People who encounter this skin disease for the first time, which has very unpleasant symptoms, want to know what psoriasis is and how to get rid of this disease.This is a disease that mainly affects the upper layer of the epidermis and its appendages: the nail plate and bed, hair.According to statistics, psoriasis affects about 4% of the entire world population.Moreover, the disease is more common at a young age: from 18 to 23 years old.
There are many diseases similar to psoriasis, so it is important to know its symptoms in order to choose the right treatment.
In general, you should not self-medicate this disease, as psoriasis develops very quickly and can cause serious complications.A visit to the dermatologist is the only right decision if you detect signs of the disease.
The types
There are many types of this skin disease.When classifying psoriasis, the nature of the rash, the severity of the course and the location of the lesions are taken into account.There are the following main types of psoriasis:
- Plaque psoriasis (common).This is the most common type of disease, occurring in 85% of all patients.It is characterized by the presence of gray or silver-white plaques raised on the surface of the skin, which peel off easily.Psoriasis vulgaris is another name for this form of the disease.
- Pharyngeal psoriasis.The damaging elements in this type of disease resemble dots or points from red to purple.
- Pustular psoriasis.The most severe form of this skin disease.It is characterized by the presence of pustules on the body - blisters filled with clear, uninfected fluid.When the disease is advanced, the fluid becomes purulent.
- Psoriatic damage to the nails (onychodystrophy).The symptoms of psoriasis of this form affect the nail plates and the area around them: the shade of the nail changes, spots appear on its surface, the skin around the bed thickens, the plate breaks and delaminates.
- Arthropathic psoriasis.The disease is characterized by inflammation of small joints.This form of psoriasis most often leads to disability.
- Inverse psoriasis (folding or reverse).The disease affects skin folds in the groin area, inner thighs, armpits and under the mammary glands (in women).
- Palmoplantar psoriasis.With the development of this form of the disease, all the characteristic symptoms begin to appear in the legs and hands.In severe cases, the disease affects the nails and other areas of the body.
- Seborrheic psoriasis.With this form, rashes are localized on the head, face and back.
Symptoms of the disease
What does psoriasis look like?How not to confuse it with another skin disease?In the initial stage of the disease, the following signs of psoriasis appear:
- the appearance of pink, red or bluish papules on the skin, located symmetrically in specific areas of the body;
- general weakness;
- chronic fatigue;
- depression or apathy.
Gradually, the rash combines into plaques - easily removable scaly formations.The area of inflammation increases towards the edges.
At this stage of psoriasis, there are signs that can help distinguish the disease from other skin diseases.If you scratch the scales, you can observe the phenomenon of the psoriatic triad, formed by the following symptoms:
- stearin stain: after scratching the plaque, silvery white scales are separated, resembling stearin chips;
- terminal film: at the site of the scratched formation, a very thin shiny film remains, covering the papule;
- "Bloody dew": at the site of the removed terminal film, pinpoint bleeding may appear, which occurs due to damage to the subcutaneous vascular network.
Symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on the specific stage of the disease and the season.In most patients, the manifestations of psoriasis intensify in winter.The "summer" form of the disease is quite rare, as the patient's condition improves under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.
How does psoriasis appear in different stages?In total, there are 3 stages of disease development.
- In the progressive stage, new rashes constantly appear and the existing plaques increase in size.The patient feels severe itching, the skin peels all the time.
- What does psoriasis look like in the stationary phase?During this period, the growth of the papules stops.Small folds are observed in the plate area.There is still intense itching.
- In the regression phase, the plaques begin to disappear, the peeling disappears and the itching ceases to bother.Pigmented areas may appear at the site of formations.
Some types of psoriasis have distinct symptoms.
For example, when the scalp is touched, plaques that resemble dandruff first appear.In this case, only the skin suffers;the condition and growth of the hair are not affected by the disease.From the head, rashes spread to the area behind the ears, neck and forehead.
The appearance of psoriasis on the palms and feet is accompanied by thickening of the skin and the appearance of cracks.In the initial stage of the disease, pustules with transparent contents are formed, which gradually become purulent.Later, at the site of such formations, wounds appear, causing discomfort and pain during physical activities (manual work, walking).In the future, the disease can spread to the back of the hands and fingers.
Psoriasis of the nails has the following description: first of all, the plate is covered with small pits, reminiscent of needle marks, changes color and begins to crumble and melt.The tissue around the nail becomes thick and inflamed.
The main reasons
The pathogenesis of psoriasis has not been fully studied to date.Scientists have presented several theories as to why this disease occurs.There are two main causes of psoriasis.
- The causes of the disease are a malfunction of the immune system.Cells that are designed to protect the body from bacteria and viruses enter the upper layer of the epidermis, where they produce substances that promote the inflammatory process.Because of this, skin cells divide rapidly and the affected area thickens.This theory is supported by a study of a psoriatic plaque, which revealed a large accumulation of immune cells.
