How to recognize psoriasis?What kind of disease is this?Why does my skin hurt?

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, hairs.According to statistics, psoriasis affects approximately 4% of the entire world population.Furthermore, 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 the symptoms to choose the right treatment.

In general, you should not self-medicate with this disease, as psoriasis develops very quickly and can cause serious complications.A visit to a dermatologist is the only right decision if you discover signs of the disease.

Species

There are many varieties 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 and occurs in 85% of all patients.It is characterized by the presence of grayish or silvery-white plaques raised above the surface of the skin, which come off easily.Psoriasis vulgaris is another name for this form of the disease.
• Guttate psoriasis.Harmful elements in this type of disease look like red to purple droplets or dots.
• Pustular psoriasis.The most severe form of this skin disease.It is characterized by the presence of pustules on the body: vesicles filled with clear, non-infected fluid.When the disease is advanced, the fluid becomes purulent.
• Psoriatic damage to the nails (onychodystrophy).Symptoms of psoriasis of this form affect the nails and the surrounding area: the shade of the nail changes, spots appear on its surface, the skin around the bed thickens, the plaque cracks and delaminates.

• Arthropathic psoriasis.The disease is characterized by inflammation of small joints.This form of psoriasis very often leads to disability.
• Inverse psoriasis (fold or inverse).The disease affects the skin folds in the groin area, on the inner thighs, under the 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 on the feet and hands.In severe cases, the disease affects the nails and other areas of the body.
• Seborrheic psoriasis.With this form, the 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 occur:

• the appearance on the skin of pink, red or bluish papules, 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 grows towards the edges.

At this stage of psoriasis there are signs that can help distinguish the disease from other skin disorders.If you scratch off the scales, you can observe the phenomenon of the psoriatic triad, formed by the following symptoms:

• stearin stain: after scraping the plaque, silvery-white scales separate, similar to stearin shavings;
• terminal film: in correspondence with the scraped formation, a very thin and shiny film remains, which covers the papule;
• “bloody dew”: at the site of the removed terminal film, pinpoint bleeding may appear, which occurs due to injury 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 manifest itself in different stages?In total, there are 3 stages of development of the disease.

1. In the progressive phase, new rashes constantly appear, and existing plaques increase in size.The patient feels severe itching, the skin peels off continuously.
2. What does psoriasis look like in the stationary phase?During this period, the growth of papules stops.Small folds are observed in the area of the plaques.There is still intense itching.
3. In the regression phase, the plaques begin to disappear, the peeling disappears and the itching stops tormenting.At the site of the formations, pigmented areas may appear.

Some types of psoriasis have distinctive symptoms.

For example, when the scalp is affected, dandruff-like plaques appear first.In this case only the skin suffers;hair condition and growth are not affected by the disease.From the head, the rashes spread to the area behind the ears, neck and forehead.

The appearance of psoriasis on the palms and feet is accompanied by a 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.Subsequently, scars appear at the site of such formations, causing discomfort and pain during physical activity (working with hands, walking).In the future, the disease can be transmitted to the backs of the hands and fingers.

Nail psoriasis has the following description: first of all, the plaque becomes covered with small depressions, resembling needle marks, changes color and begins to flake and flake.The tissue around the nail becomes thick and inflamed.

Main reasons

The pathogenesis of psoriasis has not yet been fully studied.Scientists have put forward several theories as to why this disease occurs.There are two main causes of psoriasis.

1. The causes of the disease are a malfunction of the immune system.Cells designed to protect the body from bacteria and viruses enter the upper layer of the epidermis, where they produce substances that trigger the inflammatory process.Because of this, skin cells divide rapidly and the affected area thickens.This theory is supported by a study on psoriatic plaque, which revealed a large accumulation of immune cells.
2. Psoriasis, a skin disease, is caused by impaired division and maturation of epithelial cells.As a result of this pathology, 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 more than one of the following conditions at the same time.

• Have dry, thin skin.Experts have noted that those with thick, oily, hydrated skin rarely suffer from psoriasis.This is due to the structural characteristics of the epidermis and the protective functions of sebum.
• Excessive love for hygiene.An unjustified desire to constantly keep the body clean, too frequent use of soap and washcloths damages the skin and reduces its protective properties.
• Bad habits.When smoking and drinking alcohol, the condition of the epidermis worsens: subcutaneous blood circulation and tissue nutrition are disrupted.
• Negative factors coming from outside.According to statistics, skin diseases appear more often in those who regularly come into contact with detergents, household chemicals, alcoholic solutions, etc.
• Medicines.Chronic use of some medications, such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants, can cause symptoms of psoriasis.
• Infectious diseases.Often the pathology occurs 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 lesions.Constantly wearing uncomfortable clothes with rough seams or poor-quality shoes, the habit of scratching the same area can cause the first symptoms of psoriasis to appear.
• Stress.Both 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.

Life of psoriasis patients

Although psoriasis is not a contagious disease and cannot be transmitted through physical contact with a patient, many patients consider themselves marginalized from society, which is why they 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 are afraid of public condemnation and rejection from society, since psoriasis often resembles lichen.As the disease progresses, a person limits communication with people.Only a quarter of psoriasis patients do not experience stress due to their appearance.

