Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a non-infectious disease that affects a person's skin, nail plates, and joints. The disease is characterized by a wavy course with periods of exacerbations and remissions. The danger of this disease lies not only in the unpleasant sensations it causes, but also in the fact that the disease greatly complicates life, interfering with social adaptation and a normal quality of life. In severe cases, the acute form of the disease can lead to severe depression.

How to get rid of psoriasis, what is this disease, what are the symptoms and treatment of psoriasis? You will learn about this in our article.

Psoriasis: causes

Under normal conditions, the skin of a healthy person is renewed in a month. During this time, dead cells exfoliate and new ones take their place. If there is a malfunction in the skin's renewal mechanism, the maturation process of new cells takes only about a week, disrupting the cellular balance. As a result, cells die much faster.

In the areas affected by the pathological process, there is an excessive proliferation of cells of the immune system, macrophages and cells of the epithelial tissue. Due to this, exfoliation of the skin and the creation of favorable conditions for the inflammatory process is observed. In addition, the processes of formation of new capillaries are accelerated, so that the skin at the site of inflammation becomes red.

Chronic psoriasis is not infectious in nature, so the disease is considered non-infectious. This was established in the 19th century, but until now scientists cannot name the exact reason for its appearance.

Among the reasons that are prerequisites for the development of the disease are:

• Inheritance. If a person's parents or close relatives are predisposed to skin diseases, it is highly likely that it is inherited. This is due to a mutation in some sections of DNA that was found among psoriasis patients, and a similar mutation found in their loved ones.
• Genetic mutations. Violations in the structure of DNA, affecting the violation of skin renewal processes, can not only be inherited, but also manifest at a later age in people whose relatives do not suffer from psoriasis. What causes such genetic changes is unknown.
• Weakening of the immune system. Any violation of the body's defenses can become a trigger for the development of psoriasis.
• Alterations in metabolic processes. Metabolic disorders manifest as changes in the metabolism of fats, nitrogen, carbohydrates, and vitamins in psoriasis. As a result, there is an accumulation of toxins in the body, a decreased ability to adapt, and an increased susceptibility to infections. In addition, patients have an increase in the fractions of bile acids in the blood serum, caused by metabolic disorders.
• External stimuli. Friction, constant contact with chemicals, wearing tight clothing, cuts and insect bites - all this causes the appearance of microtraumas on the skin, which can develop into psoriasis over time.
• Frequent allergic reactionsIf a person has a tendency to atypical reactions of the immune system, manifested in the form of skin rashes, itching and rashes, this is an additional possibility of getting psoriasis.
• Strong experiences or prolonged stressful situations. Any stress causes a weakening of the body's defenses and weakens the immune system. If a person is prone to skin diseases, it can manifest itself precisely at such times. In addition, any stress affects the endocrine processes, which is why significant doses of adrenaline and norepinephrine are released into the blood. This process affects metabolic processes and biochemical reactions, becoming a prerequisite for the development of psoriasis.
• General weakening of the body caused by serious pathologies: atherosclerosis, liver cirrhosis, diabetes, hypertension, etc.
• Unbalanced diet and alcohol abuse. If a person eats too many fatty, smoked, salty, sweet and spicy foods, the likelihood of developing psoriasis increases. Also, in some cases, a prerequisite for the development of the disease is excessive consumption of chocolate and citrus fruits.
• Hormonal surges caused by severe changes in hormone levels during menopause, puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, after an abortion. It is worth noting that the hormonal cause of psoriasis may not be related to the periods indicated above. In this case, we are talking about changing the functioning of the organs of the endocrine system.
• Climate change, living in unfavorable environmental conditions. If a person is prone to psoriasis and moves to a colder area, the disease can get significantly worse. The same applies to staying in areas with highly polluted air and water. However, the climatic factor can hardly be called the root cause of the disease: rather, it acts as a catalyst that activates the "latent" form of the body's tendency to psoriasis.

How to determine if it is psoriasis: symptoms of the disease

First of all, psoriasis is a skin disease. However, in some cases, especially severe, it can affect not only the skin, but also the tendons, internal organs, spine, nail plates and joints. Next, we will look at the signs of psoriasis that appear first and allow you to distinguish psoriasis from other skin conditions.

How does psoriasis start?

