Psoriasis on the elbows is an inflammatory process with characteristic redness of the skin. Among the provocative factors for the appearance of the disease are heredity, various diseases, bad habits, stressful situations and others.
The pathology is accompanied by itching, redness, swelling, pain in the affected areas. To make a diagnosis, tests of urine, blood, feces, biopsy, bakposev for microflora are prescribed. Treatment includes the use of medications, local remedies, physiotherapy, dietary adjustments.
Before starting treatment of psoriasis of the elbows, it is necessary to exclude other pathologies: eczema, fungal infection.
Only after a thorough examination are specific medications prescribed, so a prior consultation with a dermatologist is necessary.
stages
Psoriasis occurs in several stages, periodically replacing each other.
Novices
The outer surface of the elbow area is covered with small papules. Outwardly, they resemble acne with a random adjustment. After 14-21 days, the formations turn into voluminous scales covered with scales. Drying of the skin increases, the surface becomes rough.
progressive
This stage is characterized by the formation of numerous large plates. Patients complain of skin, redness in the affected area. The borders of the rashes are represented by a well-defined edge. At this stage, the transition of the disease to a period of deterioration is observed.
stationary
With a properly chosen scheme of therapeutic measures, the clinical picture becomes less pronounced and the disease passes into a state of rest. The number of psoriatic rashes decreases, new papules are absent.
regressive
This stage is accompanied by a decrease in the severity of symptoms, the number of plaques is significantly reduced. The skin, where the rashes were previously localized, is noticeably pigmented, but at the same time, there are no characteristic scales at the sites of the lesions, the epidermis does not peel off.
Symptoms
The beginning of the development of the pathological process is indicated by the appearance of small red spots of an oval or rounded shape. As the disease progresses, the number of formations increases, they spread to healthy areas around the skin.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that cannot be completely cured. However, modern methods help to quickly get rid of the aggravation of the disease and achieve a long-term remission.
Antihistamines are used; local ointments and creams with corticosteroids, salicylic acid are used for redness of the joints.
An important method of treatment is the appointment of a diet and vitamin complexes; a positive effect of some homeopathic preparations has been observed.
The early stage is characterized by a small number of rashes. If at this stage it is time to seek help from a specialist, it is possible to reduce the likelihood that the disease will become chronic.
The main feature of psoriasis is the formation of scales of a light silver color. Under mechanical action, their integrity is compromised, as a result of which a smooth surface with bloody cracks appears.
There have also been cases where there have been no scales on the psoriatic plaques.
Patients begin to complain of severe itching, swelling at the site of the lesion, burning. If you palpate the damaged areas, in these places you may notice an increase in temperature and pain.
Depending on how well the body's protective functions function, the pathological process is accompanied by the formation of single or multiple plaques, when the disease affects the entire surface of the skin of the upper limb. If proper measures are not taken in time, the probability of passing the pathology into a neglected form increases several times.
The severity of the clinical picture also depends on the stage of the disease. During the remission period, the manifested symptoms disappear, the patient feels better. A recurrent condition is characterized by the appearance of multiple psoriatic plaques, due to painful symptoms, the general well-being of a person deteriorates.
Causes
Despite the high prevalence of the disease, it was not possible to fully study and determine the exact factors that provoke it. However, experts identify some presumed causes that may contribute to the appearance of psoriatic lesions on the elbows.
One of the most common factors is genetic predisposition. According to statistics, in 50% of cases, the pathology is diagnosed in a person whose relatives were also susceptible to this disease.
Prerequisites for the development of psoriasis are the body's lack of resistance to infectious diseases, malnutrition, uncontrolled intake of medications, which negatively affects the immune system, thus contributing to its weakening.
Also among the reasons are:
- endocrine disorders;
- diseases of the digestive system;
- damage to the epidermis;
- frequent stress, neurosis, depression.
Lack of vitamin A and lack of trace elements in the body can contribute to the onset of psoriasis.
Diagnosing
Since the development of psoriasis in the elbows is associated with pronounced clinical signs, detection of pathology is not difficult. First, the dermatologist performs an external examination of the damaged areas of the epidermis and collects the patient's medical history.
To confirm the preliminary diagnosis, the patient is sent for a laboratory test.
A blood test allows you to determine a possible predisposition to an allergic reaction to certain medications that may be used to treat psoriasis. In addition, the analysis can help diagnose anemia, which will be associated with characteristic deviations in leukocyte and erythrocyte levels.
Urine analysis makes it possible to determine the level of water-salt balance, ie how much salt and water has entered and been removed from the human body.
Fecal examination is necessary to identify helminths in them.
When the main methods to make a final diagnosis are not enough, the doctor will prescribe an additional examination:
- biopsy of epidermal samples taken from lesions;
- bakposev in microflora;
- potassium oxide testing.