- The skin disease psoriasis is caused by damage to the division and maturation of epithelial cells.As a result of this pathology, the diseased skin cells are attacked by immune cells.
The development of psoriasis is influenced by a number of factors.The risk of disease increases if the body is affected by some of the following conditions at the same time.
- Having dry and thin skin.Experts noted that those with thick, oily and hydrated skin rarely suffer from psoriasis.This is due to the structural features of the epidermis and the protective functions of sebum.
- Excessive love for hygiene.An unjustified desire to constantly keep the body clean, the too frequent use of soap and washcloths damages the skin and reduces its protective properties.
- Bad habits.When you smoke and drink alcohol, the condition of the epidermis worsens: subcutaneous blood circulation and tissue nutrition are interrupted.
- Negative factors from outside.According to statistics, skin disease appears more often in those who regularly come into contact with detergents, household chemicals, alcoholic solutions, etc.
- Medicines.Chronic use of certain medications, for example, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, can cause psoriasis symptoms.
- Infectious diseases.Often, the pathology appears immediately after an illness caused by a fungus or staphylococcus.
- Climate change.It happens that for the development of psoriasis it is enough to move to a different climatic zone.
- Skin damage.By constantly wearing uncomfortable clothes with rough seams or shoes of poor quality, the habit of scratching the same area can cause the first symptoms of psoriasis to appear.
- Stress.Psychological and physical shocks (for example, prolonged hypothermia) to the body can precede the onset of the disease.
- Severe eating disorders.The course of the disease can be complicated by the abuse of sweet foods, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, smoked meat and salty foods.
- Genetic predisposition.Is it possible to inherit psoriasis?According to scientists, the genes responsible for the activity of the immune system are carriers of the disease.This is why the disease is transmitted from parents to children.
The life of patients with psoriasis
Despite the fact that psoriasis is not a contagious disease and cannot be transmitted through physical contact with a patient, many patients consider themselves excluded from society, and therefore experience severe psychological distress.
The biggest problem is the presence of rashes on the head, ears and face. More than half of those affected constantly focus on their appearance and fear public condemnation and rejection from society, as psoriasis often looks like lichen.As the disease progresses, a person limits communication with people.Only a quarter of patients with psoriasis do not experience stress because of their appearance.
The disease also causes severe physical discomfort.Constant itching and burning limit the patient's ability to work, interfere with proper rest, often cause insomnia and interfere with exercise.Psoriatic arthritis adds joint pain to the unpleasant symptoms.
Psychological anxiety combined with physical discomfort can provoke severe depression and some patients even experience social phobia.The long-term and expensive treatment of the disease also negatively affects the patient, taking away his strength and interfering with his socialization.
Why is psoriasis dangerous?
In the initial stage, the disease causes a person discomfort accompanied by the manifestation of symptoms: itching, burning, skin.
If psoriasis is not treated, it becomes advanced, which is dangerous for the patient's health and even life.
In many cases, the following dangerous complications develop:
- pathological changes occur in metabolic processes;
- heart function deteriorates, there is a risk of stroke, myocarditis;
- there are interruptions in kidney and liver activity;
- the joints are affected (most often the phalanges of the fingers, elbows, knees);
- mucous membranes are affected: eyes, gastrointestinal tract, bladder;
- as a result of severe psoriasis, the brain and nervous system are affected;
- potency may weaken in men;
- due to the spread of plaques throughout the skin, the respiratory function of the skin and the activity of the sweat and fat glands are disrupted;
- thermoregulation is disrupted, which leads to inflammation of the epidermis, and this can cause blood poisoning and, as a result, death.
The consequence of a severe disease can be erythroderma.
This complication occurs in only 2% of all patients.In the initial stage, it is characterized by the appearance of bright red lesions on the skin, reminiscent of burns.Over time, scales appear in such areas, which peel off in large layers.The skin in this area becomes hot and very sensitive.Other symptoms also appear: a feeling of tightness, constant itching, brittle nails, severe hair loss, enlarged lymph nodes.
If you find signs of psoriasis, you should immediately contact a dermatologist.The formulation of the diagnosis is based on an external examination of the skin and nails.Additional tests, as a rule, are not prescribed.If the patient complains of joint pain, X-rays and blood tests are done to rule out other types of arthritis.
Only a doctor can make the correct diagnosis and decide how to treat psoriasis.
Treatment methods
It should be noted right away that psoriasis cannot be completely cured.
Winston Churchill also said: "I will raise a monument of pure gold to the one who can learn everything about psoriasis and find an effective treatment for this disease."
External preparations
Whatever the causes of psoriasis, first of all, the doctor prescribes local remedies that help relieve unpleasant symptoms.Initially, creams, ointments and non-hormonal creams are used, which contain tar, oil, zinc or medicinal herbs.In most cases, such drugs help to forget the unpleasant signs of psoriasis after 3-4 weeks of use.