On the surface of the skin (most often on the knees, hands, elbows, back, armpits, under the chest, in the sacrum region, on the genitals) and sometimes on the mucous membranes, dry rounded areas appearflushed. Initially, their size is relatively small: each papule is only a couple of millimeters in diameter. However, over time, the affected areas increase, the papules merge with each other and form the so-called psoriatic plaques - their diameter reaches 10 cm and even more.

Initially, the papules do not cause noticeable discomfort to a person. They practically do not sting or sting. However, over time, as plaque grows and builds up, the affected areas thicken and rise slightly above the healthy areas of the skin. This phenomenon is accompanied by itching.

A characteristic feature of psoriasis in the initial stage is the formation of small dry scales with a loose structure on the affected areas of the body. Their color ranges from whitish to yellowish gray, and a fine pinkish-red border can be seen around each plate. Outwardly these areas look a bit like molten paraffin, which is why they are called "paraffin lakes".

At first, the signs of psoriasis on the skin of the body and face can be confused with manifestations of eczema or other skin pathologies. The stage of psoriasis, the so-called psoriatic triad, helps to identify the type of disease.

1. Stearic staining stage. It is characterized by the formation of characteristic stearin-like chips, which appear when the plate is scraped off.
2. Terminal cinema stage. It appears as a smooth, wet, shiny red surface under the scales.
3. Stage of "blood spray". If a person begins to scrape off the terminal film, small drops of blood form on its surface, caused by spot bleeding. In turn, it is caused by the thinning of the vascular network and capillary fragility.

The appearance of psoriasis is also accompanied by symptoms that are not related to the skin. Typically, patients complain of increased fatigue, listlessness, irritability, drowsiness, mood swings, dizziness, nausea, and trouble sleeping.

How does psoriasis manifest itself, in addition to skin lesions?

This disease affects not only the skin, but also other organs and systems. The following manifestations and forms of psoriasis are distinguished:

• Psoriasic arthritis. In some cases, the lesion is not located in the upper areas of the skin, but much deeper. As a result, the disease spreads to the joints. The course of the disease is similar in many ways to the development of rheumatoid arthritis, but there are several differences between them. For example, in psoriatic arthritis, asymmetric joint damage is generally observed, the greatest peak of discomfort occurs in the morning, but the main difference is that rheumatoid factor is absent in the blood of psoriatic arthritis patients.

• Muscle damageIf the disease is in an extremely advanced stage, muscle tissue atrophy may occur after cartilage and joint damage.
• Liver dysfunction. The function of the liver is to clean the blood and remove harmful substances. If in the body there is an increase in the content of toxins, characteristic of psoriasis, the liver suffers from it first.
• The transition of the disease from the skin to the mucous membranes. If the disease is not treated, it progresses and passes to the mucous membranes of the cheeks and genitals, lips and tongue. The mucous membranes swell, foci of inflammation appear in them, accompanied by peeling.
• Damage to the nail plates (psoriatic onychodystrophy). Psoriasis affects the nails quite often. The disease manifests itself in the form of thickening of the nail plates on the hands and feet, a change in their color, the appearance of furrows and dots on them. Inflammatory processes affecting the skin around the nails, bleeding under the nail plate, dryness, delamination and increased fragility of the nails can also be observed. In especially serious cases, we can speak of complete detachment of the nail and its loss.

As you can see, this disease is quite dangerous, so its treatment should be started as soon as possible to avoid its transfer to other organs and systems.

Is psoriasis contagious?

Since the disease is not infectious or viral in nature, it is not contagious at all. The only way of transmission of the disease is a genetic predisposition caused by heredity.

Types of psoriasis

There are several varieties of this disease, each of which has its own characteristics of the course and characteristic symptoms.

• Simple / vulgar / plate / plate / common. According to the International Classification of Diseases - prosiasis vulgaris. This form is more common than others: in about 80-90% of cases of the disease, it is vulgar psoriasis. It is characterized by the appearance of "paraffin lakes" or psoriatic plaques.

