How do you recognize psoriasis?What kind of illness is this?Why does my skin hurt?

People who come into contact with this skin disease for the first time, which brings 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: nail plate and nail bed, hair.According to statistics, psoriasis affects about 4% of the entire world population.In addition, the disease occurs more often at a young age: from 18 to 23 years old.

There are many diseases similar to psoriasis.Therefore, it is important to know the symptoms to choose the right treatment.

In general, you should not self-medicate with this condition as psoriasis develops very quickly and can cause serious complications.If you have signs of illness, a visit to a dermatologist is the only right decision.

species

There are many variants of this skin disease.When classifying psoriasis, the type of 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 and occurs in 85% of all patients.It is characterized by the presence of grayish or silvery-white plaques that rise above the surface of the skin and are easily peeled off.Vulgar psoriasis is another name for this form of the disease.
• Guttate psoriasis.The harmful 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 - sacs filled with clear, uninfected fluid.If the disease is advanced, the fluid becomes purulent.
• Psoriatic nail damage (onychodystrophy).The symptoms of psoriasis of this form affect the nail plates and the surrounding area: the shade of the nail changes, spots appear on its surface, the skin around the nail bed becomes thicker, the plate breaks and peels off.

• Arthropathic psoriasis.The disease is characterized by inflammation of small joints.This form of psoriasis is the most frequently disabling.
• Inverse psoriasis (fold or reverse psoriasis).The disease affects skin folds in the groin, inner thighs, armpits and under the mammary glands (in women).
• Palmoplantar psoriasis.With the development of this form of the disease, all the 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.In 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?In the initial stages of the disease, the following signs of psoriasis appear:

• the appearance of pink, red or bluish papules on the skin, located symmetrically in certain parts of the body;
• general weakness;
• chronic fatigue;
• Depression or apathy.

Gradually, the rash combines into plaques - easily removable scale 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 diseases.If you scrape the cuticle, you can observe the phenomenon of psoriasis triad, which is composed of the following symptoms:

• Stearin stain: After scraping off the plaque, silvery-white scales resembling stearin shavings come off;
• Final film: at the site of the scraped formation, a very thin shiny film remains, covering the papule;
• “Bloody dew”: At the site of the removed final film, pinpoint hemorrhages can occur, which are caused by an injury to the subcutaneous vascular network.

The symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on the stage of the disease and the time of year.In most patients, the manifestations of psoriasis increase 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 in the different stages?In total there are 3 stages of disease development.

1. As the stage progresses, new rashes continually appear and existing plaques increase in size.The patient feels severe itching, the skin constantly peels.
2. What does psoriasis look like in the stationary stage?During this time, the growth of the papules stops.Small wrinkles can be observed in the plaque area.There is still severe itching.
3. In the regression 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 characteristic symptoms.

For example, if the scalp is affected, dandruff-like plaques initially appear.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, on the neck and on the forehead.

The appearance of psoriasis on the palms and feet is accompanied by thickening of the skin and the appearance of cracks.In the early stages of the disease, pustules with transparent contents form, which gradually become purulent.Later, scars appear at the site of such formations, which cause discomfort and pain during physical activities (working with hands, walking).In the future, the disease can be transmitted to the backs of the hands and fingers.

Psoriasis of the nails is described as follows: first, the plate becomes covered with small depressions resembling pinpricks, 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 yet been fully researched.Scientists have put forward several theories as to why this disease occurs.There are two main causes of psoriasis.

1. The causes of the disease lie in a malfunction of the immune system.Cells that are supposed to protect the body from bacteria and viruses penetrate into the upper layer of the epidermis and produce substances that trigger the inflammatory process.This causes the skin cells to divide quickly and the affected area becomes thicker.This theory is supported by an examination of a psoriatic plaque that showed a large accumulation of immune cells.
2. 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 diseases at the same time.

• Have dry and thin skin.Experts noted that people 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.The unjustified desire to constantly keep the body clean, as well as too frequent use of soap and washcloths, damage the skin and reduce 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 diseases occur more often in people who regularly come into contact with detergents, household chemicals, alcohol solutions, etc.
• Medication.Chronic use of certain medications, such as antidepressants and 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 moving to another climatic zone is enough for psoriasis to develop.
• Skin injury.Constantly wearing uncomfortable clothes with rough seams or poor-quality shoes, as well as the habit of scratching the same place, can provoke the first symptoms of psoriasis.
• Stress.The onset of the disease can be preceded by both psychological and physical (e.g. prolonged hypothermia) shocks to the body.
• 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.Can psoriasis be inherited?According to scientists, genes responsible for the activity of the immune system are vectors of the disease.That is why the disease is transmitted from parents to children.

Lives of psoriasis patients

Although psoriasis is not a contagious disease and cannot be transmitted through physical contact with a patient, many patients consider themselves to be outsiders in society and therefore suffer from severe psychological discomfort.

The biggest problem is rashes on the head, ears and face.  More than half of those affected are constantly focused on their appearance and are afraid of public condemnation and rejection from society, as psoriasis often looks like lichen.As the disease progresses, a person limits communication with people.Only a quarter of psoriasis patients do not feel stressed about their own appearance.

