Psoriasis is a long-term chronic skin disease.
The reasons for the development of the disease
Psoriasis occurs due to the pathology of the skin cells when the top layer of skin dies within 4 to 5 days, during this time interval is usually several weeks. The causes of the disease are not fully understood, but doctors identify several factors that provoke the disease:
- Hereditary predisposition - The disease manifests itself at a young age from 15 years and is more often inherited. If a parent is diagnosed with psoriasis, the child has a greater than 50% chance of getting sick.
- Autoimmune Conflict - In this type of disorder, the body's own immune cells no longer recognize the skin cells as part of the body and begin to attack them as foreign elements.
- nerve shocks - promote the release of hormones into the bloodstream, which leads to metabolic disorders and provokes the development of the disease.
- Disruption of the hormonal balance and metabolism.
Psoriasis is not contagious because no infectious agents can be transmitted.
Psoriasis symptoms
The main symptoms of the disease are characteristic rashes that mainly affect the inner surface of the elbow and knee joints, as well as the areas of the skin that are often subjected to frictional trauma.
Rash on the edge of the scalp and other less typical locations can also occur.
Skin rashes appear as spots covered with gray or white scales. Psoriasis rashes have three distinctive features:
- Stearin stain symptom:Whitish scales peel off easily and resemble candle wax crumbs in appearance.
- Final film- After the flakes have been removed, a whitish film can be seen underneath them, covering the surface of the spot.
- Spotting bleeding- When the stain is scratched, the end film is removed, the papillae of the skin are damaged, on which small drops of blood protrude.
At an early stage, a pale border forms around the papule, at this stage no peeling occurs. Pallor around the site is a vascular response of the body to the rejection of the epidermis. The disease is accompanied by severe itching of the skin, cracks and light bleeding appear on the skin when scratched. A secondary infection can follow and penetrate the damaged skin.
In addition to the skin, psoriasis affects the nails, causing fragility of the nail plates, the appearance of a transverse pattern and concave areas.
Autoimmune conflicts can affect joints and cause arthritic pain, especially in the finger joints.
Types of psoriasis
Psoriasis of the first type occurs in people under the age of 30. It is a hereditary disease that mainly affects the skin and has a typical localization.
Psoriasis of the second type affects people over forty and is not inherited. More often it affects the nail plates and scalp, the rash is small and tear-shaped. The disease in the elderly is due to a decrease in immunity against the background of chronic infectious diseases and an inappropriate lifestyle.
Clinical studies have shown a link between type 2 psoriasis and alcohol and unhealthy food abuse.
Forms of psoriasis
Psoriasis has different forms of varying severity:
- Plaque psoriasis- characteristic papules form on the skin, accompanied by itching and flaking.
- Pustular shapeis characterized by the appearance of blisters, reddening of the skin around them, severe itching and burning, is considered a moderate form of the disease.
- Erythrodermais characterized by massive skin lesions, accompanied by oozing and discharge from large layers of the epidermis, is particularly difficult to tolerate, often accompanied by pustular lesions and fungal infections.
Stages of psoriasis
The disease develops in several stages:
- The initial stagesignals the beginning of the disease. During this time, pale spots appear, less often several, and the skin begins to peel off.
- The active stageis associated with severe symptoms, heavy discharge of skin flakes, itching and inflammation.
- Stationary phase- indicates a remission, at which point the peeling practically stops, instead of forming a spot, pigmentation or pale areas of pseudo-atrophy.
Psoriasis diagnostics
To make a diagnosis, you need to consult a dermatologist. The pathology has a clear clinical picture, which is confirmed by the anamnesis and biopsy of the elements of the skin during their subsequent examination.
Psoriasis treatment
Treatment of the disease should be approached comprehensively while stopping external symptoms and influencing the possible cause of the disease.
Drug therapy
In severe cases, measures are taken to reduce the body's immune attack on its own cells:
- cytostatics;
- antihistamines;
- corticosteroid hormones;
- Enterosorbents and hepatoprotectors are used to restore metabolism.
At the same time, measures are taken to saturate the body with the necessary vitamins and microelements:
- Silicon is one of the most important trace elements that are responsible for the hormonal balance and the health of the skin.
- Calcium and vitamin D3 are necessary to bring the disease into remission. Prescribed together to increase calcium intake.
Local resources
To protect the skin, external means in the form of ointments and creams are used:
- Glucocorticoids, which decrease the immune response, also decrease symptoms of inflammation, relieve itching and swelling of the skin.
- Salicylic acid and herbal products are important to moisturize the skin and protect it from secondary infections.
- Topical cytostatics are used only in the active phase of the disease with its severe course.
Procedures
To accelerate the healing process, physiological procedures are prescribed:
- cryotherapy;
- UV radiation;
- laser processing.
If necessary, plasmapheresis is performed to purify the blood plasma and stabilize the cells.
Prevention
If a predisposition to the disease is determined, a number of preventive measures should be taken:
- lead a healthy lifestyle, quit smoking and alcohol;
- Build a daily routine, avoid stress and deal rationally with the organization of the work plan.
- Follow a diet, avoid excessive amounts of carbohydrates, spices and fatty foods. It is advisable to avoid preservatives and instant foods.
- Spend enough time outdoors.
- Use soap and shampoo with a specially selected pH value. Do not use hard washcloths and towels. After showering, dry the skin thoroughly.
- Wear clothing made from natural materials that are not too close to the body.
- Get regular medical examinations, check the hormone level in your blood and, if necessary, start treatment early.
Such measures help to maintain healthy skin and significantly improve the quality of life.