Psoriasis is an unpleasant skin disease in which the body is covered with a red rash that merges into patches.A person may be bothered by an itch that prevents him from falling asleep, and if complications in the form of arthritis occur, severe pain in the joints may occur.Psoriasis significantly affects the quality of life.Research shows that patients feel just as bad as those who have had a heart attack, heart failure or severe hypertension.
Unfortunately, doctors still haven't found an answer to the question of how to cure psoriasis.Everything offered by the pharmaceutical industry and medicine - ointments, creams, ultraviolet radiation, immune drugs - brings only temporary relief.Other measures - psychotherapy, taking vitamins, diet for psoriasis - do not cure, but help to improve the condition.
Psoriasis disease
Psoriasis on the head
How does scalp psoriasis occur?
- The first lesions appear in the form of peeling on the back of the head.
- Then the peeling spreads further, the skin itches and itches.In the initial stage of psoriasis, patients tend to believe that they only have dandruff and intensively search for a remedy to get rid of it.Contacting a doctor is often ineffective - a dermatologist may mistake the lesions for seborrheic dermatitis and prescribe shampoos for this.
- In the next stage, the itching becomes unbearable, the patient injures the skin by scratching until it bleeds.
- Then red plaques and bumps appear, which a person easily injures when scratching.
- Plaques become overgrown with gray particles that gradually cover the entire scalp.The particles are epithelium that peels off from the surface.
- After that, the psoriasis spreads to the smooth scalp that is not covered with hair.
Psoriasis of the skin
Skin psoriasis is a non-infectious skin lesion that affects about 4% of the population.The reasons for this have not been fully identified, 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 the color of the nail bed.
- Appearance of grooves and precise damage on the plate.
- Corrosion or, conversely, thickening of the nail.
- Thickening of the skin under the nail plate.
The diagnosis of nail psoriasis is possible after appropriate testing for the presence of fungi.But sometimes even this type of study does not completely exclude the disease, because 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 worsening and improvement.How does she behave during pregnancy?Observations show that pregnant women feel much better - they are less worried about the manifestations of the disease, even if during that period all treatment is almost completely canceled so as not to harm the unborn child.
Sometimes the disease does not disappear completely even during pregnancy, so medication is needed.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 drugs that do not have a systemic effect and are not transmitted through milk are allowed:
- Hormonal drugs, provided that they are used under the supervision of a doctor and as an emergency, on small parts of the body.
- Moisturizing creams (including for children's skin).
- Ointments and ointment-like creams that can hydrate the skin by staying in the stratum corneum.
- Treatment of psoriasis with salicylic ointment is allowed.
- In order to achieve an anti-allergic effect, different sorbents can be used.
- Application of phototherapy is allowed (without oral application of photosensitizers).
Psoriasis in men
Psoriasis is slightly less common in men than in women.The course of the disease in men can be milder - the manifestations are less pronounced, and the disease begins on average at a later age compared to women.Otherwise, the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis are almost the same in both sexes.
A characteristic characteristic of men is the localization of psoriasis in the area of the glans penis.Since the disease occurs without characteristic peeling, the diagnosis can be difficult, especially if the patient does not consult a dermatologist, but a urologist, whose specific work does not imply a close knowledge of the symptoms of psoriasis.
Psoriasis in children
In childhood, psoriasis can bring a lot of suffering to the child, because it is accompanied by itching, pain, and if the joints are affected, their mobility can be limited.And peers sometimes lack tact and tease children with "ringworm", they have no idea about the true non-infectious 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.Versions of an unfavorable external environment are also considered - exposure to allergens, rubbing the skin with clothing, chronic and acute stress.Finally, 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 quick diagnosis.The main manifestation of the disease are red, scaly spots (plaques) on the surface of the skin, consisting of papules.Patients are concerned about severe itching and signs of inflammation in the area of the spots.One of the characteristic features of psoriasis is the spread of plaques in places where there are skin lesions - microtraumas, scratches, cracks.The favorite localization of the rash is on the head under the hair, on the extensor surfaces of the joints, on the lower back and sacrum, in all natural skin folds.
