Psoriasis is an unpleasant skin disease in which the body becomes covered with red rashes that merge into spots.A person may be bothered by itching, which prevents him from falling asleep, and if complications occur in the form of arthritis, severe pain in the joints may occur.Psoriasis significantly affects the quality of life.Studies show that patients feel as bad as those who have had a heart attack, heart failure or severe hypertension.
Unfortunately, doctors have not yet found the answer to the question of how to cure psoriasis.Everything that is offered by the pharmaceutical industry and medicine - ointments, creams, ultraviolet radiation, immunity drugs - brings only temporary relief.Other measures - psychotherapy, taking vitamins, diet for psoriasis - do not cure, but help improve the condition.
Psoriatic disease
Psoriasis on the head
How does scalp psoriasis manifest itself?
- The first lesions appear in the form of scaling on the back of the head.
- Then the peeling spreads further, the skin itches and itches.In the initial stage of psoriasis, patients tend to believe that they only have dandruff and intensely search for a remedy to get rid of it.Contacting doctors is often ineffective: a dermatologist can confuse lesions with seborrheic dermatitis and prescribe shampoos for it.
- In the next stage, the itching becomes unbearable, the patient injures the skin by scratching until it bleeds.
- Later, red plaques and bumps appear that a person easily hurts when scratching.
- The plaques become covered with gray particles that gradually cover the entire scalp.The particles are epithelium exfoliated from the surface.
- Subsequently, psoriasis spreads to the smooth scalp, not covered by hair.
Skin psoriasis
Cutaneous psoriasis is a non-infectious skin lesion that affects approximately 4% of the population.The reasons have not been fully identified, but the main version is a genetic disease.An equally popular opinion is that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease.Versions of the infectious origin of the disease deserve attention.
Nail psoriasis
Depending on how the nail plate is damaged, there are:
- Change in color of the nail bed.
- The appearance of grooves and spot damage on the plate.
- Corrosion or, conversely, thickening of the nail.
- Thickening of the skin under the nail plate.
The diagnosis of nail psoriasis is possible after adequate testing for the presence of fungi.But sometimes even this type of study does not completely exclude the disease, since a fungal infection can accompany existing psoriasis.
Psoriasis in adults
Psoriasis in women
Psoriasis in pregnant women
Psoriasis is a chronic disease with periods of exacerbations and improvements.How does it behave during pregnancy?Observations show that pregnant women feel much better: they are less worried about the manifestations of the disease, even if during this period all treatments are almost completely canceled so as not to harm the unborn child.
Sometimes the disease does not disappear completely even during pregnancy and medications are needed.If necessary, it is best to treat psoriasis with products that do not contain hormones.
Psoriasis in breastfeeding mothers
How to treat psoriasis for breastfeeding mothers?Many drugs that do not have a systemic effect and are not transmitted through milk are allowed:
- Hormonal drugs, provided they are used under the supervision of a doctor and in case of emergency, on small areas of the body.
- Moisturizing creams (also for children's skin).
- Fats and oily creams that can moisturize the skin by being retained in the stratum corneum.
- Treatment of psoriasis with salicylic ointment is allowed.
- To achieve an anti-allergic effect, various absorbents can be used.
- The use of phototherapy (without oral administration of photosensitizers) is permitted.
Psoriasis in men
Psoriasis is a little less common among men than among women.The course of the disease in men can be milder: the manifestations are less pronounced and the disease begins on average at a later age than in women.Otherwise, the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis are almost the same in both sexes.
A characteristic of men is the localization of psoriasis in the glans area.Since the disease manifests itself without characteristic peeling, the diagnosis can be difficult, especially if the patient turns not to a dermatologist, but to a urologist, whose specific work does not imply close familiarity with the symptoms of psoriasis.
Psoriasis in children
During childhood, psoriasis can bring a lot of suffering to a child, because it is accompanied by itching, pain, and if the joints are affected, their mobility can be limited.And peers sometimes lack tact and tease children with “lichen”, having no idea about the true non-infectious nature of the disease.
