Psoriasis: possible causes and manifestations

Psoriasis is an unpleasant skin disease in which the body is covered with red rashes that turn into patches.A person may experience itching that prevents him from falling asleep, and if complications arise in the form of arthritis, severe joint pain may occur.Psoriasis significantly affects the quality of life.Studies show that patients fare just as badly as those who have suffered a heart attack, heart failure or severe high blood pressure.

Unfortunately, doctors still have not found an answer to the question of how to cure psoriasis.Everything that the pharmaceutical industry and medicine offers - ointments, creams, ultraviolet radiation, anti-immunity drugs - brings only temporary relief.Other measures - psychotherapy, taking vitamins, diet for psoriasis - do not cure, but help improve the condition.

Psoriasis disease

Psoriasis on the head

How does psoriasis develop on the scalp?

• The first lesions appear in the form of a detachment on the back of the head.
• Then the peeling spreads further, the skin itches and itches.In the early stages of psoriasis, patients tend to believe that they only have dandruff and search intensively for a remedy to get rid of it.Contacting doctors is often ineffective - a dermatologist may mistake the lesions for seborrheic dermatitis and prescribe shampoos for it.
• In the next stage, the itching becomes unbearable and the patient breaks the skin by scratching until it bleeds.
• Next, red plaques and bumps appear, which can easily injure a person when scratching.
• Plaques become overgrown with gray particles that gradually cover the entire scalp.The particles are epithelium that has been detached from the surface.
• The psoriasis then spreads to the smooth scalp that is not covered by hair.

Psoriasis of the skin

Cutaneous psoriasis is a non-infectious skin lesion that affects approximately 4% of the population.The reasons for this are not yet fully understood, but the main version is a genetic disorder.An equally popular belief is that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease.Versions of the infectious origin of the disease deserve attention.

Nail psoriasis

Depending on how the nail plate is damaged, there are:

• Change in color of the nail bed.
• The appearance of grooves and pinpoint damage on the plate.
• Corrosion or, conversely, thickening of the nail.
• Thickening of the skin under the nail plate.

Diagnosis of nail psoriasis is possible after appropriate examination for the presence of fungi.But sometimes even this type of study does not completely rule out the disease, as a fungal infection can accompany existing psoriasis.

Psoriasis in adults

Psoriasis in women

Psoriasis in pregnant women

Psoriasis is a chronic disease with periods of exacerbations and improvements.How does he behave during pregnancy?Observations show that pregnant women feel much better - they are less worried about the manifestations of the disease, even if during this period all treatments are almost completely stopped so as not to harm the unborn child.

Sometimes the disease does not completely disappear even during pregnancy and medication is required.If necessary, it is better to treat psoriasis with products that do not contain hormones.

Psoriasis in nursing mothers

How to treat psoriasis in nursing mothers?Many medications are approved that have no systemic effect and are not transmitted through milk:

• Hormonal medications, provided they are used on small parts of the body under medical supervision and when urgently needed.
• Moisturizers (also for children's skin).
• Fats and fat-like creams that can moisturize the skin by retaining them in the stratum corneum.
• Treatment of psoriasis with salicylic ointment is allowed.
• To achieve an anti-allergic effect, various sorbents can be used.
• The use of phototherapy is permitted (without oral administration of photosensitizers).

Psoriasis in men

Psoriasis is slightly less common in men than in women.The course of the disease in men may be milder - the manifestations are less pronounced and the disease begins on average at a later age compared to women.Otherwise, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis are almost the same for both sexes.

A characteristic feature of men is the localization of psoriasis in the area of the glans.Since the disease occurs without characteristic peeling, diagnosis can be difficult, especially if the patient turns not to a dermatologist, but to a urologist, whose specific work does not require precise knowledge of the symptoms of psoriasis.