Psoriasis has an undulating course, in which periods of exacerbation are spontaneously replaced by remission.Many patients note that they cannot connect any event in their life with the exacerbation that started.During this period, the symptoms of psoriasis manifest themselves most clearly - the peeling intensifies, the redness of the spots becomes clearly bright, and as a result of the peeling of the skin scales and infection, suppuration of the plaques is possible.
Symptoms of psoriasis in children
Psoriasis in children is almost as common as atopic dermatitis.It occurs in several forms characteristic of childhood:
- Tear-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 uncommon and is usually caused by infection, anxiety, or taking certain medications.The disease is expressed in the spread of pustules on the skin - vesicles with purulent-liquid content.As with plaques, the danger comes from 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 chills.A severe course of the disease requires immediate hospitalization of the child.
- Psoriatic arthritis is one of the forms and at the same time a complication of psoriasis.It appears against the background of an existing disease and is expressed in pain and swelling of the joints, muscle stiffness.
- A special form of the disease is the so-called diaper psoriasis, in which the rash covers the child's buttocks, and because of this, the pediatrician and the mother mistakenly consider them as 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 folds.
- Psoriasis of the palms and soles.
In the same patient, certain clinical variants of the disease of different severity can be observed.
Pustular form
Psoriasis sometimes appears in the form of pustular skin lesions.It is characterized by the formation of pustules-vesicles filled with purulent or sterile contents.The size of the bubbles can reach 2.5-3 cm.A favorite place for the rash is the extensor areas of the arms and legs, and the torso.Pustular psoriasis of the scalp is common.The surface of the patient's body is red and hot.Patients complain of fever and chills, general weakness.
Exudative form
The exudative form is characterized by the appearance of large plaques on the surface of the skin, which, unlike vulgar psoriasis, are then covered with yellow-brown crusts.
A characteristic feature of exudative psoriasis is the atypical location of the rash.Unlike other forms, they take up areas on the folds of the arms and legs, and folds of the skin.Due to friction from clothing and irritation, the rash can become injured and then infected.
Stages of psoriasis
Initial stage of psoriasis
Various scales are used to assess the severity of psoriasis and its stage, including:
- Area of rash.
- Severity of the disease (redness, itching, swelling and exudate, surface bleeding).
- General symptoms (emotional and general physical condition).
- The impact of the disease on a person's lifestyle and social functions.
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of previous therapy attempts.
The initial stage of psoriasis is the stage in which the surface of the skin is damaged by a maximum of 3%, nails and joints are not affected.At this point, a stable remission of the disease can be achieved.
Middle stage of psoriasis
The middle stage of psoriasis corresponds to skin lesions ranging from 3 to 10% of the skin.
Severe stage of psoriasis
A severe stage of psoriasis is skin damage of more than 10% or the development of psoriatic arthritis on any part of the rash.The disease at this stage causes significant inconvenience and suffering to patients, as arthritis can be accompanied by pain, and a large area of the rash is accompanied by debilitating itching and insomnia.
Psoriasis: causes
Causes of psoriasis in adults
The causes of psoriasis have not yet been fully identified.Of course, science has progressed in the study of the disease, but the exact answer to the question of why psoriasis occurs has not yet been found.It is known for sure that dermatosis is not contagious, which means that the cause is most likely not an infection.Researchers tend to believe that the disease is multifactorial in nature - metabolic disorders and immune problems are also to blame.
Causes of psoriasis in children
Psoriasis in children appears against the background of infectious diseases, emotional stress, cold weather, excessive sunbathing and medicinal herbs.The trigger for the development of the disease can be frequent contact with allergens.
Diagnosis of psoriasis
Visual examination and identification of the psoriatic triad
Psoriasis has characteristic symptoms that allow the doctor to accurately diagnose the disease by visual examination of the skin:
- "Stearin stain" - if the plaque is scraped off, shavings similar to stearin are formed.
- "Final film" - after the scales are removed from the surface of the papule, a surface similar to polyethylene film becomes visible in their place.
- "Bloody dew" - after continued scraping of the surface that appears under the plaque, bleeding occurs in the form of drops.
Unlike the skin form, nail psoriasis is diagnosed by a dermatologist not by a triad of symptoms, but by other signs:
- Change in the color of the nail bed.
- A corroded nail.
- Grooves located over the nail.
- Small dots on the nail plate, which resemble punctures with a sewing needle.
- An increase in the thickness of the skin under the nail.
