What is psoriasis and why is it dangerous? Complete description of the disease

Psoriasis is presented as a non-infectious skin pathology of a chronic nature. Statistics show that 3. 7% of the world's population is prone to this disease, which is called scaly lichen. Gender is not important in this case, psoriasis is not a contagious disease, while the risk group is represented by people aged 14-27. A spotty red peel with white scales appears on the skin.

Localization is possible on any part of the body, but the most common places are the scalp, lower back, knees and elbows. As the disease in question is chronic, it is manifested by periods of remission and exacerbations. How much does pathology affect a patient’s life and how to get rid of psoriasis forever?

Reasons for occurrence

To understand what causes psoriasis, it is worth understanding that the process of pathology formation is systemic, it includes the skin and the entire human body. The reasons are not entirely clear, they can be viral, infectious, hereditary, neurogenic or mixed. Humoral and cellular immunity is activated, which contributes to the initiation of the autoimmune process of cell damage, primarily epidermal cells.

Metabolism is also disrupted, and burdened heredity also exacerbates skin psoriasis. As a result, cell regeneration is accelerated 3-5 times, leading to the formation of psoriatic plaques. So, why does psoriasis occur, in which the quality of life 80% depends on proper treatment and timely detection of the disease:

1. Poor heredity;
2. Depression, constant stress;
3. dysbacteriosis;
4. Hormone problems;
5. Allergic diseases;
6. Candidiasis and streptoderma;
7. Viral pathologies;
8. Addiction;
9. Infections of a parasitic nature;
10. Metabolic problems.

Symptoms

The amount of rash at the very beginning of the pathology can be considered insignificant. Studying the symptoms will allow you to find out what psoriasis looks like on the body and how to recognize it. Psoriatic plaque plays a key role. This is a hyperemic area of skin with scales. Against the background of healthy skin, it looks noticeable and sublime. The presence of the following signs is a reason to consult a dermatologist immediately:

• Convex spots on the skin with light scales;
• Itching in problem areas;
• Excessive dryness of the skin and peeling;
• Painful cracks, blisters in the palms and soles of the feet;
• Deformed and peeling nail plates.

Types of psoriasis

Classification of psoriasis includes the division of the disease into different types and forms. The following types of psoriasis are worth considering, taking into account the localization of the pathology and the nature of the rash:

1. Plaque psoriasis on the body is often called vulgar, common or simple. This is the most common variant, which is diagnosed in 85% of the total number of patients. Inflamed areas of the skin have a typical appearance for the disease in question - they peel easily, redden, with fever. The red skin under the scales is easily injured and can bleed. Over time, the plaques merge into the so-called paraffin lake.
2. Inverse cutaneous psoriasis affects the flexor surfaces. Inflamed areas of the skin are flaky and hardly protrude above healthy skin. Localization is represented by skin folds, ie folds under the breast, in psoriasis in women, armpits, external genital area, inner thigh surface and skin folds in the groin. When sweat is released, the skin is injured or friction occurs, the condition of the inflamed areas worsens. The most common patients are diabetics and children.
3. Pustular psoriasis of the skin is characterized by the most complex symptoms. Blisters with a clear uninfected exudate of an inflammatory nature rise above healthy areas of the skin. Around the pustule thickened, inflamed, red skin with fever.
4. Rupioid psoriasis in humans is characterized not only by a plaque-like rash, but also by acute inflammation of the epidermis. The surface of the skin under the plaques is light pink and tearful.
5. Guttate psoriasis in adults is characterized by an abundant number of small purple or red vesicles. The shape of the bubble can look like circles, tears, dots or drops. The affected area is often quite extensive, it can be psoriasis on the head, neck, shoulders, back, lower legs or thighs. Angina or streptococcal pharyngitis are often provokers of the development of the respective pathology.