How does childhood psoriasis manifest itself?It is characterized by different forms:
- Localization in typical places - on the extensor surfaces of the limbs, on the buttocks.
- Nail damage.
- Psoriasis on the scalp, on the scalp.
The exact causes of psoriasis in children are unknown, but the main cause is believed to be a genetic defect.Versions of an unfavorable external environment are also taken into account: exposure to allergens, rubbing of the skin with clothing, chronic and acute stress.Finally, another possible cause of the disease is previous infections.
Psoriasis: symptoms
Symptoms of psoriasis in adults
The symptoms of psoriasis are so characteristic that they allow for an accurate and rapid diagnosis.The main manifestation of the disease is red, scaly spots (plaques) on the surface of the skin, consisting of papules.Patients are concerned about severe itching and signs of inflammation in the area of the spots.One of the characteristics of psoriasis is the spread of plaques where skin lesions are present: microtraumas, scratches, cracks.The preferred localization of rashes is on the head under the hair, on the extensor surfaces of the joints, on the lower back and sacrum, in all natural folds of the skin.
Psoriasis has a wavy course, in which periods of exacerbation are spontaneously replaced by remission.Many patients note that they cannot connect any events in their life with the started exacerbation.During this period, the symptoms of psoriasis manifest themselves more clearly: peeling intensifies, the redness of the spots becomes clearly bright, and due to peeling of the skin scales and infection, suppuration of the plaques is possible.
Symptoms of psoriasis in children
Psoriasis in children is almost as common as atopic dermatitis.It manifests itself in several characteristic forms of childhood:
- Teardrop-shaped: Red bumps that appear after injuries and infections.They are often confused with allergies.
- License plates.It manifests itself with the same symptoms as the corresponding form in adults.
- The pustular form is rare and is usually caused by infections, anxiety, or taking certain medications.The disease is expressed in the spread of pustules on the skin - vesicles with purulent liquid contents.As with plaques, the danger comes from scratching the pustule and possible infection.
- The erythrodermic form is characterized by the spread of lesions throughout the body, severe inflammation and itching of the skin, fever and fever.The severe course of the disease requires urgent hospitalization of the child.
- Psoriatic arthritis is one of the forms and at the same time a complication of psoriasis.It appears against the background of an existing disease and is expressed in pain and swelling of the joints, muscle stiffness.
- A particular form of the disease is the so-called diaper psoriasis, in which rashes cover the baby's buttocks and are therefore mistaken by the pediatrician and the mother for an irritation caused by contact with urine and feces.
Forms of psoriasis
There is still no generally accepted classification of psoriasis.The following forms are distinguished:
- License plate (ordinary).
- exudative.
- Arthropathic.
- Pustular.
- Psoriatic erythroderma.
- Scalp psoriasis.
- Psoriasis of the folds.
- Psoriasis of the palms and soles.
In the same patient, some clinical variants of the disease of different severity can be observed.
Pustular form
Psoriasis sometimes presents as pustular skin lesions.It is characterized by the formation of pustules-vesicles filled with purulent or sterile contents.The size of the bubbles can reach 2.5-3 cm.The favorite location for rashes are the extensor areas of the arms, legs and torso.Pustular psoriasis on the scalp is common.The surface of the patient's body is red and warm.Patients complain of fever and fever, general malaise.
Exudative form
The exudative form is characterized by the appearance of large plaques on the surface of the skin, which then, unlike psoriasis vulgaris, become covered with yellow-brown crusts.
A feature of exudative psoriasis is the atypical localization of skin rashes.Unlike other forms, they occupy surfaces on the folds of the arms and legs and in the folds of the skin.Due to friction from clothing and irritation, the rash can become injured and then infected.
Stages of psoriasis
Early stage of psoriasis
Different scales are used to evaluate the severity of psoriasis and its stage, which include:
- Area of skin rashes.