• Reverse (inverse psoriasis). This type of disease mainly affects the skin folds, the outer surface of the thighs, the groin area with the external genitalia. The main difference between inverse psoriasis and vulgaris psoriasis is that with the reverse form of the disease, plaques do not form on the skin: the skin is covered with red spots, accompanied by an inflammatory process. The danger of inverse psoriasis is that it progresses with sweat and friction. Due to this, microcracks form on the skin, into which the infection enters. As a result, it can lead to skin lesions with cocci and fungi.
• In the form of a drop (according to ICD - guttate psoriasis). Its difference from other varieties is that the rash with teardrop psoriasis does not combine into large plaques. The patient's body is covered with small spots that resemble drops (hence the name of the disease), the color of which varies from pink to purple.

• Pustular / exudative. If other types of the disease are characterized by dry areas of the skin, pustular or exudative psoriasis can be recognized by oozing blisters filled with clear fluid. In this case, the skin around the blisters usually turns red, the local temperature rises. If the blisters burst or if the patient combs them, there is a danger of infection and subsequent suppuration; this is the main danger of the pustular form of the disease.

• Psoriatic erythroderma. This is one of the most serious forms of the disease, which, if the course is unfavorable, can lead to the death of the patient. Its distinctive feature is exfoliation of the skin, as a result of which an infection with pathogenic microflora can occur. The first sign and symptom of this type of disease: psoriasis manifests itself in the form of severe itching of the skin, small red rashes with white scales, enlarged lymph nodes, swelling of the tissues and an increase in general body temperature to 38-39 degrees. . It is divided into generalized and hypernergic types.

• Seborrheic psoriasis. Most often, this type of disease affects the scalp, but in some cases it can affect the nasolabial folds, the skin near the atria, and the area of the shoulder blades. It is characterized by the appearance of dandruff (when it is located on the head), intense itching and a grayish bloom.

Exacerbation of psoriasis

The disease is characterized by a chronic undulating course with periods of exacerbations and remissions. A decrease in the intensity of symptoms is generally observed in the warm season, while the disease worsens in winter and autumn.

Factors that provoke an exacerbation of the disease can be:

• Stress, anxiety.
• Unbalanced work and rest hours.
• Weakening of the body after suffering an infectious or viral disease.
• A strong hormonal jump.
• Taking some medications.
• Use of inappropriate cosmetics.
• Skin contact with household chemicals.
• Organ system dysfunction.
• Exposure to excessively dry, hot or cold air.
• Intense personal hygiene is not warranted.
• Insect bites.
• Exacerbation of allergic reactions.
• Wear tight synthetic clothing.
• Moving to an unusual climate.

The exacerbation of any skin disease (including psoriasis) produces great discomfort in the patient, not only physical, but also psychological to a greater extent. The quality of life of a person suffering from severe psoriasis in the acute stage is significantly reduced.

Patients with psoriasis often have significant difficulties and problems of social adjustment, which can negatively affect work, school and personal life. A person rejects contact with others and prefers to spend most of the time alone. As a result, you develop social anxiety, which can develop into severe depression over time.

An exacerbation of the disease can lead to the fact that it is difficult for the patient to take care of himself and his loved ones, lead a normal life and even sleep. If the rash is localized in the genital area, it can cause physical and psychological discomfort and cause the couple to reject intimacy.

The severity of the disease

Depending on the area of the skin affected and the extent of the injury to the joints, nails and internal organs, a mild, moderate and severe form of the disease is emitted.

• The mild form involves minor damage to the skin, when the total area of the lesion is approximately 3%.
• The defeat of 3 to 10% of human skin is considered a medium severity of the disease.
• A severe grade means a significant skin lesion, 10% or more of the total skin area.

If a patient is diagnosed with damage to the joints, muscles and internal organs, we are talking about a severe form of the disease, even if there are practically no plaques and papules on the body.

How to get rid of psoriasis: treatment

The question of how to cure psoriasis forever is a matter of concern for everyone who suffers from this disease. Fighting the external manifestations of the disease gives only a temporary result, therefore, in order for the effect to be long-lasting, it is important to eliminate the causes of psoriasis. This usually takes a long time, up to several years. The patient must be patient, but only in this case can he count on a long-term effect.

Next, we will see how to treat psoriasis with medication, hormone therapy, light therapy, and exercise. We also resort to methods to treat psoriasis with home remedies; In combination with traditional therapy, traditional medicine can give remarkable results.

Treatment of psoriasis with medications.

