Psoriasis, or psoriasis, is an autoimmune chronic disease that affects the skin and manifests as red spots, plaques covered with tiny scales. The disease is incurable, so the methods of treating psoriasis are limited to reducing symptoms, stopping pain and inflammation, and achieving early and long-term remission. There are many prejudices about the disease in society. People who don't know what it is think that psoriasis can be contagious. In the description, several types of this non-infectious disease can be distinguished, each with unique symptoms and course.
Where does psoriasis come from?
The causes of psoriasis have not been established, as little is known about this skin disease. The symptoms of the disease in the initial stage may resemble dermatitis and eczema, but it is impossible to confuse pronounced psoriatic plaques with other skin diseases. Scientists and doctors agree that a genetic predisposition is one factor in the appearance of psoriasis.
For example, if a mother is diagnosed with a skin pathology, there is a 15% chance that the child will inherit the disease. If both parents are treated for psoriasis, the risk of hereditary transmission of the disease increases 4 times, i. e. to 60%.
But even if the parents are carriers of a gene that causes a skin disease, this does not mean that the child will get it. The causes of psoriasis on the body are different. Stress, nervous shocks, mental trauma "trigger" the skin disease.
Psoriasis can also be caused by:
- skin injuries, burns, insect bites, tattoos;
- the medications the person is taking;
- infectious diseases;
- alcoholism, smoking;
- exposure to chemicals such as detergents;
- dermatitis and fungal diseases;
- HIV;
- pregnancy and childbirth.
Recently, scientists have stated that psoriasis may occur due to malnutrition, but they have not found any convincing evidence for this theory.
Doctors know that a certain gene is responsible for the skin disease, but they cannot determine the exact cause of psoriasis.
What does psoriasis look like in the early stages?
The first symptoms of psoriasis are:
- A person's nails peel, their skin cracks.
- A pustular rash appears on the body.
- The skin begins to peel off and die.
- There are blisters on the hands and feet.
- Itchy red spots covered with whitish scales appear on the elbows, knees, and face.
The person sinks into depression, is not interested in anything, collapses and even notices low self-esteem.
On the head, face and under the hair
First of all, a person notices increased peeling of the skin, reminiscent of dandruff. Then the plaques themselves appear, covered with silvery scales. The rash grows, affecting an increasingly large area of the skin, but even in the case of severe psoriasis, the hair does not fall out.
Psoriasis primarily affects the scalp in 80% of cases. If the pathology is not treated, rashes appear in other places.
Severe itching is a harbinger of a disease affecting the skin of the face. Psoriasis initially looks like an allergy, with tiny red spots on the skin that grow and coalesce to form an inflamed nodule or papule.
The breakouts cover the entire face. The spots themselves are covered with scales that can be separated easily and painlessly. Beneath them is an end film that resembles a bright scarlet skin. If you comb the itchy places, they will be covered with small drops of blood.
On arms and legs
Skin diseases Psoriasis affects the skin:
- upper arms and legs;
- brushes;
- knuckles on the hands and feet;
- near the nails.
The disease begins with the appearance of small reddened areas on the skin between the fingers, legs, wrists, elbows and knees.
In 10% of cases, psoriasis affects the nails. Psoriasis plaques appear on the nail plates long before the appearance of the main symptoms of the disease affecting the skin of the body.
On the palms and feet
Palmar-plantar is a manifestation of psoriasis that affects the skin of the palms and feet.
It is characterized by the appearance of red scaly spots covered with whitish scales. At the site of the rash, the skin thickens, cracks, and becomes inflamed. The aggravated form is expressed in the formation of pustules and deep abscesses.
On the trunk
Signs of the disease affecting the skin of the body are similar to psoriasis on the palms and feet, head, face. Rashes often appear on the back and lower back.
Red spots covered with grayish-white scales itch and itch. They cannot be combed because the thin end film does not protect the smallest capillaries, and the surface of the skin is covered with microscopic blood droplets when combed. Psoriasis can appear on the chest and sides.
The red spots expand and coalesce into formations that doctors call "paraffin lakes".
Psoriasis causes various skin changes:
- peeling;
- thickening;
- edema;
- appearance of blisters and pustules.
Often, keratinized dry skin cracks, causing pain and discomfort.
Other localizations
Psoriasis spreads throughout the body as the disease progresses. Psoriatic plaques can be localized in the groin, buttocks, elbows and knee folds. The disease causes great discomfort because the rashes itch, but you should not scratch them. Careless actions can easily damage the thinned affected skin and cause further infection.
