, this is caused by thinning of the vascular network and fragility of the capillaries.

An attack of psoriasis is also accompanied by symptoms that are not related to the skin. Patients usually complain of increased fatigue, apathy, irritability, drowsiness, mood swings, dizziness, nausea and sleep problems.

How does psoriasis manifest itself other than skin lesions?

This 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 lesion is localized not in the upper parts of the skin, but much 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 factor is not present in the blood of patients with psoriatic arthritis.

• Muscle damage. If the disease is in an extremely advanced phase, atrophy of the muscle tissue can occur after damage to the cartilage and joints.
• Liver dysfunction. The task of the liver is to cleanse the blood and remove harmful substances. If there is an increase in the content of toxins in the body, characteristic of psoriasis, it primarily affects the liver.
• Transition of the disease from the skin to the mucosa. If the disease is not resolved, it progresses and spreads to the mucous membranes of the cheeks and genitals, to the lips and tongue. The mucous membranes swell, hot spots of inflammation appear on them, accompanied by desquamation.
• Nail plate damage (psoriatic onodystrophy). Psoriasis affects the nails quite often. The disease manifests itself in the form of thickening of the nail plates on the hands and feet, changes in their color, the appearance of grooves and spots on them. Inflammatory processes affecting the skin around the nails, bleeding under the nail plate, dryness, delamination and increased nail fragility can also be noticed. In particularly difficult cases, we can talk about complete separation of the nail and its loss.

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

Is psoriasis contagious?

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

Types of psoriasis

There are several varieties of this disease, each of which has its own course characteristics and characteristic symptoms.

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

• Inverse (inverse 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 inverse and vulgar psoriasis is that in 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 inverse psoriasis is that it progresses with sweating and friction. Due to that, microcracks are created on the skin, into which the infection enters. As a result, it can lead to skin lesions with caucus and fungi.
• In the form of drops (according to ICD - guttate psoriasis). Its difference from other varieties is that the rash with psoriasis in the form of tears is not combined into large plaques. The patient's body is covered with small spots resembling 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 of the skin, then pustular or exudative psoriasis can be recognized by tearful blisters filled with clear fluid. In this case, the skin around the blisters usually turns red, the local temperature rises. If the blisters burst or the patient combs them, there is a risk of infection and subsequent suppuration - this is the main danger of the pustular form of the disease.

• Psoriatic erythroderma. This is one of the most severe forms of the disease, which, if the course is unfavorable, can lead to the death of the patient. Its characteristic feature is skin peeling, which can lead to infection with pathogenic microflora. The first sign and symptom of this type of disease - psoriasis manifests itself in the form of severe itchy skin, small red rashes with white scales, enlarged lymph nodes, tissue swelling and an increase in total body temperature to 38-39 degrees. It is divided into generalized and hyperergic type.

• Seborrheic psoriasis. Most often this type of disease affects the scalp, but in some cases it can affect the nasolabial folds, the skin near the earlobes and the area of the shoulder blades. It is characterized by the appearance of dandruff (when localized on the head), severe itching and grayish inflorescence.

Worsening of psoriasis

The disease is characterized by a chronic wavy course with periods of exacerbation and remission. A decrease in the intensity of symptoms is usually observed in the warm season, while the disease worsens in winter and autumn.

Factors that cause worsening of the disease can be:

• Stress, anxiety.
• Unbalanced work and rest schedule.
• Weakening of the body after an infectious or viral illness.
• A sudden jump in hormones.
• Taking some medication.
• Use of inappropriate cosmetics.
• Skin contact with household chemicals.
• Dysfunction of organ systems.
• Exposure to excessively dry, hot or cold air.
• Intensive personal hygiene is not guaranteed.
• Insect bites.
• Worsening of allergic reactions.
• Wearing tight synthetic clothing.
• Transition to an unusual climate.

Worsening of any skin disease (including psoriasis) brings the patient great discomfort - not only physical, but also to a greater extent psychological. The quality of life of a person suffering from severe psoriasis in the acute phase is significantly reduced.

Patients with psoriasis often have significant difficulties and problems with social adaptation, which can negatively affect work / school / personal life. The person refuses contact with others, preferring to spend most of the time alone. As a result, he develops social anxiety, which over time can develop into severe depression.

