Features of the development and symptoms of psoriasis affecting the elbows.

Psoriasis with localization of the main changes in the elbow area occurs in approximately 5% of patients with this disease. The formation of psoriatic lesions on the elbows is possible at any age, but according to statistics, this form of the disease is characteristic mainly of older people.In most cases, the pathology can be treated successfully by promptly consulting a doctor, but in advanced cases it can be complicated by psoriatic arthritis.

Causes and symptoms

Elbow psoriasis has the same etiological causes of development as other forms of the disease. These are heredity, metabolic disorders, endocrine disorders, decreased functioning of the immune system, mechanical damage to the skin and traumatic situations. The provoking factor for the appearance of psoriatic lesions in the elbow area is considered to be dyshidrosis, chronic dehydration of the skin.

The disease begins with the appearance of one or more reddish spots that protrude slightly above the skin. At first they are red, then they are covered with a whitish film and gradually a layer of scales forms on their surface, which gives the plates a silvery color.

In addition to these changes, elbow psoriasis can be identified by the following symptoms:

• The resulting individual spots merge over time, leading to the appearance of large lesions;
• The scales are easily removed from the surface, leaving a thin skin on which drops of blood may appear;
• The formation of pustules is characterized by the appearance of a clearly defined red border that separates healthy skin from the affected tissue;
• The appearance of rashes is accompanied by intense itching in 80% of cases;
• Regression, that is, the disappearance of the plaque, begins from the center, and in its place once the process has subsided, a clear spot remains.

In mild cases, the pathology disappears in a month and a half or two. In advanced cases, the spots may not resolve completely; During the remission stage, one or several small plaques remain on the skin.

If left untreated, elbow psoriasis can cause psoriatic arthritis, an inflammation of the joints. A complication is indicated by swelling and swelling in the affected joint area, local increase in temperature and pain during movement.

Characteristics of elbow psoriasis.

Psoriasis on the elbows has certain features of development and course, including:

1. Age of onset of the disease. Mostly, older people consult a doctor with this form of the disease, in children and adolescents damage in this area is rare;
2. Only in 30% of cases is the symmetry of the lesion determined: plaques form on both the right and left elbows. In other cases, the inflammation covers only one area of the elbow;
3. Psoriatic lesions in psoriasis, unlike eczema and dermatitis, are located only on the external extensor side of the joint;
4. The disease is characterized by seasonality: most often exacerbations occur in the cold months of the year, that is, when the skin is most dehydrated;
5. The rash may be dry or wet;
6. The lesions extend predominantly to the forearm;
7. Over time, elbow psoriasis causes a thickening of the skin in the affected area. The skin becomes dense, dry and quickly cracks, which is accompanied by the appearance of blood, pain and itching.

Elbow psoriasis should be treated and should be done under the supervision of a dermatologist. Lack of therapy leads to the fact that it is impossible to completely eliminate all changes in the affected area, which causes internal discomfort and can cause depression.

Treatment methods for elbow psoriasis.

The treatment of psoriasis on the elbows must be comprehensive. It includes the use of external agents, systemic medications, physiotherapy and traditional therapeutic methods.

Ointments

At the initial stage of the disease, when only a few small plaques are formed and in the absence of pronounced swelling and redness, ointments can be used that have a softening and anti-inflammatory effect and can soften the keratinized outer layer of the spots.

In severe cases, that is, when swelling, itching, hyperemia are pronounced and spots tend to increase rapidly, therapy begins with the use of glucocorticosteroid ointments.

Any of the above ointments for psoriasis on the elbows should be prescribed by a doctor. They are used in a short course, observing the frequency of application and dosage. Failure to follow the instructions for use of hormonal drugs greatly increases the likelihood of developing local and systemic adverse reactions.

Patients with psoriasis of the elbow are recommended to use ointments with emollient components and vitamins even during exacerbations of the disease. Its constant application nourishes the skin, prevents dehydration, thus lengthening the remission periods.

drug therapy

Medicines are selected for the patient based on the symptoms of the disease, its severity and concomitant diseases. Medications are mainly prescribed if psoriatic changes continue to progress, with frequent relapses.

Standard oral therapy:

1. Antihistamines.The main goal of prescribing antihistamines is to reduce itching, which accelerates the healing process of plaques and prevents the penetration of microbes into the damaged epidermis;
2. Medications with sedative effects.– tinctures of valerian, motherwort. Its use helps reduce nervousness, improves sleep quality and prevents the development of depression;
3. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Medicines in this group relieve inflammation and pain well, promote skin regeneration;
4. Vitamin therapy.The use of vitamins increases the protective properties of the body and improves metabolic processes.

All medications prescribed by your doctor must be taken in full.A decrease in rash lesions does not indicate that therapy should be completed; Otherwise, the disease may re-enter a progressive stage.

Physiotherapy

The main treatment of elbow psoriasis can be complemented by physical therapy. They are prescribed to improve blood circulation and metabolic reactions in the skin, their use helps to improve local immunity and accelerates the restoration of normal epidermis. For psoriasis, procedures such as magnetotherapy, phototherapy, PUVA method, laser treatment and skin irradiation with ultraviolet rays show good results.

Patients with psoriasis of the elbow are prescribed sanatorium treatment, diet therapy and normalization of the nervous system.

Eliminate psoriasis using traditional methods.

Treatment of inflamed skin on the elbows at home with folk methods can be carried out after the acute process has disappeared. The effectiveness of self-prepared ointments and tinctures for compresses, herbal mixtures for internal use and medicinal baths has been proven. All means of traditional therapy should be used, taking into account the tolerability of the components that form their basis.

• Baths for the treatment of elbows.Chamomile, sage, celandine and string should be mixed in equal proportions. Two or three tablespoons of the mixture are poured with boiling water in a ratio of 1: 10. The mixture is infused for half an hour, after which the elbows can be immersed in the medicinal solution. The duration of the procedure is until the infusion has completely cooled;
• Therapeutic bath.Shells from 10 walnuts are made with a liter of boiling water, after an hour the infusion is filtered and poured into a water bath. You should stay in the medicinal bath for 20 to 30 minutes, repeat it daily for at least 5 days;
• Garlic compress.A few small cloves of a head of garlic are ground and poured into a glass of hot water. You need to infuse the garlic solution for an hour and a half, then you need to dip a bandage folded in several layers, squeeze it slightly and apply it to the elbow area. The compress changes as the gauze dries, it is advisable to carry out the procedure within an hour;
• Birch tar.You will need purified birch tar, apply it to the area with plates. The first procedure should last no more than 8 to 10 minutes, each subsequent day its time is increased. The course of treatment with tar is 14 days. You can remove tar from your elbows with laundry soap;
• Phytocompression.10 grams of dried grape leaves, 10 grams of burdock root and 10 grams of flax seeds should be ground in a blender. The prepared mixture is poured into a glass of hot milk and heated over low heat for 2-3 minutes. After cooling in the liquid, moisten a piece of gauze and apply it to your elbows. Keep the compress for half an hour.

Psoriasis on the elbows causes many inconveniences, but this form of the disease is considered one of the mildest. Timely consultation with a doctor, changes in lifestyle and diet, and compliance with preventive measures can completely cleanse the skin of the elbow joint and significantly prolong the periods of remission of the disease.