The symptoms of skin psoriasis are similar regardless of localization, so the dermatologist diagnoses the disease as follows:
- red rash with a light border;
- the so-called psoriatic triad: the phenomenon of the "stearin spot", that is, the plaque itself, which is covered with silvery soft scales, under which there is a terminal film, and small drops of blood cover the spot when it is scraped;
- the appearance of new plaques at the site of skin injuries;
- itchy.
Psoriatic arthritis
This form of complication affects the joints and tendons, which lose their density and elasticity.
Arthritis accompanies the symptoms of psoriasis, is characterized by joint inflammation and is divided into:
- Asymmetric, which affects several joints on one side of the body and does not affect paired bone elements.
- Symmetrical, which resembles rheumatism. Paired joints suffer. This form often leads to disability.
- Distal interphalangeal joints involving the phalanges of the fingers and toes.
- Spine, in one or more departments.
- It deforms when the joints die.
Arthritis is characterized by severe pain and swelling, and the skin is bluish in the area of the affected bone joint. In this case, a person experiences a malfunction, sometimes the lymph nodes increase.
Classification of psoriasis
The types of psoriasis differ depending on the nature of the rash. The international classification describes 10 forms of autoimmune chronic diseases:
- Plaque-like or simple psoriasis is most common. It affects any part of the body, it occurs in both women and men. It begins with the appearance of red, swollen spots, which are then covered by a whitish, easily peeling scaly film, "plaque".
- After a streptococcal infection, guttate psoriasis can affect the skin. It manifests itself on the thighs, legs, neck and back. Red, bluish, purple rashes rise above the surface of the skin and resemble drops in shape.
- The spotted form is characterized by extensive rashes all over the body. The disease is more common in women than in men.
- Pustular, the most severe, which can be distinguished by the appearance of blisters - pustules surrounded by red, inflamed skin and filled with clear fluid. If an infection gets into the blisters, pieces of pus appear in the contents.
- Follicular, affecting the skin of the legs and thighs, in the form of small whitish papules.
- Psoriasis of the bending surfaces, which affects the skin in the folds, for example in the folds of the knees, groin, under the breasts, armpits.
- Palmar-plantar, which often appears in people who do manual labor.
- Psoriatic onychia affects only the fingernails and toenails. The nail plates change color, turn yellow, peel, and sometimes die. The skin around the nails thickens.
- Scalp characterized by red, scaly rashes in areas of hair growth and itching.
- Seborrheic, most often localized on the chest, behind the ears, between the shoulder blades, in the nasolabial folds. Psoriasis foci are very scaly, often reminiscent of eczema, covered with a purulent crust.
- The symptoms of the erythrodermic form of psoriasis are pronounced. The affected skin may come off with plates, a person experiences severe pain, and the body temperature rises. Untreated erythroderma flows into pyoderma, which is a purulent lesion of the skin and can lead to death.
Any form of psoriasis requires timely treatment, which can only be prescribed by a dermatologist after examination and necessary research.
How psoriasis manifests itself in different stages
Overall, we distinguish 4 phases of the development of psoriasis:
- initial or early;
- advanced;
- stationary;
- decreasing.
In most cases, psoriasis begins with the appearance of small papules. Round, pink, shiny spots, sometimes no larger than a pinhead, rise above the surface of the skin and have a light border. They are covered with silver scales. The presence of skin rashes in the early stages of psoriasis can be mistaken for eczema or allergic rashes.
The clinical picture of the disease is different in different stages. For example, severe inflammation of the skin is characteristic of an acute or progressive form that requires medical attention and intensive treatment.
However, the rashes do not go away, but grow and merge with each other. Psoriatic plaques, clearly demarcated by a pink corolla, begin to peel off. The affected skin itches and itches unbearably.
It lasts from 2 weeks to several months, and psoriasis flows into the stationary stage. The growth of psoriatic plaques stops, peeling increases, which covers the entire affected area of the skin.
In the case of regressive psoriasis, the peeling gradually disappears, the psoriasis plaques flatten and gradually disappear. There are no marks, scars or scars on the skin. Hyperpigmentation of the skin sometimes occurs. During the remission phase, the skin regains its normal color and texture.
What is the danger of the disease
The severity of the course of the disease depends on the condition of the skin. If the lesions are not extensive, the person lives a normal life. Physical and psychological discomfort is experienced by those people whose rashes occupy a large area, the skin becomes inflamed. A significant health risk is the complication of pustular psoriasis if the blisters are infected.