- Thickening and changing the shape of the nail, growing into the finger.
Laboratory research
Based on the structure and characteristics of the fragment cells, the expert can determine the origin of the skin rash: in psoriasis, there is an increase in the number of Rene's bodies, increased proliferation of keratinocytes, and accumulation of T-lymphocytes and macrophages in the skin layer.
Psoriasis: treatment
Treatment of psoriasis in adults
How to treat psoriasis?Medicine has not yet given a comprehensive answer to this question, but the principles of therapy have long been developed.They can be divided into three groups:
- Eliminating the cause of the disease.
- Symptom relief.
- Strengthening immunity.
The goal of all types of treatment is to put the disease in remission for as long as possible.
The effectiveness of therapy varies in each individual case.
Treatment of psoriasis in children
Treatment of psoriasis in childhood is aimed at quickly achieving long-term remission and does not fundamentally differ from therapy for adults:
- Adherence to a hypoallergenic diet with the usual composition of foods: excluding fried, salty, spicy vegetables and fruits that contain preservatives that can cause allergies.
- Creating a life without allergens (downy pillows, old dusty things).
- Adherence to hygiene advice (proper washing, drying and moisturizing of damaged skin).
- Physiotherapy.Electrosleep, phototherapy, magnetic therapy, ultrasound and laser can be used.The application of photochemotherapy, due to its potential harm, is recommended for children 15 years of age and older.
- Sanatorium-resort treatment with mineral baths and therapeutic mud.
- Local treatment with hormonal and non-hormonal ointments and creams prescribed by the doctor in accordance with the severity of the disease, intensity of skin manifestations and individual response.
- If local treatment is not sufficient, children can be prescribed systemic drugs and procedures (UVA photochemotherapy, drugs affecting the immune system, retinoids).
Medicines for the treatment of psoriasis
Psoriasis cream
What creams are the most popular in the treatment of psoriasis?
- Contains synthetic hormones.They are good because they quickly and effectively relieve itching and inflammation and help reduce the size of psoriatic plaques.Hormonal creams have many side effects and should be used strictly according to the instructions and under the supervision of a doctor.
- Non-hormonal creams have the same effect as hormonal ones, but they take much longer to appear after prolonged use.Therefore, they are not used as emergency vehicles.But, unlike hormones, such creams are not addictive and have almost no side effects.
Ointment for psoriasis
Like creams, ointments are hormonal and non-hormonal:
- Hormonal ones contain hormones, from the weakest to the strongest drugs of the 4th generation.Ointments are prescribed by a doctor, and can be discontinued by gradually reducing the dose.
- Non-hormonal ointment for psoriasis moisturizes the skin, relieves inflammation and itching, heals wounds.
Physiotherapy as a cure for psoriasis
The procedures are aimed at achieving different therapeutic effects:
- The main type of physiotherapy is phototherapy (or photochemotherapy).The treatment consists of treating the skin surface with ultraviolet radiation of different wavelengths.
- X-ray methods - treatment of the skin surface with soft X-rays.
- Electrosleep is the introduction of the patient into a state of sleep by means of electrical influence on the brain.The procedure does not cure the rash on the skin, but it helps to reduce irritability and manifestations of neurosis, and as a result, the general condition of the patients improves.
- Cryotherapy – treatment of the skin surface 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 psoriasis self-treatment at home?
- Organizing a hypoallergenic lifestyle - you need to get rid of carpets, pillows and blankets, try to change the furniture to something that is easy to remove dust from.Psoriasis patients are better off not having pets, even if no animal allergy has been confirmed.Prolonged contact with them can cause an allergy in the body.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, stopping smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Diet for psoriasis should be healthy and nutritious.
- Eliminating stress and anxiety, as they can serve as a reason for worsening.
- Observing the rules of hygiene - refusing a bath in favor of a shower, careful drying, washing and subsequent moisturizing of the skin with special products prescribed by the doctor.
- Taking medications and performing procedures prescribed by a dermatologist depending on the stage of the disease.
- If your doctor has prescribed tanning or ultraviolet radiation, you must strictly adhere to the procedure schedule.
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 the affected skin.
- Treatment with soda is based on the hypothesis that psoriasis is caused by increased acidity of the skin.In order to neutralize it, it is suggested to treat the surface with an alkaline preparation, which is soda.
