People who are encountering this skin disease for the first time, which has very unpleasant symptoms, want to know what psoriasis is and how to get rid of this disease.This is a disease that primarily affects the upper layer of the epidermis and its appendages: the nail plate and bed, hairs.According to statistics, psoriasis affects about 4% of the entire world population.Moreover, the disease is more common at a young age: from 18 to 23 years.
There are many diseases similar to psoriasis, so it is important to know its symptoms in order to choose the right treatment.
In general, you should not self-medicate with this disease, as psoriasis develops very quickly and can cause serious complications.A visit to a dermatologist is the only right decision if you discover signs of the disease.
Species
There are many varieties of this skin disease.When classifying psoriasis, the nature of the rash, the severity of the course, and the location of the lesions are taken into account.There are the following main types of psoriasis:
- Plaque psoriasis (common).This is the most common type of disease, occurring in 85% of all patients.It is characterized by the presence of grayish or silvery-white plaques raised above the surface of the skin, which easily peel off.Vulgar psoriasis is another name for this form of the disease.
- Guttate psoriasis.The damaging elements in this type of disease resemble droplets or dots from red to purple.
- Pustular psoriasis.The most severe form of this skin disease.It is characterized by the presence of pustules on the body - vesicles filled with clear, uninfected liquid.When the disease is advanced, the fluid becomes purulent.
- Psoriatic nail damage (onychodystrophy).Symptoms of psoriasis of this form affect the nail plates and the area around them: the shade of the nail changes, spots appear on its surface, the skin around the bed thickens, the plate breaks and delaminates.
- Arthropathic psoriasis.The disease is characterized by inflammation of small joints.This form of psoriasis most often leads to disability.
- Inverse psoriasis (fold or inverse).The disease affects skin folds in the groin area, on the inner thighs, armpits, and under the mammary glands (in women).
- Palmoplantar psoriasis.With the development of this form of the disease, all characteristic symptoms begin to appear on the feet and hands.In severe cases, the disease affects the nails and other areas of the body.
- Seborrheic psoriasis.With this form, the rashes are localized on the head, face, and back.
Symptoms of the disease
What does psoriasis look like?How not to confuse it with another skin disease?At the initial stage of the disease, the following signs of psoriasis occur:
- the appearance on the skin of pinkish, red or bluish papules, symmetrically located in specific areas of the body;
- general weakness;
- chronic fatigue;
- depression or apathy.
Gradually, the rash combines into plaques - easily removable scaly formations.The area of inflammation grows towards the edges.
At this stage of psoriasis, there are signs that can help distinguish the disease from other skin ailments.If you scrape off the scales, you can observe the phenomenon of the psoriatic triad, formed by the following symptoms:
- stearin stain: after scraping the plaque, silvery-white scales are separated, resembling stearin shavings;
- terminal film: at the site of the scraped off formation, a very thin shiny film remains, covering the papule;
- “bloody dew”: at the site of the removed terminal film, pinpoint bleeding may appear, which occurs due to injury to the subcutaneous vascular network.
Symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on the specific stage of the disease and the season.In most patients, the manifestations of psoriasis intensify in winter.The “summer” form of the disease is quite rare, since the patient’s condition improves under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.
How does psoriasis manifest itself at different stages?In total, there are 3 stages of disease development.
- At the progressive stage, new rashes constantly appear, and existing plaques increase in size.The patient feels severe itching, the skin peels all the time.
- What does psoriasis look like at the stationary stage?During this period, the growth of papules stops.Small folds are observed in the area of the plaques.There is still intense itching.
- At the regressing stage, plaques begin to disappear, peeling disappears, and itching stops tormenting.Pigmented areas may appear at the site of the formations.
Some types of psoriasis have distinctive symptoms.
For example, when the scalp is affected, plaques resembling dandruff appear first.In this case, only the skin suffers; the condition and growth of hair are not affected by the disease.From the head, the rashes spread to the area behind the ears, neck, and forehead.
The occurrence of psoriasis on the palms and feet is accompanied by thickening of the skin and the appearance of cracks.At the initial stage of the disease, pustules with transparent contents form, which gradually become purulent.Later, scars appear at the site of such formations, causing discomfort and pain during physical activities (working with hands, walking).In the future, the disease can be transmitted to the back of the hands and fingers.
Psoriasis of the nails has the following description: first of all, the plate becomes covered with small depressions, reminiscent of needle marks, changes color, and begins to flake and flake off.The tissue around the nail becomes thick and inflamed.
Main reasons
The pathogenesis of psoriasis has not been fully studied to date.Scientists have put forward several theories as to why this disease occurs.There are two main causes of psoriasis.
- The causes of the disease are a malfunction of the immune system.Cells that are designed to protect the body from bacteria and viruses enter the upper layer of the epidermis, where they produce substances that trigger the inflammatory process.Because of this, skin cells rapidly divide, and the affected area thickens.This theory is supported by a study of a psoriatic plaque, which revealed a large accumulation of immune cells.