- The severity of the disease (redness, itching, swelling and exudate, surface bleeding).
- General symptoms (emotional and general physical state).
- The influence of the disease on a person's lifestyle and social functions.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of previous therapeutic attempts.
The initial stage of psoriasis is the stage when the skin surface is damaged no more than 3%, nails and joints are not affected.At this time it is possible to achieve a stable remission of the disease.
Intermediate stage of psoriasis
The intermediate stage of psoriasis corresponds to skin lesions ranging from 3 to 10% of the skin.
Severe stage of psoriasis
The severe stage of psoriasis is more than 10% skin damage or the development of psoriatic arthritis in any area of the rash.The disease at this stage causes considerable inconvenience and suffering to patients, since arthritis can be accompanied by pain, and a large area of \u200b\u200brash is accompanied by debilitating itching and insomnia.
Psoriasis: causes
Causes of psoriasis in adults
The causes of psoriasis have not yet been fully identified.Of course, science has made progress in studying the disease, but the exact answer to the question of why psoriasis occurs has not yet been found.It is known for certain that dermatosis is not contagious, which means that the cause is most likely not due to an infection.Researchers are inclined to believe that the disease is multifactorial in nature: both metabolic disorders and immune problems are to blame.
Causes of psoriasis in children
Psoriasis in children appears against the background of infectious diseases, emotional stress, cold climate, excessive tanning and herbs.The trigger for the development of the disease may be frequent contact with allergens.
Diagnosis of psoriasis
Visual examination and identification of the psoriatic triad
Psoriasis disease has characteristic symptoms that allow the doctor to accurately diagnose the disease using a visual examination of the skin:
- “Stearin stain” – if the plaque is scraped off, stearin-like chips form.
- “Terminal film” - after the scales are removed from the surface of the papule, a polyethylene film-like surface becomes visible in their place.
- “Blood dew” - after continuing to scrape the surface that appears from under the plaque, bleeding occurs in the form of drops.
Unlike the skin form, nail psoriasis is diagnosed by a dermatologist not by a triad of symptoms, but by other signs:
- Change in color of the nail bed.
- Corroded nail.
- Grooves located on the nail.
- Small dots on the nail plate, resembling pricks with a sewing needle.
- Increase the thickness of the skin under the nail.
- Thickening and changing the shape of the nail, growth in the finger.
Laboratory research
Based on the structure and characteristics of the cells of the fragment, a specialist can determine the origin of the rash: in psoriasis, an increase in the number of Kidney bodies, increased proliferation of keratinocytes and an accumulation of T lymphocytes and macrophages in the skin layer is observed.
Psoriasis: treatment
Treatment of psoriasis in adults
How to treat psoriasis?Medicine has not yet given a comprehensive answer to this question, but the principles of therapy were developed a long time ago.They can be divided into three groups:
- Eliminate the cause of the disease.
- Relieve symptoms.
- Strengthen immunity.
The goal of all types of treatment is to make the disease regress for as long as possible.
The effectiveness of the therapy varies in each individual case.
Treatment of psoriasis in children
Treatment of psoriasis in childhood is aimed at quickly achieving long-term remission and is not fundamentally different from therapy for adults:
- Follow a hypoallergenic diet with the usual composition of foods: excluding fried, salty, spicy vegetables and fruits, containing preservatives that can cause allergies.
- Create an allergen-free life (down pillows, dusty old things).
- Follow hygiene advice (proper washing, drying and hydrating damaged skin).
- Physiotherapy.Electrosleep, phototherapy, magnetotherapy, ultrasound and laser can be used.The use of photochemotherapy, because of its potential for harm, is recommended for children aged 15 and older.
- Sanatorium-resort treatment with mineral baths and therapeutic mud.
- Local treatment with hormonal and non-hormonal ointments and creams prescribed by the doctor based on the severity of the disease, the intensity of the skin manifestations and the individual response.
