Psoriasis is a common, chronic, non-communicable disease affecting approximately 100 million people worldwide.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
This is how the disease manifests itself.Skin cells divide ten times faster than normal, layering on top of each other to form raised red patches covered in silvery-white scales.Such wounds can occur anywhere, but are most common on the head, elbows, knees, and lower back.
Here are a few other signs that appear along with the spots:
- itching and burning;
- thickening and small pits in the nails;
- swollen and painful joints.
Depending on the type of psoriasis, other symptoms may occur.
What types of psoriasis are there?
There are seven in total
- Ordinary, also called vulgar.The most common type: raised, red and inflamed skin covered with white scales.
- Teardrop-shaped.Small pinkish-red spots usually appear on the head, thighs, forearms and torso.
- Nail psoriasis.They become yellow-brown, soft and may detach from the eye socket.Depressions or thickenings occur.
- Pustular.It is a rare form of the disease that can cause fever, chills, nausea, muscle weakness and a rapid pulse.Purulent bumps surrounded by red skin appear on the arms, legs and fingers.
- Inverse.Smooth and shiny red spots without scales.They most commonly appear in the groin, armpits, under the breasts and buttocks.
- Psoriatic arthritis.In addition to plaques on the skin, there is pain and swelling in the joints.
Where does psoriasis come from?
Anyone can get psoriasis, but it is more common in adults than in children.
The exact causes of the disease are unknown.However, it is believed to be an autoimmune disease: cells of the immune system, also called white blood cells, become overactive and mistakenly attack healthy tissue.
Psoriasis can be caused by one or more factors:
- Infection;
- Stress;
- smoking or drinking alcohol;
- sunburn;
- vitamin D deficiency;
- some drugs and substances – lithium preparations, beta blockers, antimalarial drugs, iodides.
You cannot become infected with psoriasis.It is not transmitted through contact with a patient's skin.
How is psoriasis treated?
There is no way to get rid of psoriasis, but you can relieve its symptoms.Choosing procedures and medications is quite difficult.What works for one person sometimes doesn't work for another.A dermatologist should create and adjust the treatment plan.
The doctor may recommend the following.
Creams and ointments for the skin
They are used to soften plaques, relieve itching, and slow the growth of skin cells.These are the external remedies:
- hormonal ointments;
- shampoos and ointments containing coal tar;
- Preparations with retinoids.
Phototherapy
Irradiation of the skin with natural or artificial ultraviolet light is carried out in a hospital under the supervision of a dermatologist.Phototherapy is usually used in parallel with external medications.
The simplest form is ordinary sunlight.But even if you decide to sunbathe, you should first discuss this with your doctor.This method is not suitable for everyone.
Systemic treatment
This is heavy artillery when other methods fail.The doctor prescribes a course of tablets or injections that act on the entire body.
It is a very bad idea to prescribe medication to yourself or take it on the advice of friends.
Self-medicating psoriasis can cause the disease to spread to untouched areas of the body and increase the frequency of outbreaks.
The patient does not take into account the side effects of various medications and harms himself.
Don't do that, go to the doctor!
How to reduce the frequency of psoriasis flare-ups
In addition to the prescribed treatment, do the following:
Do not smoke or drink alcohol.Treating bad habits is less effective.
Watch your weight.After losing extra pounds, many patients find that medications that previously did not work begin to work.
Eat a balanced diet.This reduces the risk of complications associated with psoriasis - high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, atherosclerosis.
Do yoga and meditation.They reduce stress and anxiety that can lead to flare-ups.
Apply a thick moisturizer to your skin as needed throughout the day to soften it.Be sure to do this after showering and before bed.
Take colloidal oatmeal or salt baths for 10 minutes daily.Just make sure the water isn't too hot.And don't use harsh soap, which dries out the skin too much.