- The skin disease psoriasis is caused by impaired division and maturation of epithelial cells.As a result of this pathology, diseased skin cells are attacked by immune cells.
The development of psoriasis is influenced by a number of factors.The risk of disease increases if the body is affected by several of the following conditions at once.
- Having dry and thin skin.Experts noted that those with thick, oily and moisturized skin rarely suffer from psoriasis.This is due to the structural features of the epidermis and the protective functions of sebum.
- Excessive love of hygiene.An unjustified desire to constantly keep the body clean, too frequent use of soap and washcloths injures the skin and reduces its protective properties.
- Bad habits.When smoking and drinking alcohol, the condition of the epidermis worsens: subcutaneous blood circulation and tissue nutrition are disrupted.
- Negative factors from outside.According to statistics, skin disease more often appears in those who regularly come into contact with detergents, household chemicals, alcohol solutions, etc.
- Medicines.Chronic use of certain medications, for example, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, can cause symptoms of psoriasis.
- Infectious diseases.Often, pathology occurs immediately after an illness caused by a fungus or staphylococcus.
- Climate change.It happens that for the development of psoriasis it is enough to move to a different climate zone.
- Skin injury.Constantly wearing uncomfortable clothes with rough seams or poor-quality shoes, the habit of scratching the same area can cause the first symptoms of psoriasis to appear.
- Stress.Both psychological and physical (for example, prolonged hypothermia) shocks to the body can precede the onset of the disease.
- Severe eating disorders.The course of the disease can be complicated by the abuse of sweet foods, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, smoked meats, and salty foods.
- Genetic predisposition.Is it possible to inherit psoriasis?According to scientists, genes responsible for the activity of the immune system are carriers of the disease.That is why the disease is transmitted from parents to children.
Life of psoriasis patients
Despite the fact that psoriasis is not a contagious disease and cannot be transmitted through physical contact with a patient, many patients consider themselves outcasts from society, which is why they experience severe psychological discomfort.
The biggest problem is the presence of rashes on the head, ears and face. More than half of those affected constantly concentrate on their appearance and are afraid of public condemnation and rejection by society, since psoriasis often looks like lichen.As the disease progresses, a person limits communication with people.Only a quarter of psoriasis patients do not experience stress because of their own appearance.
The disease also causes severe physical discomfort.Constant itching and burning limit the patient’s ability to work, interfere with proper rest, often cause insomnia, and interfere with exercise.Psoriatic arthritis adds joint pain to the unpleasant symptoms.
Psychological anxiety combined with physical discomfort can provoke severe depression, and some patients even experience social phobia.Long-term and expensive treatment of the disease also negatively affects the patient, additionally taking away strength and interfering with his socialization.
Why is psoriasis dangerous?
At the initial stage, the disease causes a person discomfort associated with the manifestation of symptoms: itching, burning, peeling.
If psoriasis is not treated, it becomes advanced, which is dangerous to the health and even life of the patient.
In many cases, the following dangerous complications develop:
- pathological changes occur in metabolic processes;
- heart function worsens, there is a risk of stroke, myocarditis;
- there are disruptions in the activity of the kidneys and liver;
- joints are affected (most often the phalanges of the fingers, elbows, knees);
- mucous membranes are affected: eyes, gastrointestinal tract, bladder;
- as a result of severe psoriasis, the brain and nervous system are affected;
- potency may weaken in men;
- due to the spread of plaques throughout the skin, the respiratory function of the skin and the activity of the sweat and fat glands are disrupted;
- thermoregulation is disrupted, which leads to inflammation of the epidermis, and this can cause blood poisoning and, as a consequence, death.
The consequence of an aggravated disease can be erythroderma.
This complication occurs in only 2% of all patients.At the initial stage, it is characterized by the appearance of bright red lesions on the skin, reminiscent of burns.Over time, scales appear on such areas, which peel off in large layers.The skin in this area becomes hot and very sensitive.Other symptoms also appear: a feeling of tightness, constant itching, brittle nails, severe hair loss, enlarged lymph nodes.
If you find signs of psoriasis, you should immediately contact a dermatologist.The formulation of the diagnosis is based on an external examination of the skin and nails.Additional tests, as a rule, are not prescribed.If the patient complains of joint pain, x-rays and blood tests are taken to rule out other types of arthritis.
Only a doctor can make the correct diagnosis and decide how to treat psoriasis.
Treatment methods
It should be noted right away that psoriasis cannot be completely cured.
Winston Churchill also said: “I will erect a monument made of pure gold to the one who can learn everything about psoriasis and find an effective treatment for this disease.”
External preparations
Whatever the causes of psoriasis, first of all, the doctor prescribes local remedies that help relieve unpleasant symptoms.First, non-hormonal lotions, ointments and creams are used, which contain tar, oil, zinc or medicinal herbs.In most cases, such drugs help to forget about the unpleasant signs of psoriasis after 3-4 weeks of use.