Psoriasis in children

In childhood, psoriasis can cause a child a lot of suffering as it is accompanied by itching and pain and, if joints are affected, their mobility can also be limited.And peers sometimes lack tact and tease children about “lichen,” having no idea about the true, non-contagious nature of the disease.

How does psoriasis manifest itself in childhood?It is characterized by several forms:

• Localization in typical places - on the extensor surfaces of the limbs, buttocks.
• Nail damage.
• Psoriasis on the scalp, on the scalp.

The exact causes of psoriasis in children are unknown, but the main cause is believed to be a genetic defect.Variants of an unfavorable external environment are also taken into account - contact with allergens, friction of the skin through clothing, chronic and acute stress.Another possible cause of the disease is previous infections.

Psoriasis: symptoms

Symptoms of psoriasis in adults

The symptoms of psoriasis are so characteristic that they allow an accurate and rapid diagnosis.The main manifestation of the disease is red, scaly patches (plaques) on the surface of the skin, consisting of papules.Patients fear severe itching and signs of inflammation in the pimple area.One of the characteristic features of psoriasis is the spread of plaques in skin lesions – microtraumas, scratches, cracks.The preferred location of rashes is on the head under the hair, on the extensor surfaces of the joints, on the lower back and on the sacrum as well as in all natural skin folds.

Psoriasis has a wave-like course in which periods of exacerbation are spontaneously replaced by remission.Many patients find that they cannot associate any event in their life with the exacerbation that has begun.During this period, the symptoms of psoriasis manifest themselves most clearly - peeling intensifies, the redness of the spots becomes significantly lighter, and suppuration of plaques is possible due to the flaking of skin scales and infections.

Symptoms of psoriasis in children

Psoriasis is almost as common in children as atopic dermatitis.It occurs in several forms characteristic of childhood:

• Teardrop-shaped – red bumps that appear after injuries and infections.They are often confused with allergies.
• Plaques.It manifests itself with the same symptoms as the corresponding form in adults.
• The pustular form is rare and is usually caused by an infection, anxiety, or the use of certain medications.The disease manifests itself in the spread of pustules on the skin - blisters with purulent-liquid contents.As with plaques, there is a risk of scratching the pustule and possible infection.
• The erythrodermic form is characterized by the spread of lesions throughout the body, severe inflammation and itching of the skin, fever and fever.The severe course of the disease requires the child to be urgently hospitalized.
• Psoriatic arthritis is a form and complication of psoriasis.It occurs against the background of an existing disease and is manifested by pain and swelling of the joints, as well as muscle stiffness.
• A special form of the disease is so-called diaper psoriasis, in which rashes cover the child's buttocks and are therefore confused by the pediatrician and mother with irritation caused by contact with urine and feces.

Forms of psoriasis

There is still no generally accepted classification of psoriasis.The following forms are distinguished:

• Plaque (ordinary).
• Exudative.
• Arthropathic.
• Pustular.
• Psoriatic erythroderma.
• Psoriasis of the scalp.
• Psoriasis of the wrinkles.
• Psoriasis of the palms and soles.

Certain clinical variants of the disease of varying severity can be observed in the same patient.

Pustule shape

Psoriasis sometimes occurs in the form of pustular skin lesions.It is characterized by the formation of pustular vesicles filled with purulent or sterile contents.The size of the bubbles can reach 2.5-3 cm.The preferred location for rashes is the extensor areas of the arms and legs and the torso.Pustular psoriasis on the scalp is common.The patient's body surface is red and hot.Patients complain of fever and fever, general malaise.

Exudative form

The exudative form is characterized by the appearance of large plaques on the surface of the skin, which then become covered with yellow-brown crusts, unlike vulgar psoriasis.

A characteristic feature of exudative psoriasis is the atypical localization of the rashes.Unlike other forms, they occupy surfaces at the bends of the arms and legs and in skin folds.Friction from clothing and irritation can cause the rash to become injured and then become infected.

