Psoriasis has been known to mankind for a long time. For the first time it is mentioned in the Bible, but until now there is no complete understanding of the causes of these skin rashes. Scientists are trying to connect this disease with complex disorders of the immune and endocrine systems, and also consider it hereditary. But absolute success was achieved only in one thing - there was a firm conviction that this disease is not a manifestation of infection of the body. That is, psoriasis is not contagious.
What is psoriasis?
Another name for this disease is lichen scaly. It mainly affects the scalp, the outer part of the elbows and the knees, in which dark pink scaly rashes appear. Of these, psoriatic plaques soon form. They have a pronounced white growth, consisting of dense scales, which provoke cracks in the affected areas, accompanied by itching and the formation of festering wounds. Although the causes of the rashes are not clear, the mechanism of their occurrence is well understood. With the onset of the appearance of psoriatic scales, the life cycle of epidermal cells in these and adjacent areas is sharply reduced to 4-5 days, in contrast to the normal 28-30 days.
Is psoriasis dangerous?
Since its etiology is unclear, but there is convincing evidence that the disease is systemic and affects not only the skin but also internal organs, it leads to the following disorders in the body:
- the appearance of psoriatic-like changes in the mucous membrane of the urethra and bladder
- causes subacute conjunctivitis, lens sclerosis, and other eye and eyelid diseases
- with an exacerbation of the disease, an increase in the liver with hepatocellular insufficiency and splenomegaly is observed
- enlarged lymph nodes
- there is muscle weakness, its atrophy with a tendency to progressive weight loss
It is possible to list the complications that psoriasis provokes for a long time, but from this short list it is clear that the disease is serious and dangerous. The situation is aggravated by the fact that currently therapeutic agents can only control and suppress the course of the disease, but not cure it. Psoriasis is permanent, but can be accompanied by long periods of remission.
What can cause an exacerbation of the disease or provoke its relapse?
Although the manifestations of psoriasis are not systematic, there are factors that can cause the appearance of rashes in various areas of the skin. Therefore, patients should be aware of this and, if possible, be careful of its influence. The following causes aggravate the course of the disease:
- Over weight. It is noted that among those who suffer from psoriasis, the majority of those who have various degrees of obesity.
- Stress. Many patients note that their psychological reaction to traumatic situations and circumstances exacerbates the manifestations of the disease.
- Some medications taken by the patient for various reasons can cause a relapse.
- Hypothermia.
- Damage and scratching of psoriatic plaques. It has been observed that in the vast majority of cases, mechanical irritation of the scaly lichen causes its growth and the appearance of new eruptions in nearby areas.
- water procedures. In some people, after bathing or swimming in a pond, an exacerbation of the course of the disease is observed.
- Sun rays. Doctors consider moderate exposure to sunlight in psoriasis to be beneficial. But there is a certain number of patients who claim that such baths cause an exacerbation of the disease in them. Also, it doesn't matter how long they were in the sun. Therefore, the question of whether it is possible to sunbathe with psoriasis does not yet have a clear answer. To decide for yourself how useful or harmful the sun's rays are in this case, you need to take into account several factors at once: individual tolerance to the sun, color and type of skin, stage of the disease and its form.
Ultraviolet for psoriasis: benefit or harm
- Phototherapy as one of the treatments for psoriasis:
- PUVA therapy is photochemotherapy, whose mechanism of action is quite difficult to understand. It is often used in the treatment of exudative and vulgar psoriasis. Very effective for rashes on the scalp, palms and feet. 3-4 sessions of ultraviolet radiation are prescribed weekly, until the complete disappearance of psoriatic plaques. On average, 15 to 25 procedures are required, including local exposure sessions.
- SFT therapy is selective phototherapy. Up to 5 procedures per week are prescribed for exudative and vulgar psoriasis. The radiation dose in the absence of erythema is increased each time. Full course of treatment - 20 - 30 sessions. It has a pronounced therapeutic effect in 85-90% of cases.
- UVB therapy is phototherapy, which is comparable in effectiveness to PUVA therapy. The course of treatment is 20-30 procedures.
Psoriasis and solarium: benefit or harm?
The main difference between tanning in a solarium and in the sun is that, under artificial conditions, melanin production occurs without exposure to dangerous ultraviolet radiation, in particular UV-C rays, which are harmful to the skin during tanning. . Solariums do not use this type of radiation. However, at the initial stage of the manifestation of the disease, artificial tanning helps to muffle the development of rashes. Therefore, doctors do not recommend solarium treatment of psoriasis, but do not find contraindications to its use as a therapeutic agent.
The effect of radiation in a solarium on the skin.
- UV-A rays have a beneficial effect on patients with psoriasis, seborrhea, acne, neurodermatitis.
- UV-B rays start the process of active production of vitamin D3, which reduces the effect of stress on the body and, as is known, provokes psoriatic rashes.
Therefore, a visit to the solarium cannot have a negative impact on the course of the disease, and to a certain extent can muffle it. But why then are there people for whom artificial tanning sessions only cause harm? The answer is that the combination and power of the lamps in solariums is different. When choosing a room, you should ask yourself about its spectral composition, one of the most important characteristics. The lamps are designed with various combinations of UV-A and UV-B radiation. For example, those with UV-B 1% or less are classic, and those with UV-B greater than 1% are professional.
It is also important to have a reflector. If it is not present, then the radiation hits the weakened skin, and if it is present, then concentrated. The reflector can be located both on the lamp itself and outside of it. Whether or not there is a reflective layer on the lighting device, you can understand if you look at the lamp through the light. If there is, then the efficiency of its radiation is 10% higher than that of a conventional one.
Therefore, in order for psoriasis treatment with solarium to be beneficial and not harmful, it is necessary to choose the right tanning studio with the right combination of UV radiation. The excess is always harmful to the skin and leads to the formation of tumors and other problems with it. The ratio of UV-A and UV-B rays is very important for psoriasis patients. The best option here would be the following combination: UV-B waves with a wavelength of 311 nm. and UV-A waves 300-400 nm. This proportion of ultraviolet radiation is provided by a Daavlin photo booth, which gives off light from a narrow spectrum nbUVB 311nm. Those who visit him notice a strong improvement in his condition. The course of therapy is 20-30 sessions.
Therefore, the question: does a solarium help with psoriasis can be answered with confidence? Yes. But it is important not to thoughtlessly choose a studio near the place of residence, but to be interested in the spectral characteristics of the emitting lamps in it. It is important to know that a vertical tanning method is preferable to a horizontal one. The time spent in the cabin should not exceed 5-6 minutes, and the sessions should be alternated every other day. UV rays in moderate doses help strengthen the immune system. What is extremely necessary for a patient with psoriasis.