What is psoriasis and why is it dangerous? Complete description of the disease.

Psoriasis presents as a chronic non-infectious skin pathology. Statistics say that 3. 7% of the world's inhabitants are prone to this disease, called scaly lichen. Gender in this case does not matter, psoriasis is not a contagious disease, while the risk group is represented by people from 14 to 27 years old. A red exfoliation spotted with white scales appears on the skin.

The location is possible in any part of the body, but the most common places are the scalp, the lower back, the knees and the elbows. Since the disease in question is chronic, it is manifested by periods of remission and exacerbations. How much does the pathology affect the patient's life and how to get rid of psoriasis forever?

Reasons for the appearance

To understand what causes psoriasis, it is worth realizing that the process of the formation of pathology is systemic, both the skin and the entire human body are involved in it. The reasons are not entirely clear, they can be viral, infectious, hereditary, neurogenic or mixed. Humoral and cellular immunity is activated, which contributes to the initiation of an autoimmune process of cellular damage, mainly epidermal.

The metabolism is also disturbed, and the burdened heredity also exacerbates psoriasis of the skin. As a result, cell regeneration is accelerated by 3-5 times, which leads to the formation of psoriatic plaques. So why does psoriasis occur, in which the quality of life depends 80% on the correct treatment and timely detection of the disease?

1. Bad heredity;
2. Depression, constant stress;
3. dysbacteriosis;
4. Hormonal problems;
5. allergic diseases;
6. candidiasis and streptoderma;
7. viral pathologies;
8. Addiction;
9. Infections of a parasitic nature;
10. Problems with the metabolism.

Symptoms

The amount of rash at the beginning of the pathology can be considered insignificant. Studying the symptoms will allow you to know what psoriasis looks like on the body and how to recognize it. Psoriatic plaque plays the role of a key symptom. This is a hyperemic area of skin with scales. Against the background of healthy skin, it looks remarkable and sublime. The presence of the following signs is a reason for urgent consultation with a dermatologist:

• Convex spots on the skin with light scales;
• Itching in problem areas;
• Excessive skin dryness and peeling;
• Painful cracks, blisters in the area of the palms of the hands and feet;
• Deformed and exfoliating nail plates.

types of psoriasis

The classification of psoriasis involves the division of the disease into different types and forms. It is worth considering the following types of psoriasis, taking into account the localization of the pathology and the nature of the rashes:

1. Plaque psoriasis on the body is often called vulgar, ordinary, or simple. This is the most common variant, which is diagnosed in 85% of all patients. The inflamed areas of the skin have an appearance typical of the disease in question: they are easily exfoliated, red and feverish. The red skin under the scales is easily injured and can bleed. Over time, the plates coalesce into a so-called paraffin lake.
2. Inverse cutaneous psoriasis affects the flexor surfaces. The inflamed areas of the skin are desquamation-free and hardly protrude above healthy skin. Localization is represented by skin folds, that is, folds under the breast, if psoriasis in women, armpits, the area of the external genital organs, the inner surface of the thighs, and skin folds on the groin. When sweat is released, the skin is injured or friction occurs, the condition of the inflamed areas worsens. Diabetics and children are the most frequent patients.
3. Pustular psoriasis on the skin is characterized by the most complex symptoms. Blisters with an uninfected transparent exudate of an inflammatory nature rise above healthy areas of the skin. Around the pustules thickened, inflamed, red skin with fever.
4. Rupioid psoriasis in humans is characterized not only by plaque-like eruptions, but also by acute inflammation of the epidermis. The skin surface under the plaques is bright pink and oozes.
5. Guttate psoriasis in adults is characterized by an abundant number of small purple or red vesicles. The shape of the bubbles can resemble circles, tears, dots, or drops. The affected area is usually quite extensive, it can be psoriasis on the head, neck, shoulders, back, lower legs or thighs. Angina or streptococcal pharyngitis are often provocateurs of the development of the pathology in question.

forms of psoriasis

As for the forms of psoriasis, it can be psoriatic erythroderma, arthropathic psoriasis or psoriatic onychodystrophy:

• Psoriatic onychodystrophy, which affects the nails, leads to deformation of the nail plate in the fingers of the lower or upper extremities. It is possible to change the color of the nail or nail bed. This type of psoriasis also leads to the formation of thickening, transverse lines, spots, dots, as well as increased brittleness and delamination. Even complete loss of the nail is possible.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis in men and women develops gradually and progresses with complications. This is a consequence of ignored plaque psoriasis, when the epidermis becomes very red and swollen, characterized by a clear acute inflammatory process. Desquamation and inflammation spread over large areas, accompanied by pain, itching and swelling of the subcutaneous tissue. With this form of pathology, a fatal outcome is more likely than with others, as the body loses its ability to regulate body temperature due to extensive swelling, scaling, and shedding.
• Psoriatic arthritis, in addition to the main symptoms, is complemented by an inflammatory process in the joints and connective tissues. This form of pathology can affect any joint, but in most cases it concerns small joints of the upper and lower extremities. If the disease spreads to the knee or hip joints, there is a high chance of losing the ability to move. The considered form of the disease accounts for 10-15% of all cases in which psoriasis skin disease is diagnosed.

Stages of development

The development of psoriasis is characterized by three successive stages. Each patient with the disease in question goes through all of them, but with proper treatment, the duration of the second stage can be significantly reduced:

1. The progressive stage is characterized by an increase in the first signs and a deterioration in general health;
2. In the stationary stage, there is a peak in the development of pathology;
3. The regression stage is represented by a decrease in symptoms and a significant improvement in general health.

Diagnosis

A dermatovenereologist is engaged in the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of the skin disease, psoriasis. In general, there are no difficulties in determining the disease, since skin lesions are of a special nature. Rarely, there is a need for additional laboratory tests in the form of rheumatoid factor determination and a complete blood count. The involvement of a rheumatologist becomes important if psoriatic arthritis is diagnosed. In such a situation, it is necessary to do an x-ray of the joints. The convenience of a skin biopsy is observed in extreme cases, when it is difficult to make a differential diagnosis.

Quality of life

The appearance of psoriasis leads to a significant decrease in quality of life. Difficulties may arise during social adjustment and in the workplace due to physical and emotional discomfort. Intense itching and pain can complicate the basic processes of life: sleeping, taking care of the body, walking, playing sports, running professional errands, taking care of the house, pets.

On the part of patients, excessive concern for their own appearance is often manifested, they fear a negative reaction from others and have low self-esteem. The pain along with itching and emotional discomfort often leads to social withdrawal, anxiety disorders, social phobia, and depressive states.

Treatment

Getting rid of psoriasis involves an integrated approach that uses the following categories of drugs and medications.

Creams and ointments

Ointments and creams allow you to fight psoriasis quite effectively with minimal side effects. These funds are usually applied directly on the inflamed areas:

• Hormonal ointments are among the most effective, they eliminate the main symptoms and block the proliferation of keratinocytes. The most powerful means of this category can irritate the skin, lead to dryness and thinning of the epidermis.
• Salicylic acid removes psoriatic scales by cleansing the skin. Dosage when using this remedy is extremely important, as overuse leads to hair loss and skin irritation.
• Retinoids are the active form of vitamin A, they are almost as effective as hormonal ointments, but the clinical effect is achieved longer. Hypersensitivity to ultraviolet light is the most common adverse syndrome.
• Tar ointments reduce the severity of negative symptoms and block the growth of skin cells. Side effects include alopecia, acne, or folliculitis.
• An ointment or gel form of vitamin D. Combined use with hormonal agents gives the maximum effect.
• Moisturizing creams help to eliminate negative secondary symptoms in the form of dryness and itching, but are unacceptable as the main method of treatment.
• Anthralin in the composition of ointments helps to remove scales, blocks the proliferation of keratinocytes. After applying to the inflamed area, the product should be washed off after some time.

psoriasis pills

Since it is not always possible to defeat psoriasis through local therapy, it is necessary to supplement the treatment strategy with medication in the form of tablets. Side effects can increase significantly, so constant monitoring of your general health through tests and visits to a doctor is a must:

1. Systemic glucocorticosteroids reduce the inflammatory process, swelling and itching, block the increased activity of skin cells. Side effects are extremely numerous, so Anna group tablets are rarely prescribed.
2. Psoriasis throughout the body can be treated with methotrexate, which shows effective anti-inflammatory and cytostatic effect. The body reacts quite positively to low doses. Rare side effects include increased fatigue, decreased appetite, and digestive problems.
3. Retinoids are effective in cases where psoriasis, a skin disease, cannot be treated by other means. Side effects include alopecia and inflammation of the lip area. After using the tablets of this group, you can not give birth for 3 years, since retinoids provoke the appearance of birth defects.
4. Cyclosporine has much in common with methotrexate and belongs to the category of immunosuppressants. An increase in blood pressure and the appearance of kidney disease are the most common side effects.
5. If the listed drugs cannot be used due to the characteristics of the patient's body, it is desirable to prescribe hydroxyurea.

injections

Medications that help eliminate psoriasis can be presented in the form of injections with the following components:

• Antihistamines instantly block acute itching;
• Glucocorticosteroids in the form of injections are used if tablets and ointments with this component are not effective;
• Biological preparations are the result of the synthesis of human and animal proteins. They have a beneficial effect on the body's immune system, but their price is too high for many patients.

shampoo application

It is also worth considering special therapeutic shampoos, since only they can eliminate psoriasis on the head:

1. Antifungal shampoos are effective if the causative agent of pathological inflammation is a fungal infection;
2. Corticosteroid-containing shampoos;
3. Tar shampoo or soap is used to remove psoriatic scales, as well as reduce burning and itching. It is also acceptable to add birch tar directly to the shampoo that the patient normally uses.

medicines

If the appearance of psoriasis is diagnosed in time, many medications can give the appropriate result, the specialist will recommend the most appropriate.

biologically active substances

Since it is rarely possible to get rid of psoriasis quickly, dietary supplements should be taken as additional maintenance therapy:

1. Vitamin D is useful, since calcium is one of the most important minerals in the fight against the skin disease in question, and vitamin D is needed for its absorption. The use of this supplement in the transition stage of the active phase to the stationary phase is more effective.
2. Silicon in the composition of vitamin-mineral complexes plays the role of a sorbent that attracts antigens, and also improves the condition of the skin.
3. Lecithin can quickly restore epithelial cells, which die in this pathology. The integrity of the skin is restored much faster, and the inflammatory process becomes less pronounced.
4. Omega-3 acids and fish oil also contribute to the elimination of the inflammatory process.

Folk approaches to treatment.

To increase the effectiveness of drugs, complex therapy can be supplemented with alternative methods of treatment, but remember that psoriasis on the back and other areas can be sensitive to allergenic substances, so you should first consult with your doctor:

• Chinese green tea helps reduce discomfort due to itchy skin, lightening plaques. The application is possible inside in the form of a drink or outside in the form of masks on the affected areas.
• Sunbathing can reduce the manifestations of psoriasis, especially in combination with sea water. Exposure to ultraviolet rays should not be direct, it is better to sunbathe in the shade. If you ignore this recommendation, the manifestations of psoriasis are eliminated only for a while, but soon the disease will return with even more pronounced negative symptoms.
• Birch tar, salicylic alcohol and sea buckthorn oil ointment should be applied directly to the affected areas for 2 hours. If the psoriasis on the abdomen or back is extensive enough, it is worth putting a gauze pad over the ointment. After washing off the ointment, it is necessary to apply celandine tincture in the form of oil.
• An infusion of flaxseed allows to eliminate the clinical symptoms of the disease in question in a week. For a day, soak a tablespoon of seeds in a glass of boiling water, then boil, cool and strain, take in the morning before meals in combination with activated carbon (1 tablet per 10 kg of weight). The course should be continued for 20 days, even if the manifestations of psoriasis have disappeared. Products with caffeine in the composition should not be consumed.
• Propolis and butter in the form of ointment in a ratio of 1: 20. Mix the ingredients, boil for 15 minutes, strain and apply to the affected areas. The product must be stored in the refrigerator.
• Celery decoctions can be taken orally once a day, and a compress can be applied for 2 hours for 21 days. Three courses with a break of a week will be enough to forget about the disease for several years.
• Celandine powder and petroleum jelly in the form of an ointment should be used for 3 days, applied to inflamed skin areas. After a break of 4 days, the course continues until the external manifestations completely disappear. To prepare the product, all components are mixed in equal proportions.

Prevention

The prevention of psoriasis, as well as the measures to prevent exacerbations, are as relevant as the treatment itself:

1. Cleansing of the skin must be controlled very carefully, use moisturizers based on natural ingredients.
2. Monitor your overall health, especially if you have immune problems. Taking multivitamin complexes is a mandatory component of psoriasis prevention.
3. Regular massage improves lymphatic flow and blood circulation, due to which decomposition products are removed faster and the skin is better cleaned.