Worsening of the disease can lead to the patient finding it difficult to take care of himself and his loved ones, lead a normal life, and even sleep. If the rash is localized in the genital area, they can cause physical and mental discomfort and repel partners from intimacy.

Severity of disease

Depending on the area of affected skin and the spread of the lesion to the joints, nails and internal organs, a mild, moderate and severe form of the disease is emitted.

• Mild form implies minor skin damage when the total lesion area is about 3%.
• Defeat of 3 to 10% of human skin is considered the average severity of the disease.
• Severe means a significant skin lesion - 10% or more of the total skin surface.

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

How to eliminate psoriasis: treatment

The question of how to cure psoriasis forever worries all people suffering from this disease. The fight against external manifestations of the disease gives only a temporary result, therefore, in order for the effect to be long-lasting, it is important to eliminate the causes of psoriasis. This usually takes a long time - up to several years. The patient must be patient, but only in this case can he count on a long-term effect.

Below we will look at how to treat psoriasis with medications, hormone therapy, phototherapy, exercise. We also turn to methods of treating psoriasis with folk remedies - in combination with traditional therapy, traditional medicine can give remarkable results.

Treatment of psoriasis with drugs

The first thing to do after you find suspicious round rashes, increased dryness and peeling of the skin in yourself or your loved ones is to seek qualified medical help. Only a dermatologist can determine exactly what type of skin lesion is occurring in your particular case. Remember: under no circumstances should you treat yourself, as lack of therapy or self-selected medications can seriously harm your health.

No tests or skin tests are usually needed to diagnose the disease. It is enough for the doctor to see 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 may prescribe a referral for tests - general and biochemical studies of blood and urine, and in particularly severe cases, a skin biopsy may be needed. An X-ray may also be needed to diagnose psoriatic arthritis.

There are several effective treatments for psoriasis. The choice of the appropriate therapeutic option depends on the degree of damage to the skin, joints, nails and the intensity of the disease progression. Usually, the best option is to opt for 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.

Creams, gels, ointments, sprays and lotions are used to remove itchy and flaky damaged skin. 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 deposits, disinfect, remove inflammation, moisturize and nourish the affected areas of the skin.

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

A positive result in the treatment of psoriasis of the skin gives a vacation at sea. At the same time it is desirable to choose resorts with a relatively mild and warm climate. The ideal solution is treatment in specialized spas, and the rest is focused on complex psoriasis therapy.

Psoriasis: home treatment

Treatment of psoriasis with home and folk remedies can be effective only if it acts as an adjunct therapy that complements the main drug treatment. You can also bet on traditional medicine prescriptions if the patient has allergic reactions to medications. But in any case, what to do with psoriasis should be decided by a doctor, so if you want to use this or that folk 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 waste removal. Homemade ointments, baths, soda are taken orally, compresses and lotions are prepared on the basis of soda.

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

Celandine juice applied to psoriatic plaques also gives positive results. However, you have to keep in mind that this medicine is quite aggressive, so you have to be careful that the juice does not reach healthy areas of the skin.

Walnut shells are also used to fight psoriatic plaques. The shell is poured over boiling water, after which it is insisted, the resulting infusion is filtered and added to a warm bath. This drug is especially effective in periods of disease exacerbation.

How to cure psoriasis with diet?

Proper nutrition plays an important role in all skin conditions, and psoriasis is no exception. Of course, a balanced diet may not be a 100% cure for psoriasis, but in combination with medications and traditional medicine it gives good results.

During treatment, as well as to prolong the remission period, doctors recommend giving up 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 also desirable to reduce the amount of salt consumed, refined sugar, chocolate and other sweets and citrus. Doctors advise you to focus on the use of low-fat fermented dairy products, plant foods, grains, lean meats and fish.

Despite the fact that it is desirable to reduce the amount of fat consumed during the diet, it is irrational to completely abandon them. You just need to replace animal fat with vegetable oils - olive, flaxseed, corn, sunflower.

Prevention of psoriasis

The stages of psoriasis treatment necessarily include a period of remission. It is important to extend these periods as long as possible. To do this, the patient must adhere to a number of disease prevention rules:

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