Psoriatic arthritis is also dangerous because some of its forms destroy the joints and lead to disability. However, inflammation of the bone joints occurs quite rarely, in 10% of cases.
Even if the plaques on the skin are insignificant and the person feels normal, it is necessary to see a dermatologist who will make a diagnosis and start treatment. Timely access to a doctor prevents complications and helps to achieve a stable remission.
Complex treatment of psoriasis
There is no effective way to get rid of psoriasis forever. Skin diseases are treated with various methods. A person is prescribed tablets, ointments and prescribed physiotherapy. It is recommended to take spas and to be vigilant about the condition of the skin, to prevent injuries such as scratches, cuts and scrapes.
Comprehensive treatment for psoriasis works when a person meets medical prescriptions.
How to treat psoriasis with pharmaceutical products
These are ointments, tablets, injections, which the attending physician prescribes to the person seeking help. The tablets are taken at a specific time of the day before or after a meal, ointments are applied to the affected areas with clean hands, injections can be done at home or in the hospital. These can be products based on plant components, hormones and other chemically active substances.
In the complex therapy of scaly lichen:
- Antihistamine drugs that are prescribed when a person has an allergic reaction.
- Hepatoprotectors that support the liver.
- Immunomodulators that facilitate the course of the disease.
- Immunosuppressants in the form of injections. They are effective but expensive and have serious side effects. The medicines cannot be used by infectious or oncological patients.
- Glucosteroids are effective, but they are addictive. Therefore, treatment with hormonal drugs lasts no more than 2 weeks.
If lichen scaly is mild, the doctor will try to limit himself to topical medications.
Medicines for local use - ointments, sprays
Local remedies for psoriasis can be divided into:
- Hormonal, which affect the body's autoimmune processes.
- Therapeutic, which includes zinc, naphthalene, tar, vitamins. It hydrates cracked skin, softens hardened psoriatic lesions, supports skin function and restores damaged skin.
Hormonal ointments, lotions and sprays are used on the skin during exacerbations. Biologically active substances in the composition of strong creams:
- reduces itching;
- relieves bloating;
- constricts blood vessels;
- relieves pain and fights inflammation.
Apply the product to the affected areas of the skin on the body, face and parts of the head. Medical ointments are most often used after the acute period of psoriasis, and doctors do not recommend the use of hormone preparations and creams containing vitamin D for more than 2 weeks.
Tablets and injections
If you are interested in how to treat psoriasis, you can ask a dermatologist about the effective tablets and injections used in the complex therapy of psoriasis.
- Some medications are prescribed when psoriasis is severe. For example, pills that a person receives if the damaged skin does not heal.
- The doctor prescribes vitamin B, folic acid, omega acid, other multivitamins and lecithin. These drugs help recovery, do not cause addiction, shorten the duration of treatment and prolong remission.
The complex therapy of scaly lichen is not limited to the ingestion of special agents and vitamins.
If a person follows the rules, uses high-quality cosmetics, maintains the health and condition of the skin, psoriasis is practically not terrible.
If there are no contraindications, a person can give injections containing immunosuppressants:
- Some medications are given subcutaneously, while others are given intravenously to treat psoriatic arthritis.
- Injections have serious contraindications. It cannot be used by people under 18 years of age, pregnant and lactating women, in the presence of malignant tumors and infectious diseases.
Homeopathy
Manufacturers of homeopathic remedies claim that the use of such drugs reduces the risk of relapses and guarantees a quick recovery from the problem. In addition, the funds:
- It supports immunity and the health of internal organs.
- These are sources of minerals and vitamins necessary for the body.
- It restores the work of the intestines, seeding the digestive system with useful bacteria.
- It helps to remove toxins.
When choosing medicines, the homeopath takes into account the person's anamnesis, the stage and nature of the course of the disease, heredity, and psychosomatic factors.
Official medical science has no evidence of the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies in the treatment of psoriasis.
Physiotherapy in the fight against skin diseases
Most often, the affected skin is irradiated with light waves of different wavelengths of the ultraviolet spectrum or with a laser. Sometimes before the procedure, a person takes psoralens, which increase the sensitivity of skin cells to radiation. The doctor also prescribes cryotherapy when the affected skin is exposed to low temperatures. More recently, ultraviolet blood irradiation has been used against psoriasis.
Ultraviolet irradiation is one of the simplest methods of physiotherapy treatment. At the same time, the effectiveness of this method showed quite confident results.