If non-hormonal ointments are ineffective, hormone-based drugs for psoriasis are used.They should be used strictly as prescribed by a specialist, in no case exceeding the dose or increasing the course of treatment.With the help of hormonal ointments, you can quickly forget what it is - psoriasis, but there is a high risk of serious side effects.
Even newer local drugs must be used in combination with other drugs.In addition to ointments, enterosorbents are also prescribed, which will remove toxic substances from the tissues, and immunosuppressants, designed to reduce the reaction of the immune system.Treatment is impossible without taking vitamin complexes, especially vitamins B, A, C, D.
Physiotherapy
These methods of treating psoriasis are widely used at any stage of the disease.Procedures such as baths, phototherapy and ultraviolet radiation give excellent results.
New methods of treating the disease include cryotherapy, electrosleep, hirudotherapy and PUVA therapy.
In advanced forms of the disease, the use of ultraviolet light has a good effect.Thanks to this method, in just 20-30 procedures, damaged cells are destroyed, peeling is eliminated, damaged skin is restored and the immune system returns to normal.Before performing the full procedure, a trial session is performed, exposing a small area of the patient's body to radiation.If the skin reaction is normal, a full course is prescribed.In the summer, the patient is offered to continue the ultraviolet treatment under natural sunlight.
Traditional medicine
Folk remedies for any type of psoriasis can only be used in consultation with a doctor.
It is important to understand that the severe symptoms of psoriasis cannot be eliminated at home.
Traditional recipes only help to soften cracked skin and temporarily eliminate itching.The following products received the best reviews among patients.
Tar:
- in the first days of the onset of the disease, apply tar to the affected areas with a cotton swab for 10 minutes, then wash with tar soap;
- on days 4-5, increase the duration of the procedure to 40 minutes;
- the full course of treatment is 12 days;
- It is best to use tar before going to bed, as its smell disappears completely at night.
Celandine:
- pass through a meat grinder some celandine bushes, uprooted;
- Squeeze the juice from the resulting mass;
- lubricate any affected area of the body with liquid;
- repeat the procedure until the external signs of the disease disappear completely.
Eggs and vinegar:
- prepare the ointment by beating 2 eggs and 20 ml of vegetable oil;
- add 10 ml of acetic acid to the mass;
- Lubricate rashes and plaques with the resulting product every night;
- course of treatment: 3-4 weeks.
Plants:
- grind 20 g of St. John's wort, 20 g of celandine root, 10 g of marigold flowers and 10 g of propolis into a paste (it is better to do this in a clay bowl);
- add 20 ml of vegetable oil to medicinal plants;
- Apply the prepared product to the affected areas three times a day;
- You can stop the treatment as soon as the visible signs of the disease disappear.
Blackberry infusion:
- pour 0.5 liters of boiled water into 10 g of blackberry leaves and flowers;
- leave the infusion in room conditions for half an hour;
- take 80 ml of infusion every time the itching increases after eating;
- course of treatment - 10 days.
diets
Whatever psoriasis treatment methods are used, without following a special diet, it will not be possible to achieve much improvement.To adjust the diet, it is better to contact a specialist who will create a menu taking into account the individual characteristics of a particular patient.To ensure that the entry "psoriasis" no longer appears in the medical history, you must know and follow the general rules of nutrition for patients.In case of this disease, the following should be excluded from the menu:
- any nuts;
- citrus fruits;
- smoked meat;
- spices;
- salinity;
- spicy dishes;
- fatty foods;
- alcohol;
- blue cheese.
If your medical history includes a diagnosis of psoriasis, you should ensure that your diet is balanced.Every day on the table should be foods that supply the body with all the necessary substances.
It is especially important to get fatty acids, which are contained in sufficient quantities by all types of fish.
Recommendations for the patient
In order to forget for a long time what kind of disease afflicted you, regardless of what type of psoriasis you had, follow these important rules during and after treatment:
- use gentle skin care: wash with warm water and a neutral product, do not rub the body with a towel, but wipe gently;
- give up for a while the usual cosmetics, avoid using products that are new to you;
- When doing any household work, wear protective gloves;
- limit contact with allergens;
- wear clothes and shoes made of natural fabrics without rough seams;
- drink at least 1.5 liters of clean water per day.
You must understand that it is impossible to completely cure psoriasis.However, if you choose the right means to fight this disease, you can get rid of its unpleasant symptoms and achieve lasting remission.
Keep your skin clean, pay attention to the smallest changes in its condition, and if you have suspicious symptoms, contact a specialist.Taking care of your body will allow you to always stay healthy and beautiful.To be updated with interesting information and current news, subscribe to our articles and be sure to share them with friends on social networks.See you again!
This article has exclusive educational, encyclopedic and informative functions.It is necessary to get your doctor's approval before using the tips and recommendations described in this article.You should not self-medicate!