Forms of psoriasis

As for the form of psoriasis, it can be psoriatic erythroderma, arthropathic psoriasis or psoriatic onychodystrophy:

• Psoriatic onychodystrophy, which affects the nails, leads to deformation of the nail plate on the fingers of the lower or upper extremities. It is possible to change the color of the nail or nail itself. This type of psoriasis also leads to the formation of thickening, transverse lines, spots, spots, as well as increased brittleness and delamination. Even complete nail loss is possible.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis in men and women develops gradually and continues with complications. This is due to neglected plaque psoriasis, when the epidermis becomes very red and swollen, characterized by a clear acute inflammatory process. Exfoliation and inflammation spread to large areas, followed by pain, itching and swelling of the subcutaneous tissue. In this form of pathology, death is more likely than in others, because the body loses the ability to regulate body temperature due to extensive inflammation, peeling and separation.
• Psoriatic arthritis, in addition to the main symptoms, is complemented by an inflammatory process in the joints and connective tissue. This form of pathology can affect any joint, but most often it is small joints of the upper and lower extremities. If the disease spreads to the knee or hip joints, there is a high chance of losing the ability to move. The considered form of the disease makes 10-15% of all cases when the skin disease psoriasis is diagnosed.

Stages of development

How psoriasis develops is characterized by three consecutive stages. Every patient with the disease in question goes through all of them, but with proper treatment, the duration of the second phase can be significantly reduced:

1. The progressive stage is characterized by an increase in the first signs and a deterioration in general health;
2. In the stationary phase, there is a peak in the development of pathology;
3. The regression phase is represented by a reduction in symptoms and a significant improvement in overall health.

Diagnosis

A dermatovenerologist diagnoses and further treats skin psoriasis. There are usually no difficulties in determining the disease, because skin lesions are of a special nature. Rarely, there is a need for additional laboratory tests to determine rheumatoid factor and complete blood counts. The involvement of a rheumatologist becomes relevant if psoriatic arthritis is diagnosed. In such a situation, it is necessary to make an X-ray of the joints. In extreme cases, when it is difficult to make a differential diagnosis, the expediency of skin biopsy is noticed.

Quality of life

The appearance of psoriasis leads to a significant reduction in quality of life. Difficulties can arise during social adaptation and in the sphere of work due to physical and emotional discomfort. Severe itching and pain can complicate basic life processes: sleeping, body care, walking, playing sports, performing professional duties, taking care of the house, pets.

Patients often show excessive concern for their own appearance, fear the negative reactions of others and have low self-esteem. Pain along with itching and emotional discomfort often lead to social isolation, anxiety disorders, social phobia and depressive states.

Treatment

Tackling psoriasis involves an integrated approach using the following categories of medications and drugs.

Creams and ointments

Ointments and creams allow you to fight psoriasis quite effectively with minimal side effects. These agents are usually applied directly to inflamed areas:

• Hormonal fats are among the most effective, they eliminate the main symptoms and block the proliferation of keratinocytes. The most powerful agent in this category can irritate the skin, cause drying and thinning of the epidermis.
• Salicylic acid eliminates psoriatic scales by cleansing the skin. Dosage when using this medicine is extremely important, because excessive use leads to hair loss and skin irritation.
• Retinoids are the active form of vitamin A, they are almost as effective as hormonal fats, but the clinical effect is achieved longer. Hypersensitivity to ultraviolet light is the most common unwanted syndrome.
• Friction fats reduce the severity of negative symptoms and block the growth of skin cells. Side effects include alopecia, acne or folliculitis.
• Form of ointment or gel of vitamin D. Combined application with hormonal agents gives maximum effect.
• Moisturizers help eliminate negative side effects in the form of dryness and itching, but are unacceptable as the main method of treatment.
• Anthralin in the fat composition helps to remove scales, blocks the proliferation of keratinocytes. After application to the inflamed area, the product must be rinsed off after some time.

Psoriasis tablets

Since it is not always possible to beat psoriasis with local therapy, it is necessary to supplement the treatment strategy with the tablet form of the drug. Side effects can increase significantly, so constant monitoring of your overall health through testing and a visit to the doctor is mandatory:

1. Systemic glucocorticosteroids reduce the inflammatory process, swelling and itching, and block the increased activity of skin cells. The side effects are extremely numerous, so Anna tablets are rarely prescribed.
2. Whole body psoriasis can be treated with methotrexate, which shows an effective cytostatic and anti-inflammatory effect. The body reacts quite positively to low doses. Rare side effects include increased fatigue, decreased appetite and digestive problems.
3. Retinoids are effective in cases where the skin disease psoriasis cannot be treated with other means. Side effects include alopecia and inflammation of the lip area. After using the tablets of this group, you cannot give birth for 3 years, because retinoids cause congenital defects.
4. Cyclosporine has much in common with methotrexate and belongs to the category of immunosuppressants. The most common side effects are an increase in blood pressure and the appearance of renal pathology.
5. If these drugs cannot be used due to the characteristics of the patient's body, it is advisable to prescribe hydroxyurea.

