Psoriasis is a noninfectious skin disease is expressed by formation of red, scaly patches covered with itchy, silvery scales. Usually psoriasis develops in young people from 20 to 30 years. The disease does not threaten human life, but cause him severe suffering of a psychological nature, to social exclusion.
The causes of the disease
Causes of psoriasis, to date, not fully understood. There are some factors that are associated with the occurrence of psoriasis. However, by themselves these factors are not able to lead to psoriasis, only in combination with each other can serve them as a stimulus for the development of this disease:
- genetic predisposition;
- the reduction of the protective properties of the organism;
- psycho-emotional disorders;
- pathology of the endocrine system.
It is assumed that psoriasis can be caused by an imbalance in the immune system. In the skin, accumulates a large number of T-lymphocytes, which leads to chronic inflammation of the affected area. Histological overview of psoriatic material confirms the presence of a high concentration of immune cells in the affected areas, which allows you to confirm the immunological factor in the development of psoriasis.
Genetic predisposition to psoriasis confirmed the presence of mutations in multiple DNA sites. These areas are responsible for the development of immune cells T-lymphocytes. Failure of such sites may trigger the development of psoriasis. So, if the parents suffer from psoriasis is the risk for the development of these diseases in the child, equal to 50% and even higher. Scientists also attribute the development of psoriasis, in adults with mutations of certain genes.
Also cause the development of psoriasis can be stress, which leads to deterioration of symptoms. Emotional upset can trigger the release of hormones in the blood, which leads to many biochemical reactions, which contribute to the formation of a variety of skin rashes.
The study of the etiology of psoriasis has shown that in many patients there are disorders of the endocrine and reproductive system, in addition, they have observed a violation of process of formation of the pigmentation.
You can also mention the ancillary factors that contribute to the development of psoriasis: ecology, injury, unbalanced diet, poor living conditions, violations of basic hygiene.
We can say that psoriasis is hereditary to a specific disease, its development involves a complex of the above reasons.
Symptoms of the disease and its types
Psoriasis is a some common specific symptoms for the accurate diagnosis of this disease. When psoriasis develops in three characteristic States:
- "slack" periods, that if you try scraping the nail, peel, and its consistency similar to wax and tallow;
- the red light-emitting surface, which is formed after the separation of the scales and plates. This is often called the terminal film;
- a very characteristic symptom of psoriasis is the symptom of "blood dew". If you scrape all the flakes and plaques on the skin surface, the small bloody points similar to dew drops.
Most often, psoriatic lesions are localized in the area of flexure of the large joints, under the armpit, scalp, groin, under the Breasts, on the nails. The disease begins with the appearance of small itchy symmetrical rash, then merge into one large conglomerate, which has a large surface of the skin. Itching becomes acceptable, and the division of the scales, which cause the phenomenon of "blood rose".
Diagnosis of psoriasis causes some problems, because there are many types of this disease. Psoriasis is in the following form:
- vulgaris (common psoriasis);
- psoriasis panel;
- pustular psoriasis;
- psoriasis flexor surfaces;
- the point of psoriasis or in the form of drops.
Each type of psoriasis has its own code in the international qualification of diseases (ICD-10). Each type of disease has its own signs, symptoms and causes.
Treatment of psoriasis
Psoriasis treatment is more difficult, because it is a disease of chronic course with temporary remissions. Today, however, it is possible to significantly improve the health condition of the patient by reducing the clinical manifestations. Psoriasis treatment is a comprehensive application of common drug therapy, local treatment with medications, application of physical therapy techniques and immunomodulators.
Used mainly in topical preparations for external use. The composition of these products include substances that contain:
- Glucocorticosteroid hormones, which can prevent the active division of the cells of the skin and reduce inflammation, itching and depression of the immune system.
- Drugs based on vitamin D, the efficiency, which is reflected in the compartment with ultraviolet radiation.
- Drugs with active zinc, which can quickly eliminate the itching and redness of the skin.
For the system (common) of psoriasis treatment is used:
- Corticosteroids, which eliminate the symptoms of inflammation and regulate the metabolism.
- Cytostatics inhibit uncontrolled cell division.
- Immunomodulators eliminate the interference on the immune system.
- Non-steroidal drugs which treat the symptoms of the disease: inflammation and itching, not to affect the causes of disease.
Physiotherapy treatment consists of a number of procedures:
- PUVA therapy. This method is the use of photoactive chemicals that are used in conjunction with long-wave ultraviolet radiation.
- Hirudotherapy. The use of leeches for the treatment of psoriasis, which improve the outflow of blood.
- Cryotherapy. The method consists in immersing the patient for a few minutes in a chamber with very low temperature air. This method helps to eliminate the manifestation of foci of inflammation and greatly reduce itching.
Treatment of psoriasis with traditional methods sometimes gives good results. Before starting treatment you should consult with a dermatologist. The doctor must be informed about the methods of treatment and fully approved by them.
Complication and prevention of psoriasis
Complications of psoriasis appears serious diseases, which are very difficult to treat: psoriatic arthritis, pustular psoriasis and psoriatic erythroderma. Disease prevention includes restorative measures:
- sanatorium-resort therapy;
- a balanced diet;
- the healthy sleep;
- rehabilitation of chronic foci of infection;
- compliance with hygiene;
- moderate sports.