The disease also causes serious physical discomfort.Constant itching and burning limit the patient's ability to work, interfere with adequate rest, often cause insomnia, and interfere with exercise.Psoriatic arthritis adds joint pain to the unpleasant symptoms.

Psychological anxiety combined with physical discomfort can result in severe depression, and some patients even experience a social phobia.The long and expensive treatment of the disease also negatively affects the patient, also taking away his strength and interfering with his socialization.

Why is psoriasis dangerous?

In the initial stage, the disease causes discomfort to a person associated with the manifestation of symptoms: itching, burning, peeling.

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 worsens, there is a risk of stroke, myocarditis;
• there are disruptions in the activity of the kidneys and liver;
• the joints are affected (most often the phalanges of the fingers, elbows, knees);
• the mucous membranes are affected: eyes, gastrointestinal tract, bladder;
• due to severe psoriasis, the brain and nervous system are affected;
• potency can weaken in men;
• due to the spread of plaques throughout the skin, the respiratory function of the skin and the activity of 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 an aggravated disease can be erythroderma.

This complication occurs in only 2% of all patients.In the initial phase, it is characterized by the appearance of bright red lesions on the skin, reminiscent of burns.Over time, scales appear on these areas and peel off in large layers.The skin in this area becomes hot and very sensitive.Other symptoms also appear: feeling of tightness, constant itching, brittle nails, severe hair loss, swollen lymph nodes.

If you find signs of psoriasis, you should contact a dermatologist immediately.The formulation of the diagnosis is based on an external examination of the skin and nails.No additional tests are usually 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 erect a monument of pure gold to anyone who can learn everything about psoriasis and find an effective cure for this disease.”

External preparations

Whatever the cause of psoriasis, first of all the doctor prescribes local remedies that help relieve unpleasant symptoms.First, non-hormonal lotions, ointments and creams that contain tar, oil, zinc or medicinal herbs are used.In most cases, such drugs help to forget about 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 dosage or increasing the course of treatment.With the help of hormonal ointments, you can quickly forget what it is - psoriasis, but the risk of serious side effects is high.

Even newer local drugs must be used in combination with other drugs.In addition to ointments, enterosorbents are prescribed that will remove toxic substances from 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 psoriasis treatment methods are widely used at every stage of the disease.Procedures such as baths, phototherapy and ultraviolet irradiation provide 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 carrying out the complete procedure, a test session is carried out, exposing a small area of the patient's body to the rays.If the skin reaction is normal, a full course is prescribed.In summer, the patient is offered to continue ultraviolet treatment under the natural rays of the sun.

Traditional medicine

Folk remedies for any type of psoriasis can be used only after consulting a doctor.

It is important to understand that severe symptoms of psoriasis cannot be eliminated at home.

Traditional recipes only help to soften scaly skin and temporarily eliminate itching.The following products have received the best reviews among patients.

Tar:

• in the first days after 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 entire treatment cycle lasts 12 days;
• It is best to use tar before going to bed, as its smell completely disappears during the night.

Celandine:

• pass through a meat grinder several bushes of celandine, uprooted;
• Squeeze the juice from the resulting mass;
• lubricate each affected area of the body with juice;
• repeat the procedure until the external signs of the disease completely disappear.

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;
• treatment cycle: 3-4 weeks.

Herbs:

• grind into a paste 20 g of St. John's wort flowers, 20 g of celandine root, 10 g of calendula flowers and 10 g of propolis (it is best to do this in an earthenware bowl);
• add 20 ml of vegetable oil to the medicinal herbs;
• Apply the prepared product to the affected areas three times a day;
• You can stop treatment as soon as the visible signs of the disease disappear.

Elderberry infusion:

• pour 0.5 liters of boiled water into 10 g of elderberry leaves and flowers;
• leave the infusion at ambient conditions for half an hour;
• take 80 ml of infusion every time the itching increases after eating;
• course of treatment - 10 days.

Diet

Whatever method of psoriasis treatment is used, without following a special diet, it will not be possible to achieve great improvements.To adapt 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 item "psoriasis" no longer appears in the anamnesis, it is necessary to know and follow the general rules of nutrition of patients.In case of this disease, the following should be excluded from the menu:

• any nuts;
• citrus fruits;
• smoked meats;
• spices;
• salinity;
• spicy dishes;
• fatty foods;
• alcohol;
• blue cheese.

If your medical history includes a diagnosis of psoriasis, you need to make sure your diet is balanced.Every day there should be foods on the table that provide the body with all the necessary substances.

It is especially important to obtain fatty acids, which are contained in sufficient quantities in all types of fish.

Recommendations for the patient

To forget for a long time what kind of disease tormented 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 pat gently;
• give up your usual cosmetics for a while, avoid using products that are new to you;
• When carrying out household work, wear protective gloves;
• limit contact with allergens;
• wear clothes and shoes made from natural fabrics without rough seams;
• drink at least 1.5 liters of clean water a day.

You need to understand that it is impossible to completely cure psoriasis.However, if you choose the right means to combat this disease, you can eliminate its unpleasant symptoms and achieve stable remission.

Keep your skin clean, pay attention to the slightest 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 stay updated on 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 exclusively educational, encyclopedic and informative functions.You must get your doctor's approval before using the tips and recommendations described in this article.You shouldn't self-medicate!