If non-hormonal ointments are ineffective, hormone-based drugs for psoriasis are used.They must be used strictly as prescribed by a specialist, in no case exceeding the dosage or increasing the course of treatment.With the help of hormonal ointments, you can quickly forget what it is - psoriasis, but there is a high risk of serious side effects.
Even the newest local drugs must be used in combination with other drugs.In addition to ointments, enterosorbents are prescribed, which will remove toxic substances from tissues, and immunosuppressants, designed to reduce the reaction of the immune system.Treatment is impossible without taking vitamin complexes, especially vitamins B, A, C, D.
Physiotherapy
These psoriasis treatment methods are widely used at every stage of the disease.Such procedures as baths, phototherapy, and ultraviolet irradiation provide excellent results.
New methods of treating the disease include cryotherapy, electrosleep, hirudotherapy, and PUVA therapy.
In advanced forms of the disease, the use of ultraviolet light has a good effect.Thanks to this method, in just 20–30 procedures, damaged cells are destroyed, peeling is eliminated, damaged skin is restored, and the immune system returns to normal.Before carrying out the full procedure, a trial session is carried out, exposing a small area of the patient’s body to the rays.If the skin reaction is normal, a full course is prescribed.In the summer, the patient is offered to continue ultraviolet treatment under the natural rays of the sun.
Traditional medicine
Folk remedies for any type of psoriasis can only be used in consultation with a doctor.
It is important to understand that severe symptoms of psoriasis cannot be eliminated at home.
Traditional recipes only help to soften flaky skin and temporarily eliminate itching.The following products received the best reviews among patients.
Tar:
- in the first days of the onset of the disease, apply tar to the affected areas with a cotton swab for 10 minutes, then wash off with tar soap;
- on days 4–5, increase the duration of the procedure to 40 minutes;
- the full course of treatment is 12 days;
- It is better to use tar before bed, as its smell disappears completely during the night.
Celandine:
- pass through a meat grinder several bushes of celandine, uprooted;
- Squeeze the juice from the resulting mass;
- lubricate each affected area of the body with juice;
- repeat the procedure until the external signs of the disease completely disappear.
Eggs and vinegar:
- prepare the ointment by beating 2 eggs and 20 ml of vegetable oil;
- add 10 ml of acetic acid to the mass;
- Lubricate rashes and plaques with the resulting product every night;
- course of treatment: 3–4 weeks.
Herbs:
- grind 20 g of St. John's wort flowers, 20 g of celandine root, 10 g of marigold flowers and 10 g of propolis into a paste (it is better to do this in a clay bowl);
- add 20 ml of vegetable oil to the medicinal herbs;
- Apply the prepared product to the affected areas three times a day;
- You can stop treatment as soon as visible signs of the disease disappear.
Elderberry infusion:
- pour 0.5 liters of boiled water into 10 g of elderberry leaves and flowers;
- leave the infusion at room conditions for half an hour;
- take 80 ml of infusion each time the itching increases after eating;
- course of treatment - 10 days.
Diet
Whatever methods of treatment for psoriasis are used, without following a special diet, it will not be possible to achieve much improvement.To adjust the diet, it is better to contact a specialist who will create a menu taking into account the individual characteristics of a particular patient.To ensure that the entry “psoriasis” no longer appears in the medical history, you should know and follow the general rules of nutrition for patients.In case of this disease, the following should be excluded from the menu:
- any nuts;
- citrus;
- smoked meats;
- spices;
- salinity;
- spicy dishes;
- fatty foods;
- alcohol;
- blue cheese.
If your medical history includes a diagnosis of psoriasis, you need to ensure that your diet is balanced.Every day there should be foods on the table that supply the body with all the necessary substances.
It is especially important to obtain fatty acids, which are contained in sufficient quantities by all types of fish.
Recommendations for the patient
In order to forget for a long time what kind of disease tormented you, no matter what kind of psoriasis you had, follow these important rules during and after treatment:
- use gentle skin care: wash with warm water and a neutral product, do not rub your body with a towel, but gently blot it;
- give up regular cosmetics for a while, avoid using products that are new to you;
- When doing any household work, wear protective gloves;
- limit contact with allergens;
- wear clothes and shoes made of natural fabrics without rough seams;
- drink at least 1.5 liters of clean water per day.
You need to understand that it is impossible to cure psoriasis completely.However, if you choose the right means to combat this disease, you can get rid of its unpleasant symptoms and achieve stable remission.
Keep your skin clean, pay attention to the slightest changes in its condition, and if you have suspicious symptoms, contact a specialist.Taking care of your own body will allow you to always remain healthy and beautiful.To keep up to date with interesting information and current news, subscribe to our articles and be sure to share them with friends on social networks.See you again!
This article has exclusively educational, encyclopedic and informational functions.It is necessary to obtain the approval of your physician before using the tips and recommendations described in this article.You should not self-medicate!