Psoriasis is one of the most common chronic skin pathologies in the world, and the problem of treatment remains still urgent.According to statistics, for 2017, 130 ml of cases are registered in the world: every twenty -fourth resident of the planet suffers from a disease.Typically, pathology debuts falls from 16 to 20 and from 40 to 60 years.In 65% of the sick, it is observed in a mild form, and the surface of the skin is affected by plaques slightly (up to 3%).The average degree of psoriasis suffers 25% (up to 10% of the skin area) and severe, in which more than 10% of the surface is affected - 8%.
The exact cause of the disease has not yet been studied.It is assumed that a parasitic infection, an allergic predisposition, hormonal imbalance, metabolic disorders and heredity can provoke the appearance of psoriatic plaques.
The tendency to develop psoriasis in childhood, if one of the parents is sick, is 25%.When both - the probability increases to 50%.According to statistics, out of 100 children in the world, 4 of them are psoriasis, and cases of ailment in boys, less often than girls by 25%.
The list of adverse factors also includes undergoing infectious diseases, neuropsychic injuries, and the negative effect of low temperatures.
As a result of the interaction of several external and internal causes, there is a violation of the blood circulation of the papillary layer of the dermis, from which the reproduction of young and insufficiently mature epidermal cells occurs so quickly that they, not having time to finally mature, accumulate on the surface with silver-white scales in the form of plaques or a drop-shaped shape.
The disease is so progressing that over time they merge and turn into large spots.
Psoriasis lasts all life and cases of self -healing is single.The periods of remission alternate with exacerbation, which is more often observed in autumn-winter time.But there are cases of indefinite (all -season) and photosensitive (summer) type.
Stages
In the pathological process in psoriasis, several periods, and the wave -like course takes place with the alternation of the cycles of exacerbation and remission.For a specialist, the diagnosis of the disease is not difficult: he has special, specific symptoms and a characteristic type of skin at different stages of the development of pathology.
The initial stage
At first, when the disease is just beginning to appear, rashes (papules) of the size of no more than a pin head appear. In psoriasis, they are grouped on the skin of the bends of the limbs and at first do not progress and do not change.These so -called guard (duty) plaques.
Classical clinical manifestations at the initial stage form a psoriasis triad:
- Wax spot.The papules are covered with white plaque with a grayish tint of plaque, loose and poorly fixed.It can easily be scraped by a spatula.Externally exfoliated scales resemble the smallest chips of Starin - substances for making candles.
- Terminal film.A smooth, shiny, juicy hyperemic surface is visible under a loose raid.This is the last layer of cells that can leave.
- Bloody dew is the final sign of the triad.It is formed when the terminal film is damaged and externally manifests itself in the form of condensate from small drops of blood, which do not merge with each other.
Psoriasis is a chronic disease and it is impossible to completely recover from it.The main task of treatment is to achieve a persistent, prolonged remission.From inadequate therapy of exacerbation, every two to three months are observed.Treatment at the initial stage of psoriasis is gentle, and it begins with the use of keratolytic external products in the form of ointments and creams based on salicylic and lactic acid.
Drugs eliminate discomfort, suppress excessive cell formation, relieve inflammation and peeling.Psoriasis over time becomes resistant (stable) to the action of certain drugs.Therefore, the medicinal program is reviewed after a certain period of time.This approach is called rotation - a periodic change in techniques that goes in a circle.
Progressive stage
The second stage of the disease is the actual peak of exacerbation.
The first sign - peeling are located only in the central part of the papules, and a pink whisk remains along the edges.This is a symptom of growth, when single rashes increase and merge.The second sign of progression becomes a symptom of the skin reaction: 10-14 days after injury (abrasions, scratches) of the skin, a new typical plaque appears.Progressive psoriasis gives another symptom that is not observed at other stages - it is itching with different intensity.Treatment of the progressive stage of psoriasis is carried out in a hospital and includes:
- Drug drugs: antihistamines, non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs, immunostimulants, vitamins.
- Physiotherapy: PUVA, UFO, application with paraffin, sulfide and radon baths.
After patients, sanatorium-resort treatment is recommended.In especially severe cases, corticosteroid and cytostatic agents are prescribed.Psoriasis affects the nail plates.They become fragile, dull, rise above the bed.Typically, this condition with a disease occurs even from minor damage.
Stationary stage
After progression, by about the end of the fourth week, healing of the papules occurs.It begins from the center to the periphery, and the plaques acquire a characteristic ring form.Their color becomes less intense, new formations do not appear.The stationary stage of psoriasis does not give special discomfort.The patient is not painful, there is no itching.The therapeutic program remains the same.There can be only minor adjustments that pursue one goal: to give the opportunity to enter the final phase and not transform back into the progressive stage of psoriasis.
Fading stage
After complex and intensive care, remission occurs, and the disease is included in the hidden phase.At the final stage, peeling psoriasis disappears, plaques acquire a pale hue.They gradually resolve and merge with the skin.An exception - the so -called “frozen” daddles remain on the elbows, knees, stomach and buttocks.The period of remission is individual, and can last from three months to several years.A patient with psoriasis should monitor himself and at the first signs of exacerbation to see a doctor and undergo a course of treatment.Despite the chronic disease prone to relapses, subject to all recommendations, psoriasis makes it possible to live an ordinary and rich life.