- If local treatment is not enough, children may be prescribed drugs and systemic procedures (UVA photochemotherapy, drugs that affect the immune system, retinoids).
Drugs for the treatment of psoriasis
Psoriasis cream
Which creams are most popular in the treatment of psoriasis?
- Containing synthetic hormones.They are good because they quickly and effectively relieve itching and inflammation and help reduce the size of psoriatic plaques.Hormone creams have many side effects and should be used strictly as directed and under the supervision of a doctor.
- Non-hormonal creams have the same effect as hormonal ones, but take much longer to appear after prolonged use.Therefore, they are not used as an ambulance.But, unlike hormones, such creams are not addictive and have almost no side effects.
Ointment for psoriasis
Like creams, ointments are hormonal and non-hormonal:
- Hormonal ones contain hormones, from the weakest to the strongest fourth-generation drugs.Ointments are prescribed by a doctor and can be stopped by gradually reducing the dosage.
- Non-hormonal ointment for psoriasis moisturizes the skin, relieves inflammation and itching, and heals wounds.
Physiotherapy as a remedy for psoriasis
The procedures are aimed at achieving various therapeutic effects:
- The main type of physiotherapy is phototherapy (or photochemotherapy).The treatment consists of treating the surface of the skin with ultraviolet irradiation of different wavelengths.
- X-ray methods – treatment of the skin surface with soft X-rays.
- Electrosleep is the introduction of a patient into a state of sleep using electrical influence on the brain.The procedure does not treat skin rashes, but helps to reduce excitability and manifestations of neurosis, and thanks to this, the general condition of patients improves.
- Cryotherapy – treatment of the skin surface with nitrogen to accelerate regeneration, relieve inflammation and itching.
- Magnetic therapy is used when psoriasis is complicated by arthritis.
- Laser therapy is primarily used to treat plaque.
How to cure psoriasis at home
What is psoriasis self-treatment at home?
- Organize a hypoallergenic lifestyle: you need to get rid of carpets, down pillows and blankets, try to change furniture to something from which it is easy to remove dust.It is better not to have pets for psoriasis patients, even if animal allergy is not confirmed.Prolonged contact with them can cause allergies in the body.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
- The diet for psoriasis should be healthy and nutritious.
- Elimination of stress and anxiety, because they can serve as a reason for exacerbation.
- Compliance with hygiene rules - refusal of bathing in favor of showering, careful drying, washing and subsequent hydration of the skin with special products prescribed by the doctor.
- Taking medications and carrying out procedures prescribed by a dermatologist depending on the stage of the disease.
- If the doctor has prescribed sun exposure or ultraviolet irradiation, you must strictly adhere to the procedure schedule.
Treatment of psoriasis with folk remedies
What methods are used in folk medicine?
- Birch tar is used in the form of soap or in pure form for application to the affected skin.
- Treatment with soda is based on the hypothesis that psoriasis occurs due to increased acidity of the skin.To neutralize it, it is proposed to treat the surface with an alkaline preparation, which is soda.
- Treatment of psoriasis with folk remedies in the form of fat is based on moisturizing the skin thanks to the fat contained in it.
- Copper sulfate and potassium permanganate are also used to treat psoriasis.For treatment, a solution of vitriol and potassium permanganate is used, which is used to treat the surface of the skin for several hours.
Diet for psoriasis
What does a psoriasis diet allow and even encourage?
- Fiber.It allows you to improve metabolic processes and normalize digestive function.
- Calcium is a generally recognized useful product that has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect, and therefore its presence in the diet is necessary: cottage cheese, dairy products and fermented milk products are mandatory for the patient.
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids are necessary to normalize fat metabolism, help absorb many vitamins and improve the condition of the skin and vascular walls.
- Zinc must be present in the diet to promote protein synthesis, which improves immunity.
- At any stage of psoriasis it is necessary to eat foods rich in antioxidants.