The duration of the sessions varies, but physiotherapy is quite effective. This is one way to cure psoriasis quickly. The procedures return activity to the person, allowing him to fully live and work.
Is it possible to cure psoriasis forever folk remedies
Scale lichen cannot be treated. Tablets, ointments, and injections combat the symptoms of the disease, reducing the number of relapses. Folk remedies are no exception. Decoctions, tinctures, healing baths contribute to the development of remission, but do not alleviate the autoimmune disease.
Medicines for oral administration
Herbs and plant-based remedies help stop the symptoms of psoriasis. The safest are chamomile decoction, fresh aloe juice, poultices and decoctions made from rhizomes and burdock leaves.
Herbal preparations against scaly lichen can be bought in pharmacies. Boiled with boiling water, you can drink it as an infusion before or after a meal, or pour it into water and take a spa bath.
According to traditional medicine, the use of hydrogen peroxide eliminates the manifestations of psoriasis. Use the medicine:
- In the form of a solution. First, dilute one drop of the product in 3 tablespoons of water and drink on an empty stomach half an hour before meals. Gradually increase the strength of the solution to 10 drops for the same amount of water. Take the medicine every three days.
- Externally, a poultice is applied to the affected skin for an hour, moistened with sterile gauze in a solution of 2 teaspoons of peroxide and 50 ml of water.
Before using any folk remedies, consult your doctor.
Compresses and baths
Poultices and baths with herbal decoctions do not cure the disease, but they alleviate the general condition, reduce itching and inflammation. Designed for external use:
- chamomile;
- succession;
- thyme;
- burdock root;
- oak bark;
- hops;
- sage and others.
It is not recommended to take a bath longer than 20 minutes.
After bathing, moisturizing creams and therapeutic ointments should be applied to the skin.
Baths and poultices made with herbal decoctions have practically no contraindications.
Skin protection and care
There is no complete cure for psoriasis. But during the entire period of treatment and during the period of remission, a person must properly care for the skin:
- Avoid traumatic effects on the skin. Don't scratch it, don't scratch it. Use protective equipment during physical work or cleaning.
- Wear comfortable clothing made from natural materials.
- Use special dermatological cosmetics.
- Moisturize the skin.
- Avoid direct sunlight.
Prevention measures include diet and lifestyle changes.
Changing lifestyle and diet
Psoriasis is not caused by food, but malnutrition weakens the body's defenses and reduces resistance to stress factors. Therefore, a person with lichen scaly must monitor their daily routine and nutrition.
The doctor, when asked how to treat psoriasis, lists preventive measures:
- Rejection of heavy, fried, fatty foods.
- Active lifestyle, moderate physical activity.
- Sunbathing in the evening and in the morning.
- Avoiding smoking and alcoholic beverages.
One should prefer healthy foods with high nutrient, vitamin and mineral content.
What to do if the child is sick
The first thing that parents do when they notice the manifestations of scaly lichen on the skin of children is to seek the help of a doctor. Treating the disease at an early stage can reduce the intensity of the rashes that cause physical and emotional suffering in children.
The child must be taught to care for the skin properly and to follow a healthy lifestyle. Socialization is very important for children, so parents should encourage the child to play sports, make friends, and go for walks. In order to cope with emotional discomfort, children may need the help of a psychotherapist, who will teach them not to react to possible stupid comments of their peers and even narrow-minded adults.
Can psoriasis be completely cured?
A person who is faced with itchy, scaly skin rashes with physical and psychological discomfort will want to know whether or not to treat this disease.
You can learn everything about psoriasis and its treatment from the dermatologist to whom you turned for help. There are associations and support centers where you can get the information you need, including legal information, such as what benefits are available if someone is diagnosed with psoriasis.
A complete cure of psoriasis is impossible, since the disease is associated with a genetic factor, and genes are not suitable for drug therapy, procedures, homeopathy and folk remedies.
Modern medicines, ointments, and procedures really effectively combat the symptoms of the disease and prolong the remission. But regardless of the methods used, psoriasis can return. The disease recurs more often if a person neglects medical examinations, does not follow simple prevention rules.
Is the disease preventable?
"Three pillars" on which the prevention of skin diseases is based:
- Compliance with personal hygiene rules.
- Adequate nutritious diet.
- Rejection of bad habits.
For washing, it is better to use only cosmetic dermatological products purchased at a pharmacy. Well, if they contain tar.