Stages of psoriasis

Initial stage of psoriasis

Various scales are used to assess the severity of psoriasis and its stage, including:

• Area with rashes.
• The severity of the disease (redness, itching, swelling and exudate, superficial bleeding).
• General symptoms (emotional and general physical state).
• The influence of the disease on a person's lifestyle and social functions.
• Assessment of the effectiveness of previous therapy attempts.

The initial stage of psoriasis is the stage in which the skin surface is damaged by no more than 3%, nails and joints are not affected.At this point, stable remission of the disease can be achieved.

Middle stage of psoriasis

The middle stage of psoriasis involves skin lesions of 3 to 10% of the skin.

Severe stage of psoriasis

The severe stage of psoriasis is damage to the skin of more than 10% or the development of psoriatic arthritis in any area of the rash.The disease causes considerable inconvenience and suffering to patients at this stage, as arthritis can be accompanied by pain and a widespread rash is accompanied by debilitating itching and insomnia.

Psoriasis: causes

Causes of psoriasis in adults

The causes of psoriasis are not yet fully understood.Of course, science has made progress in studying the disease, but the exact answer to the question of why psoriasis occurs has not yet been found.It is known for certain that dermatosis is not contagious, which means that the cause is most likely not due to infection.Researchers tend to believe that the disease is multifactorial in nature - both metabolic disorders and immune problems are to blame.

Causes of psoriasis in children

Psoriasis in children occurs against the background of infectious diseases, emotional stress, cold weather, excessive tanning and herbs.The trigger for the development of the disease can be frequent contact with allergens.

Diagnosis of psoriasis

Visual examination and identification of the psoriasis triad

The disease psoriasis has characteristic symptoms that allow the doctor to accurately diagnose the disease based on a visual examination of the skin:

• “Stearin stain” – if the coating is scraped off, stearin-like chips are created.
• “Terminal film” – after the scales are removed from the surface of the papule, a surface resembling polyethylene film becomes visible in their place.
• “Blood dew” – after further scraping of the surface that emerges from under the plaque, bleeding occurs in the form of drops.

Unlike the skin form, nail psoriasis is diagnosed by a dermatologist not based on a triad of symptoms, but based on other signs:

• Change in color of the nail bed.
• Corroded nail.
• Grooves along the nail.
• Small dots on the nail plate, reminiscent of stitches with a sewing needle.
• Increasing the thickness of the skin under the nail.
• Thickening and change in shape of the nail, ingrowth into the finger.

Laboratory research

Based on the structure and properties of the cells of the fragment, a specialist can determine the origin of the rash: in psoriasis, there is an increase in the number of Rene bodies, increased proliferation of keratinocytes and an accumulation of T-lymphocytes and macrophages in the skin layer.

Psoriasis: treatment

Treatment of psoriasis in adults

How do you treat psoriasis?Medicine has not yet provided a comprehensive answer to this question, but the principles of therapy were developed a long time ago.They can be divided into three groups:

• Elimination of the cause of the disease.
• Relief of symptoms.
• Strengthening immunity.

The aim of all types of treatment is to bring the disease into remission for as long as possible.

The effectiveness of therapy varies from case to case.

Treatment of psoriasis in children

The treatment of psoriasis in children is aimed at rapid and long-term remission and does not fundamentally differ from therapy in adults:

• Compliance with a hypoallergenic diet with the usual food composition: exclusion of fried, salty, spicy, preservative-containing vegetables and fruits that can cause allergies.
• Creating a life without allergens (down pillows, old dusty things).
• Follow hygiene instructions (correct washing, drying and moisturizing damaged skin).
• Physiotherapy.Electrosleep, phototherapy, magnetic therapy, ultrasound and laser can be used.The use of photochemotherapy is recommended for children aged 15 and over due to the potential harm.
• Sanatorium resort treatment with mineral baths and healing mud.
• Local treatment with hormonal and non-hormonal ointments and creams, prescribed by the doctor depending on the severity of the disease, the intensity of the skin symptoms and the individual reaction.
• If local treatment is not enough, children can be prescribed systemic drugs and procedures (UVA photochemotherapy, drugs affecting the immune system, retinoids).