injections

Drugs that help get rid of psoriasis can be presented in the form of injections with the following components:

• Antihistamines currently block acute itching;
• Glucocorticosteroids in the form of injections are used if tablets and ointments with this component are not effective;
• Biological preparations are the result of the synthesis of human and animal proteins. They have a beneficial effect on the body's immune system, but their price is too high for many patients.

Shampoo application

It is also worth considering special therapeutic shampoos, because only they can remove psoriasis on the head:

1. Antifungal shampoos are effective if the cause of pathological inflammation is a fungal infection;
2. Shampoos containing corticosteroids;
3. Tar shampoo or soap is used to remove psoriatic scales as well as to reduce stinging and itching. It is also acceptable to add birch tar directly to the shampoo that the patient usually uses.

Medications

If the appearance of psoriasis is diagnosed in time, many medications can bring the right result, the specialist will recommend the most appropriate one.

Biologically active substances

Since psoriasis can rarely be resolved quickly, dietary supplements should be taken as adjunctive maintenance therapy:

1. Vitamin D is useful because calcium is one of the most important minerals in the fight against the skin disease in question, and vitamin D is necessary for its absorption. The use of this supplement in the phase of transition from active phase to stationary phase is most effective.
2. Silicon in the composition of vitamin-mineral complexes plays the role of a sorbent that attracts antigens, and also improves the condition of the skin.
3. Lecithin is able to quickly regenerate epithelial cells, which die in this pathology. The integrity of the skin is restored much faster, and the inflammatory process becomes less pronounced.
4. Omega-3 acids and fish oil also help eliminate the inflammatory process.

Folk approaches to treatment

To increase the effectiveness of drugs, complex therapy can be supplemented with alternative therapies, but keep in mind that psoriasis on the back and other areas may be sensitive to allergens, so you should first consult your doctor:

• Chinese green tea helps reduce discomfort due to itchy skin, plaques lighten. It can be applied internally in the form of a drink or externally in the form of a mask on the affected areas.
• Sunbathing can reduce the manifestations of psoriasis, especially in combination with sea water. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation should not be direct, it is better to sunbathe in the shade. If you ignore this recommendation, the manifestations of psoriasis are eliminated only for a while, but soon the disease will return with even more pronounced negative symptoms.
• Ointment of birch tar, salicylic alcohol and buckthorn oil should be applied directly to the affected areas for 2 hours. If the psoriasis on the abdomen or back is extensive enough, it is worth laying gauze over the ointment. After rinsing the fat, it is necessary to apply a tincture of celandine in the form of oil.
• Flaxseed infusion allows you to eliminate the clinical symptoms of the disease in a week. Immerse a spoonful of seeds in a glass of boiling water for one day, then boil, cool and strain, take in the morning before meals in combination with activated charcoal (1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight). The course should be continued for 20 days, even if the manifestations of psoriasis have disappeared. Products with caffeine in the composition should not be consumed.
• Propolis and butter in the form of ointment in a ratio of 1: 20. Mix the ingredients, cook for 15 minutes, strain and apply to affected areas. The product must be stored in the refrigerator.
• Celery decoction can be taken orally once a day, and the compress can be applied for 2 hours and 21 days. Three courses with a break of a week will be enough to forget about the disease for a few years.
• Celandine powder and Vaseline in the form of ointment must be used for 3 days, applied to inflamed parts of the skin. After a break of 4 days, the course continues until the external manifestations completely disappear. To prepare the product, all components are mixed in equal proportions.

Prevention

Prevention of psoriasis, as well as measures to prevent exacerbations, are as relevant as the treatment itself:

1. You must carefully monitor the purity of the skin, use moisturizing creams based on natural ingredients.
2. Monitor your overall health, especially if you have immune problems. Taking multivitamin complexes is a mandatory component of psoriasis prevention.
3. Regular massage improves lymph outflow and blood circulation, which is why the products of putrefaction are removed faster and the skin is better cleansed.