Complications of psoriasis
Psoriatic erythoderma
Psoriatic erythroderma is a complication of psoriasis, in which the patient's entire skin becomes covered with bright red spots.A person's temperature rises, joints ache, lymph nodes swell, and his general condition worsens.The complication is dangerous because it contributes to the development of heart failure, impaired renal and liver function.Flaking and inflammation of the skin lead to dehydration, heat and protein loss.
Generalized pustular psoriasis
Skin psoriasis can be complicated by a rash on the surface of the body in the form of small blisters (pustules) with bright red outlines.As the disease progresses, the pustules coalesce into spots, open or remain intact, then dry to a yellow crust.The places of rashes are the chest, hips and back, extensor areas of the limbs.
Symptoms of pustular psoriasis also include fever, increased temperature, burning, and pain in the area of the rash.
Arthropathic psoriasis
Prolonged skin psoriasis, 5-6 years after its onset, can be complicated by the involvement of the joints in the process.The complication is called arthropathic psoriasis and usually manifests itself in the form of inflammation of the phalanges of the fingers and toes.The fingers swell, the skin in the area of inflammation turns red.In addition, the disease also affects other joints: intervertebral, iliac, calcaneus.
Psoriatic disease in the form of arthropathy has a wave-like course with improvements and exacerbations, sometimes accompanied by skin rashes, but can also occur without skin manifestations.Patients complain of severe pain and limited mobility in the damaged joint.It is easy to identify arthropathic psoriasis in the presence of concomitant skin rashes, and if they are not present, the disease can be confused with other types of arthritis.
Prevention of psoriasis flare-ups
Spa treatment
What is the effect of staying in resorts?
- Mud therapy helps improve skin conditions and relieve inflammation.
- Climate therapy: Exposure to mild heat, sea air and swimming has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the skin and strengthens the immune system.
- Exposure to the sun (heliotherapy) is indicated in moderation.They are good for the skin thanks to the beneficial effects of ultraviolet radiation.However, excessive sun exposure can cause complications of psoriasis, so you should not abuse tanning.
- Hydrogen sulphide baths and thermal waters from natural sources improve capillary blood circulation and promote better skin regeneration.
Ultraviolet irradiation
An excellent remedy for psoriasis is ultraviolet irradiation, which can be natural (solar) or artificial.Ultraviolet treatment comes in several forms:
- PUVA photochemotherapy, when long-wave irradiation is combined with the ingestion of a photosensitizer.
- Narrow wave therapy 311 nm – phototherapy with narrow spectrum rays.
- Combined phototherapy is a combination of medium and long waves.
Lifestyle
What needs to change in patients' daily lives?
- It is recommended to follow a hypoallergenic diet, limit alcohol and drink plenty of clean water (6-8 glasses a day, not counting liquids on the plates).
- Personal hygiene should include showering instead of bathing.
- The air in the rooms should be sufficiently humidified.
- Sun exposure is beneficial for psoriasis patients, as long as it is approved by a doctor.
- To avoid the appearance of new foci of the disease, the skin must be protected from injury.
- In order not to provoke an exacerbation of psoriasis, it is necessary to strengthen the immune system and protect yourself from colds and respiratory viral infections.
- The exact causes of psoriasis are unknown, but stress has been confirmed to cause its exacerbation.Therefore, patients should try to protect themselves from negative emotions, emotional stress and fatigue.It is very important to get enough sleep.
Vitamin therapy courses
Which vitamins are useful in case of skin diseases?
- Retinol (vitamin A).
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E.
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that completely changes a person's life.Diagnosing the disease is not difficult, because “typical” psoriatic rashes are well known to any dermatologist.The causes of skin damage have not yet been precisely established, and no effective means of eliminating it has been invented: neither creams, nor taking hormones, nor ointments for psoriasis guarantee a complete cure.But don't despair!You should always remember that this is not a fatal disease and that with proper treatment, diet, preventive measures and sanatorium treatment you can achieve stable remission.