The first thing to do after finding suspicious round rashes, increased dryness and peeling skin on yourself or your loved ones is to seek qualified medical help. Only a dermatologist can determine exactly what type of skin lesion is occurring in your particular case. Remember: in no case should you self-medicate, since the lack of therapy or self-selected medications can cause serious damage to your health.

Usually no skin tests or tests are necessary to diagnose the disease. It is enough for the doctor to see the skin covered with papules or plaques to establish the cause of the injury. If there is a severe form of the disease, the dermatologist may prescribe a referral for tests: general and biochemical studies of blood and urine and, in especially difficult cases, a skin biopsy may also be necessary. X-rays may also be needed to diagnose psoriatic arthritis.

There are several effective treatments for psoriasis. The choice of the appropriate therapy option depends on the degree of damage to the skin, joints, nails and the intensity of the disease progression. Generally, the best option is to opt for a comprehensive treatment regimen that includes the use of local and internal remedies, the use of ultraviolet radiation, salt and soda baths, and physical therapy.

To remove itching and peeling from damaged skin, creams, gels, ointments, sprays, and lotions are used. They can be made from salicylic acid, pyrithione, tar and other active ingredients. The main task of hormonal and non-hormonal external preparations is to soften psoriatic plaques, disinfect, eliminate inflammation, hydrate and nourish the affected skin areas.

In the role of drugs taken orally in the treatment of psoriasis in humans, there are drugs based on efalizubam, gamma-D-glutamyl-D-tryptophan sodium, etc.

A positive result in the treatment of psoriasis of the skin gives a rest in the sea. At the same time, it is advisable to choose complexes with a relatively mild and warm climate. The ideal solution is the treatment in specialized sanatorium and spa establishments, the rest in which it is directed to the complex therapy of psoriasis.

Psoriasis: home treatment

Treating psoriasis with home and home remedies can only be effective if it acts as a complementary therapy that complements the main drug treatment. In addition, you can bet on the recipes of traditional medicine if the patient has allergic reactions to drugs. But in any case, the doctor must decide what to do with psoriasis, so if you want to use this or that popular method, be sure to consult with a dermatologist.

One of the most common traditional medications for psoriasis is the use of baking soda. Baking soda has a soothing effect on psoriatic plaques, softens rough skin, reduces itching, and improves waste removal. On the basis of soft drinks, homemade ointments are prepared, baths are prepared, soft drinks are taken orally, compresses and lotions are made.

In addition, salt baths are an effective method of treating the disease. They become a worthy alternative if the patient does not have the opportunity to travel to the sea.

Celandine juice applied to psoriatic plaques also gives positive results. However, you need to remember that this remedy is quite aggressive, so you need to make sure that the juice does not get to the healthy areas of the skin.

Walnut shells are also used to combat psoriatic plaques. The peel is poured with boiling water, after which it is insisted, the resulting infusion is filtered and added to a warm bath. This remedy is especially effective during periods of exacerbations of the disease.

How to cure psoriasis with diet?

Proper nutrition plays an important role in all skin conditions, and psoriasis is no exception. Of course, a balanced diet cannot be a one hundred percent remedy against psoriasis, but in combination with medication and traditional medicine it gives good results.

During treatment, in addition to prolonging the remission period, doctors recommend giving up alcohol, smoked and salty foods, fatty and spicy foods, the use of artificial flavors, preservatives, emulsifiers and chemical dyes, fatty meats, mayonnaise, ketchup. It is also advisable to reduce the amount of salt, refined sugar, chocolate and other sweets and citrus fruits consumed. Doctors advise focusing on the use of low-fat fermented dairy products, plant foods, cereals, lean meats, and fish.

Despite the fact that during the diet it is desirable to reduce the amount of fats consumed, it is irrational to abandon them completely. You only need to replace animal fat with vegetable oils: olive, linseed, corn, sunflower.

Psoriasis prevention

The stages of psoriasis treatment necessarily include a period of remission. It is important to extend these periods as long as possible. To do this, the patient must adhere to a number of disease prevention rules:

• Avoid stressful situations.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Do not wear tight clothing made of wool and synthetic materials.
• Spend plenty of time outdoors.
• Ensure adequate rest and adequate sleep.
• Take good care of your skin.