4. Any contact with household chemicals should be limited as much as possible. Household gloves and respirators are mandatory protective equipment if it is not possible to transfer household chores to other family members. When choosing household chemicals, pay attention to the presence of dyes, chemicals, and fragrances. The level of the Christmas tree should be equal to the natural one. It is also worth minimizing the use of skin care cosmetics and decorative cosmetics.
5. Often the first signs of the disease appear after a nervous tension, so it is important to master various methods of relaxation and self-control. The benefits of healthy sleep should not be overlooked. With frequent stress, it is permissible to drink soothing herbal tinctures and teas.
6. Smoking is a direct cause of both exacerbations and the disease itself initially. We are talking about smokers who consume more than 20 cigarettes a day. Under the influence of cigarette smoke, immunity decreases, blood vessels are affected, and the body's antioxidant defense weakens. As for alcohol, it does not affect the appearance of this skin pathology, but it can aggravate its course.

psoriasis and pregnancy

Pregnancy greatly aggravates the treatment of psoriasis, since the use of far in all medications is allowed. It is also worth understanding in detail the issue of pregnancy planning and other situations related to this period in a woman's life.

pregnancy planning

The reproductive function of women and men is not affected by the disease. As for possible harm to the baby, psoriasis is not transmitted by contact, so breastfeeding and communicating with the baby will not be a problem. Another thing is the ability to transmit the disease at the genetic level, but the probability is not so great: 8-15% if one of the parents is sick. The risk increases if both parents are affected: 50-60%.

When planning a pregnancy, you must first undergo another course of treatment to achieve remission. We are specifically talking about a woman, since the condition of the father does not affect the size of the fetus. Stress should also be minimized and treated responsibly in this regard.

The pregnancy

As for the pregnancy itself, many note that the course of the pathology is greatly facilitated, but the symptoms worsen immediately after childbirth. This is due to the weakening of the woman's immune system, since the child, in fact, depletes her body, absorbing nutrients through the umbilical cord. If there is a need for treatment during gestation, it is worth giving preference to safer means with a minimal probability of side effects. Analyze your condition and you will be able to understand how the disease will behave in future pregnancies. Next, it is worth considering which remedies can be used and which should be avoided.

	Forbidden	Recommended
local treatment	Preparations based on vitamin A are categorically contraindicated.	Glucocorticosteroids in the composition of ointments and creams are acceptable in minimal amounts. In shoulders, abdomen and in the area of the mammary glands, its use is not recommended, since cortisone can cause the appearance of stretch marks.
	Preparations based on vitamin D are only allowed in small quantities in certain problem areas.	Soothing and moisturizing creams have no contraindications.
systemic treatment	Methotrexate and acetritin cause spontaneous abortions or fetal defects. Treatment with these drugs before having children requires abstinence from pregnancy for 4 months. in addition, such drugs negatively affect the condition of men's sperm, so the rule of compliance with this period also applies to men.	UV-B phototherapy is not harmful, neither for the fetus nor for the mother.
	Puva therapy during pregnancy is also not suitable, as it requires the prior use of photosensitizing agents.	In severe cases of the disease, cycloporin can be prescribed, which does not have a negative effect on the child's body, but can provoke side effects in the mother.

Caesarean section

The presence of psoriasis is not a reason to perform a cesarean section during labor, but the possibility of Koebner's phenomenon is worth considering. We are talking about the appearance of psoriasis in areas where the skin has been damaged. So far, no formal studies have been done on the cure rate of these areas and the risk of infection.

Psoriasis after childbirth

After childbirth, in most cases, an exacerbation of the pathology occurs, the cause of which is stress, fatigue, chronic lack of sleep, irregular and limited nutrition, and hormonal imbalance. Breastfeeding is allowed, since the pathology is not transmitted to the child with milk, however, when using drugs on large areas, breastfeeding is not recommended, since some components can enter the milk.

No drug can guarantee 100% safety for the mother and the fetus, so consultation with the doctor who is handling the pregnancy is mandatory.

Although psoriasis is chronic, with well-planned treatment, it is possible to successfully eliminate negative symptoms and avoid a decline in quality of life due to the many limitations associated with the disease.