Medications used to treat psoriasis

Psoriasis cream

Which creams are most popular for treating psoriasis?

• Contains synthetic hormones.They are good because they quickly and effectively relieve itching and inflammation and help reduce the size of psoriasis plaques.Hormonal creams have many side effects and should be used strictly as directed and under medical supervision.
• Non-hormonal creams have the same effect as hormonal ones, but they take much longer to occur after long-term use.Therefore they are not used as ambulances.However, unlike hormones, such creams are not addictive and have almost no side effects.

Ointment for psoriasis

Ointments, like creams, are hormonal and non-hormonal:

• Hormonal drugs contain hormones, from the weakest to the most effective 4th generation drugs.Ointments are prescribed by a doctor and can be stopped by gradually reducing the dosage.
• Non-hormonal ointment for psoriasis moisturizes the skin, relieves inflammation and itching, and heals wounds.

Physiotherapy as a cure for psoriasis

The procedures are aimed at achieving various therapeutic effects:

• The most important form of physiotherapy is phototherapy (or photochemotherapy).Treatment consists of treating the surface of the skin with ultraviolet radiation of different wavelengths.
• X-ray methods – treatment of the skin surface with soft X-rays.
• With electrosleep, a patient is put into a sleep state by electrically influencing the brain.The procedure does not treat skin rashes, but helps to reduce excitability and manifestations of neuroses, and thereby the general condition of patients improves.
• Cryotherapy – treating the surface of the skin with nitrogen to accelerate regeneration, relieve inflammation and itching.
• Magnetic therapy is used when psoriasis is complicated by arthritis.
• Laser therapy is primarily used to treat plaque.

How to cure psoriasis at home

What is self-treatment for psoriasis at home?

• Organize a hypoallergenic lifestyle – you need to get rid of carpets, down pillows and blankets and try to replace the furniture with something that is easy to remove dust from.Patients with psoriasis should not keep pets, even if no animal allergy is confirmed.Prolonged contact with them can cause the body to become allergic.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
• The diet for psoriasis should be healthy and nutritious.
• Elimination of stress and anxiety, as these can serve as a reason for aggravation.
• Compliance with hygiene rules - abandoning a bath in favor of a shower, carefully drying, washing and then moisturizing the skin with special products prescribed by the doctor.
• Taking medications and carrying out procedures prescribed by a dermatologist depending on the stage of the disease.
• If the doctor has prescribed sunbathing or UV irradiation for you, you must strictly adhere to the schedule of the procedure.

Treatment of psoriasis with folk remedies

What methods are used in folk medicine?

• Birch tar is used in the form of soap or in pure form to apply to affected skin areas.
• Treatment with soda is based on the hypothesis that psoriasis occurs due to increased acidity of the skin.To neutralize it, it is suggested to treat the surface with an alkaline preparation, namely soda.
• Treatment of psoriasis with folk remedies in the form of fat is based on moisturizing the skin with the fat contained in it.
• Copper sulfate and potassium permanganate are also used to treat psoriasis.For treatment, a solution of vitriol and potassium permanganate is used, which treats the surface of the skin for several hours.

Diet for psoriasis

What enables and promotes a diet against psoriasis?

• Fiber.It allows you to improve metabolic processes and normalize digestive function.
• Calcium is a generally recognized useful product with a pronounced anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect and therefore its presence in the diet is necessary: cottage cheese, dairy products and fermented milk products are mandatory for the patient.
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids are needed to normalize fat metabolism, support the absorption of many vitamins and improve the condition of the skin and vascular walls.
• Zinc must be present in the diet to promote protein synthesis, which boosts immunity.
• At any stage of psoriasis, you need to consume foods rich in antioxidants.