The disease also causes severe physical discomfort.Constant itching and burning limit the patient's ability to work, prevent proper rest, often cause insomnia and interfere with physical activity.In addition to the unpleasant symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, there is also joint pain.

Psychological fears combined with physical complaints can cause severe depression, and some patients even develop social phobia.Long-term and expensive treatment of the disease also has a negative effect on the patient, robs him of additional strength and impairs his socialization.

Why is psoriasis dangerous?

In the initial stages, the disease causes a person discomfort associated with the manifestation of symptoms: itching, burning, peeling.

If psoriasis is not treated, it progresses, which is dangerous for the patient's health and even life.

In many cases the following dangerous complications arise:

• pathological changes occur in metabolic processes;
• cardiac function deteriorates, there is a risk of stroke or myocarditis.
• disruptions in kidney and liver activity occur;
• 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;
• in men, potency may decrease;
• due to the spread of plaques in 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, which can lead to blood poisoning and, as a result, death.

The result of an aggravated disease can be erythroderma.

This complication occurs in only 2% of all patients.In the initial stages, it is characterized by the appearance of bright red lesions on the skin, resembling burns.Over time, scales form in such places and peel off in large layers.The skin in this area becomes hot and very sensitive.In addition, other symptoms occur: feeling of tension, constant itching, brittle nails, severe hair loss, enlarged lymph nodes.

If you notice signs of psoriasis, you should contact a dermatologist immediately.The formulation of the diagnosis is based on an external examination of the skin and nails.Additional tests are usually not required.If the patient complains of joint pain, x-rays and blood tests are done 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 build a monument of pure gold to the one who can learn everything about psoriasis and find an effective treatment for this disease.”

External preparations

Regardless of the causes of psoriasis, the doctor first prescribes local remedies that help relieve unpleasant symptoms.First, non-hormonal lotions, ointments and creams that contain tar, oil, zinc or medicinal herbs are used.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 medications for psoriasis are used.They must be used strictly according to the doctor's prescription; under no circumstances should the dosage be exceeded or the duration of treatment extended.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 medications must be used in combination with other medications.In addition to ointments, enterosorbents are prescribed, which remove toxic substances from tissues, as well as immunosuppressants, which are designed to reduce the response of the immune system.Treatment is not possible without taking vitamin complexes, especially vitamins B, A, C, D.

Physiotherapy

These psoriasis treatment methods are often used at any stage of the disease.Procedures such as baths, phototherapy and UV irradiation give 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 entire procedure, a trial session is carried out, during which a small area of the patient's body is exposed to the rays.If the skin reaction is normal, a full course of treatment is prescribed.In summer, the patient is offered to continue UV 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 psoriasis symptoms cannot be eliminated at home.

Traditional recipes only help soften flaky skin and temporarily relieve itching.The following products received the best reviews from patients.

Tar:

• In the first few days after the onset of the disease, apply tar to the affected areas with a cotton swab for 10 minutes, then wash it off with tar soap.
• On days 4-5, increase the duration of the procedure to 40 minutes.
• the total duration of treatment is 12 days;
• It is better to use tar before bed as its smell completely disappears at night.

Celandine:

• pass several uprooted bushes of celandine through a meat grinder;
• Squeeze the juice out of 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 whisking 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.
• Treatment duration: 3-4 weeks.

Herbs:

• 20 g St. John's wort flowers, 20 g celandine root, 10 g marigold flowers and 10 g propolis ground into a paste (preferably in an earthenware 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 the 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 the infusion every time itching increases after eating.
• Duration of treatment - 10 days.

diet

Whatever treatment methods are used to treat psoriasis, without 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.So that the entry “psoriasis” no longer appears in the medical history, you should know and follow the general nutritional rules for patients.In case of this disease, the following should be excluded from the menu:

• any nuts;
• citrus fruits;
• smoked meats;
• Spices;
• salinity;
• spicy dishes;
• fatty foods;
• Alcohol;
• Blue cheese.

If you have been diagnosed with psoriasis in your medical history, you need to maintain a balanced diet.Every day there should be food on the table that provides the body with all the necessary substances.

It is particularly important to consume fatty acids, which are contained in sufficient quantities in all types of fish.

Recommendations for the patient

In order to forget for a long time what disease tormented you, no matter what type 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 pat it gently;
• Avoid regular cosmetics for a while and avoid using products that are new to you.
• Wear protective gloves when carrying out any household work.
• 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 must understand that it is impossible to completely cure psoriasis.However, if you choose the right means to combat this disease, you can eliminate the unpleasant symptoms and achieve stable remission.

Keep your skin clean, pay attention to the slightest changes in its condition and contact a specialist if you have any suspicious symptoms.Taking care of your own body will always keep you healthy and beautiful.To stay up to date with interesting information and breaking news, subscribe to our articles and be sure to share with friends on social networks.We'll meet Again!

This article has exclusively educational, encyclopedic and informational functions.Before using the tips and recommendations described in this article, you must obtain your doctor's approval.You shouldn't self-medicate!