4. Any contact with household chemicals must be limited as much as possible. Gloves and home respirators are mandatory protective equipment if it is not possible to transfer household chores to other family members. When choosing household chemicals, pay attention to the presence of colors, chemicals and odors. The level of the Christmas tree should be equal to the natural one. It is also worth minimizing the use of skin care cosmetics and make-up.
5. Often, the first signs of the disease appear after nervous tension, so it is important to master various methods of relaxation and self-control. The benefits of healthy sleep should not be overlooked. With frequent stress, it is allowed to take herbal soothing tinctures and teas.
6. Smoking is a direct provocateur of both exacerbations and the disease itself in the beginning. These are smokers who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day. Under the influence of cigarette smoke, immunity decreases, blood vessels are affected, and the body's antioxidant defenses are weak. As for alcohol, it does not affect the development of this skin pathology, but it can worsen its course.

Psoriasis and pregnancy

Pregnancy greatly complicates the treatment of psoriasis, as the use of far from all medications is allowed. It is also worthwhile to understand in detail the issue of pregnancy planning and other situations related to this period in a woman's life.

Pregnancy planning

The disease does not affect the reproductive function of women and men. As for possible damage to the baby, psoriasis is not transmitted by contact, so breastfeeding and communication with the baby will not be a problem. Another thing is the ability to transmit the disease at the genetic level, but the probability is not so great - 8-15% if one of the parents is ill. The risk increases if both parents are ill - 50-60%.

When planning a pregnancy, you should first undergo another course of treatment to achieve remission. We are talking specifically about women, because the father's condition does not affect the carrying of the fetus. Stress should also be minimized and treated responsibly.

Pregnancy

As for the pregnancy itself, many notice that the course of the pathology is greatly alleviated, but the symptoms worsen immediately after birth. This is due to the weakening of a woman’s immune system because the baby is, in fact, depleting the body, absorbing nutrients through the umbilical cord. If there is a need for treatment during pregnancy, it is worth giving preference to safer means with minimal likelihood of side effects. Analyze your condition and you will understand how the disease will behave in future pregnancies. Next, it is worth considering which medications can be used and which should be avoided.

> zxtable border = "1" cellpadding = "0" > Forbidden Recommended Local treatment Vitamin A-based preparations are categorically contraindicated. Glucocorticosteroids in ointments and creams are acceptable in minimal amounts. Use on the shoulders, abdomen and mammary glands is not recommended, as cortisone can cause stretch marks. Vitamin D-based preparations are allowed only in small amounts in certain problem areas. Soothing and moisturizing creams have no contraindications. Systemic treatment Methotrexate and acetritin cause miscarriage or fetal defects. Treatment with these drugs before childbirth requires abstinence from pregnancy for 4 months. also, such drugs negatively affect the condition of men's sperm, so the rule of respecting this period also applies to men. UV-B phototherapy is not harmful, neither for the unborn child nor for the mother. Puva therapy in pregnancy is also not appropriate, as it requires prior use of photosensitizing agents. In severe cases of the disease may be prescribed Cycloporine, which has no adverse effect on the child's body, but can cause side effects in the mother.

C-section

The presence of psoriasis is not a reason to perform a caesarean section during childbirth, but it is worth considering the possibility of the appearance of the Koebner phenomenon. It is the appearance of psoriasis in places where the skin is damaged. So far, no formal studies have been conducted on the speed of healing of these areas and the risk of infection.

Postpartum psoriasis

After childbirth, in most cases, the pathology worsens, which are caused by stress, fatigue, chronic lack of sleep, improper and limited diet, hormonal imbalance. Breastfeeding is allowed because the pathology is not transmitted to the child with milk, however, when the drugs are used on large areas, breastfeeding is not recommended because some components may enter the milk.

No medicine can guarantee 100% safety for the mother and the fetus, so consultation with the doctor who manages the pregnancy is mandatory.

Despite the fact that psoriasis is chronic, with well-planned treatment it is possible to successfully eliminate negative symptoms and avoid a reduction in quality of life due to a number of limitations associated with the disease.