If a complex course of the pathological process is suspected, an X-ray examination is performed, which allows the assessment of involvement in joint disease.
If psoriasis develops in women during the period of childbirth, they are given a referral for a prolactin test.
Additionally, you may need to consult an orthopedist, rheumatologist, venereologist or mammologist.
Treatment Methods
Psoriasis can not be cured, but outbreaks can be prevented and the remission phase can be extended. Therapy in this case should be complex. It consists in the use of such treatment methods:
- usemEDICALdrugs inside;
- FITNESSFUNDSlocal action;
- vitamin therapy;
- sanatorium-resorttreatment;
- applicationhomeopathicchildren.
In addition, it is important to follow a special diet. It includes foods in the diet that contain substances that contribute to the onset of remission and limit the use of foods harmful to psoriasis.
Medications used for psoriasis
In the treatment of the disease, it is important to use drugs for internal administration in the form of capsules, tablets, plates.
Antihistamines can be used to relieve itching.
It is important to remember that only an experienced specialist can prescribe such drugs, taking into account the severity of the disease, the age criterion, as well as the individual characteristics of the patient's body.
Ointment for redness of the elbows and feet
Psoriasis on the elbows is widely used for external use.
Experts say that the treatment of psoriasis should be comprehensive, so an application of creams will not be enough, as they only eliminate the symptoms of the disease on our skin.
vitamins
In psoriasis, vitamin therapy is considered an important method in complex treatment. In case of damage to the skin of the flexor surface, the use of vitamins of groups B, E, D, A and ascorbic acid is recommended.
To do this, you need to eat properly: increase the consumption of foods that contain these substances. In addition, vitamins can be purchased from pharmaceutical institutions. The vitamin solution can be used to lubricate problem skin.
Some ointments contain the necessary substances, so often experts prescribe such medicines for external use.
Vitamin and mineral complexes can be described.
Also prescribed for severe psoriasis medications for intramuscular injection.
They are done every day or every other day.
homeopathic remedies
Combined agents are considered the most effective.
The dose of these drugs is determined by a qualified specialist, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient's body and the severity of the pathology.
diets
In a pathological condition, it is important to adhere to dietary food. Therefore, in the diet for psoriasis should be the following products:
- lean fish;
- dairy products;
- vegetable oil;
- fruits and vegetables;
- cereals;
- greenery.
These ingredients enrich the body with beneficial substances and reduce acidity. In case of illness, it will be helpful to establish a drinking regimen. The daily amount of water consumed should be at least 1. 5 liters.
The following products are contraindicated for use in pathology:
- smoked meat;
- spices and seasonings;
- pickle;
- sweet products;
- fatty meats;
- alcoholic drink;
- sausages;
- coffee;
- citrus;
- chocolate;
- confectionery.
It is necessary to limit the consumption of fried, fatty and salty foods.
Moreover, partial meals are recommended for psoriasis: portions should be small and the number of meals per day should be increased up to six times.
Spa treatment
With psoriasis, it is recommended to visit resorts located in areas with predominant hot and dry climatic conditions.
Also desirable is an annual stay in sanatoriums where there are baths with radon or sulfide. In such places, the patient may undergo physiotherapy procedures that help eliminate the signs of illness and prolong the remission phase. These include applications with paraffin or ozocer, UV radiation, phototherapy, cryotherapy.
These procedures are performed for 21-29 days a day.
Treatment of psoriasis of the elbows is performed with an integrated approach. Drug therapy involves the use of funds for internal and external use. It is also important to get vitamins and diet during treatment. It is recommended to stay in sanatoriums and use homeopathic medicines.
Consequences
With a long lack of therapeutic measures, the course of pathology in the elbows is complicated by the appearance of a number of diseases.
Psoriatic erythroderma may begin. In most cases, it occurs against the background of a sudden cessation or complete lack of treatment, frequent stressful situations, diseases of infectious origin occurring in severe form, alcohol abuse.
Generalized pustular psoriasis is a more serious health threat. Such a course of pathology is characterized by a massive association of papules, as a result of which large foci are formed, at the site of localization of which the skin blooms, pustular areas are formed.
Another complication is psoriatic arthritis. This is a pathological process that affects the joints, which is accompanied by swelling, severe pain and limited movement.
prevention
Since the epidermis in this area is quite dry, regular care of the elbow area is required. To do this, you need to use a special cream with moisturizing properties.
You should also stop smoking and drink plenty of alcohol. Strengthening the immune system plays an equally important role. To this end, experts recommend taking vitamin and mineral complexes, playing sports and spending more time walking in the fresh air.
It is important to protect the skin from mechanical damage, not to expose the body to frequent stress and psychological disorders.
At the first symptoms of developing an infectious disease, a visit to the doctor should not be delayed to provide timely medical care.