Psoriasis has been known to mankind since ancient times. It is first mentioned in the Bible, but so far there is no complete understanding of the causes of these skin rashes. Scientists are trying to connect this disease with complex disorders of the immune and endocrine system, and they consider it hereditary. But absolute success was achieved in only one thing: there was a firm belief that this disease was not a manifestation of an infection of the body. That is, psoriasis is not contagious.
What is psoriasis?
Another name for this disease is scaly lichen. It mainly affects the scalp, the outside of the elbows and knees, on which dark pink scaly rashes appear. They soon form psoriatic plaques. They have a pronounced white growth, consisting of thick scales, which cause cracking of the affected areas, followed by itching and the formation of draining wounds. Despite the fact that the causes of rashes are not clear, the mechanism of their occurrence is well understood. With the onset of psoriatic scales, the life cycle of epidermal cells in these and neighboring areas decreases sharply to 4-5 days, as opposed to the normal 28-30 days.
Is psoriasis dangerous?
Since its etiology is not clear, but there is convincing evidence that the disease is systemic, affecting not only the skin but also internal organs, it leads to the following disorders in the body:
- the appearance of psoriatic-like changes on the mucosa of the urethra and bladder
- causes subacute conjunctivitis, sclerosis of the lens and other diseases of the eyes and eyelids
- with disease exacerbation, liver enlargement with hepatocellular insufficiency and splenomegaly is observed
- enlarged lymph nodes
- there is muscle weakness, their atrophy with a tendency to progressive weight loss
It is possible to list the complications that psoriasis leads to for a long time, but from this short list it becomes clear that the disease is serious and dangerous. The situation is aggravated by the fact that therapeutic agents are currently only able to control and suppress the course of the disease, but not to cure it. Psoriasis is permanent, but can be accompanied by long periods of remission.
What can cause worsening of the disease or its recurrence?
Despite the fact that the manifestations of psoriasis are unsystematic, there are factors that can cause rashes on different parts of the skin. Therefore, patients should be aware of this and, if possible, beware of their impact. The following causes complicate the course of the disease:
- Overweight. It is noticed that most of the patients with psoriasis have different degrees of obesity.
- Stress. Many patients notice that their psychological reaction to traumatic situations and circumstances worsens the manifestations of the disease.
- Some medications that a patient takes for a variety of reasons can cause relapse.
- Hypothermia.
- Damage and scratching of psoriatic plaques. It has been observed that in the vast majority of cases, mechanical irritation of scaly lichen causes its growth and the appearance of new rashes in nearby areas.
- water procedures. In some people, after bathing or swimming in a pond, a worsening of the course of the disease is observed.
- Sun rays. Moderate exposure to sunlight in psoriasis is considered useful by doctors. But there are a number of patients who claim that such baths cause the disease to worsen. Moreover, no matter how long they were under the sun. Therefore, the question of whether it is possible to sunbathe with psoriasis still does not have a clear answer. To decide for yourself how useful or harmful the sun's rays are in this case, you must take into account several factors at once: individual tolerance to the sun, skin color and type, stage of the disease and its shape.
Ultraviolet for psoriasis: benefit or harm
- Light therapy as one of the treatments for psoriasis:
- PUVA therapy is a photochemotherapy whose mechanism of action is quite difficult to understand. It is often used in the treatment of exudative and vulgar psoriasis. Very effective for rashes on the scalp, palms and feet. 3-4 sessions of ultraviolet radiation per week are prescribed, until the complete disappearance of psoriatic plaques. On average, 15-25 procedures are required, including local exposure sessions.
- SFT therapy is selective phototherapy. Up to 5 procedures per week are prescribed for exudative and vulgar psoriasis. The radiation dose in the absence of erythema increases each time. Full course of treatment - 20 - 30 sessions. It has a pronounced therapeutic effect in 85-90% of cases.
- UVB therapy is phototherapy, which is comparable in its effectiveness to PUVA therapy. The course of treatment is 20-30 procedures.
Psoriasis and solarium: benefit or harm?
The main difference between sunbathing in a solarium and sunbathing is that in artificial conditions, the production of melanin takes place without exposure to dangerous ultraviolet radiation, especially UV-C rays, which are harmful to the skin during sunbathing. Tanning beds do not use this type of radiation. However, in the initial stage of the disease, artificial sunbathing helps to suppress the development of the rash. Therefore, doctors do not recommend the treatment of psoriasis with a tanning bed, but do not find contraindications for its use as a therapeutic agent.
Influence of solarium radiation on the skin
- UV-A rays have a beneficial effect on patients with psoriasis, seborrhea, acne, neurodermatitis.
- UV-B rays trigger the process of active production of vitamin D3, which reduces the effect of stress on the body, and they are known to cause psoriatic rash.
Thus, a visit to the solarium can not have a negative impact on the course of the disease, and can somewhat suppress it. But then why are there people to whom artificial tanning sessions only do harm? The answer is that the combination and power of lamps in solariums are different. When choosing a salon, one should inquire about their spectral composition, one of the most important characteristics. The lamps are designed with different combinations of UV-A and UV-B radiation. For example, those with UV-B 1% or less are classic, and those with UV-B over 1% are professional.
It is also important to have a spotlight. If it is not there, then the radiation affects the skin weakened, and if it is present, then it is concentrated. The reflector can be located inside and outside the lamp. Whether there is a reflective layer in the lighting device or not, you can understand if you look at the lamp through the light. If it exists, then the efficiency of its radiation is 10% higher than the conventional one.
Therefore, in order for the treatment of psoriasis with a solarium to be useful, and not harmful, it is necessary to choose the right solarium with the right combination of UV radiation. Excessive is always harmful to the skin, and leads to the formation of tumors and other ailments with it. The ratio of UV-A and UV-B rays is very important for patients with psoriasis. The best option would be the following combination: 311 nm UV-B waves. and UV-A waves 300-400 nm. This ratio of ultraviolet radiation has Daavlin photo booth, which gives a narrow spectrum light nbUVB 311nm. Those who visit it notice a sharp improvement in their condition. The course of therapy is 20-30 sessions.
Therefore, the question: does a tanning bed help with psoriasis can be answered with confidence - yes. But it is important not to recklessly choose a studio near the place of residence, but to be interested in the spectral characteristics of the lamps emitted in it. It is important to know that the vertical method of sunbathing is more desirable than the horizontal one. Time spent in the booth should not be longer than 5-6 minutes, and sessions should be changed every other day. UV rays in moderate doses help strengthen the immune system. What is extremely necessary for a patient with psoriasis.