Complications of psoriasis

Psoriatic erythoderma

Psoriatic erythroderma is a complication of psoriasis in which the patient's entire skin is covered with bright red spots.The temperature rises, the joints hurt, the lymph nodes enlarge and the general condition worsens.The complication is dangerous because it contributes to the development of heart failure and impaired kidney and liver function.Peeling and inflammation of the skin leads to dehydration, heat and protein loss.

Generalized pustular psoriasis

Skin psoriasis can be complicated by a rash on the surface of the body in the form of small vesicles (pustules) with bright red outlines.As the disease progresses, the pustules coalesce into patches, open or remain intact, and then dry out into a yellow crust.Places of rashes include the chest, sides and back, and extensor areas of the limbs.

In addition, symptoms of pustular psoriasis include fever, increased temperature, burning and pain in the area of the rash.

Arthropathic psoriasis

Skin psoriasis with a long course, 5-6 years after its onset, can be complicated by the involvement of the joints in the process.The complication is called arthropathic psoriasis and usually manifests itself in the form of inflammation of the finger and toe phalanges.The fingers swell and the skin in the area of inflammation becomes red.In addition, the disease also affects other joints: intervertebral, pelvic, heel.

The disease psoriasis in the form of arthropathy progresses in waves with improvements and exacerbations, sometimes accompanied by skin rashes, but can also occur without skin symptoms.Patients complain of severe pain and limited mobility in the damaged joint.Arthropathic psoriasis is easily recognized when accompanying skin rashes are present, and when these are not present, the disease can be confused with other types of arthritis.

Prevention of exacerbations of psoriasis

Spa treatment

What are the effects of staying in resorts?

• Mud therapy improves skin condition and relieves inflammation.
• Climate therapy – mild heat, sea air and swimming have a positive effect on the general condition of the skin and strengthen the immune system.
• Sunbathing (heliotherapy) is indicated in moderation.They are good for the skin due to the beneficial effects of ultraviolet radiation.However, excessive exposure to the sun can lead to complications of psoriasis, so you should not overuse tanning.
• Hydrogen sulfide baths and thermal water from natural springs improve capillary blood circulation and promote better skin regeneration.

Ultraviolet irradiation

An excellent remedy for psoriasis is exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which can be natural (solar) or artificial.UV treatment comes in different forms:

• PUVA photochemotherapy, in which long-wave radiation is combined with the intake of a photosensitizer.
• Narrowwave 311 nm therapy – phototherapy using narrow spectrum radiation.
• Combined phototherapy is a combination of medium and long waves.

lifestyle

What needs to change in patients’ everyday lives?

• It is advisable to follow a hypoallergenic diet, limit alcohol consumption and drink plenty of clean water (6-8 glasses per day, not counting liquids in the dishes).
• Personal hygiene includes showering instead of bathing.
• The air in the rooms should be sufficiently humidified.
• Sun exposure is beneficial for psoriasis patients as long as it is approved by a doctor.
• In order to avoid the appearance of new foci of disease, the skin should be protected from injuries.
• To avoid exacerbation of psoriasis, you need to strengthen your immune system and protect yourself from colds and respiratory viral infections.
• The exact causes of psoriasis are unknown, but stress has been confirmed to cause it to worsen.Therefore, patients need to try to protect themselves from negative emotions, emotional stress and fatigue.It is very important to get enough sleep.

Vitamin therapy courses

Which vitamins are useful for skin diseases?

• Retinol (vitamin A).
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that completely changes a person's life.Diagnosis of the disease is not difficult, since the “characteristic” psoriasis rashes are known to every dermatologist.The causes of skin damage have not yet been precisely established and no effective means of eliminating them have been invented: neither creams, nor taking hormones, nor ointments for psoriasis guarantee complete healing.But don't despair!You should always remember that this is not a fatal disease and that with proper treatment, diet, preventive measures and sanatorium treatment you can achieve stable remission.