- Treatment of psoriasis with folk remedies in the form of ointments is based on moisturizing the skin due to the fat it contains.
- Copper sulfate and potassium permanganate are also used to treat psoriasis.For treatment, a solution of vitriol and potassium permanganate is used, which is used to treat the surface of the skin for several hours.
Diet for psoriasis
What does the psoriasis diet allow and even encourage?
- Fibers.It allows you to improve metabolic processes, as well as normalize digestive function.
- Calcium is a generally recognized useful product that has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect, and therefore its presence in the diet is necessary: fresh cheese, milk and fermented milk products are mandatory for the patient.
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids are necessary for the normalization of fat metabolism, help in the absorption of many vitamins and improve the condition of the skin and vascular walls.
- Zinc must be present in the diet to stimulate protein synthesis, which strengthens immunity.
- At any stage of psoriasis, you must eat foods rich in antioxidants.
Complications of psoriasis
Psoriatic erythroderma
Psoriatic erythroderma is a complication of psoriasis, in which the patient's entire skin is covered with bright red spots.A person's temperature rises, joints hurt, lymph nodes increase, the general condition worsens.The complication is dangerous because it contributes to the development of heart failure, impaired kidney and liver function.Peeling and inflammation of the skin lead to dehydration, loss of heat and protein.
Generalized pustular psoriasis
Skin psoriasis can be complicated by a rash on the body surface in the form of small bubbles (pustules) with bright red outlines.As the disease progresses, the pustules coalesce into patches, open or remain intact, then dry and form a yellow crust.The areas of the rash are the chest, sides and back, extensor areas of the limbs.
Symptoms of pustular psoriasis also include fever, heat, burning, and pain in the area of the rash.
Arthropathic psoriasis
Long-term psoriasis of the skin, after 5-6 years from its onset, can be complicated by involving the joints in the process.The complication is called arthropathic psoriasis and usually manifests as inflammation of the phalanges of the fingers and toes.The fingers become swollen, the skin in the area of inflammation becomes red.In addition, the disease also affects other joints: intervertebral, iliac, heel.
Psoriasis in the form of arthropathy has an undulating course with improvements and deteriorations, sometimes accompanied by skin rashes, but it can also occur without skin manifestations.Patients complain of severe pain and limited mobility in the damaged joint.Arthropathic psoriasis is easy to recognize in the presence of accompanying rashes, and if there are none, the disease can be mistaken for other types of arthritis.
Prevention of psoriasis exacerbations
Spa treatment
What is the effect of staying in resorts?
- Mud therapy helps to improve skin condition and relieve inflammation.
- Climate therapy - exposure to mild heat, sea air and swimming has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the skin and strengthens the immune system.
- Tanning (heliotherapy) is indicated moderately.They are good for the skin due to the beneficial effects of ultraviolet radiation.However, excessive exposure to the sun can cause psoriasis complications, so you should not overuse tanning.
- Hydrogen sulphide baths and thermal waters from natural sources improve capillary circulation and promote better skin regeneration.
Ultraviolet radiation
An excellent remedy for psoriasis is ultraviolet radiation, which can be natural (solar) or artificial.Ultraviolet treatment comes in several forms:
- PUVA photochemotherapy, when long-wave radiation is combined with the intake of photosensitizers.
- Narrow-wave therapy of 311 nm – phototherapy with narrow-spectrum rays.
- Combined phototherapy is a combination of medium and long waves.
Lifestyle
What should be changed in the daily life of patients?
- It is recommended to adhere to a hypoallergenic diet, limit alcohol and drink a lot of clean water (6-8 glasses a day, not counting liquids in dishes).
- Personal hygiene should include showering instead of bathing.
- The air in the premises should be sufficiently humid.
- Sun exposure is beneficial for patients with psoriasis, provided it is approved by a doctor.
- In order to avoid the appearance of new foci of the disease, the skin should be protected from injuries.
- In order not to cause psoriasis to worsen, you need to strengthen your immune system and protect yourself from colds and respiratory viral infections.
- The exact causes of psoriasis are not known, but it has been confirmed that stress causes it to worsen.Therefore, patients must try to protect themselves from negative emotions, emotional stress and fatigue.It is very important to get enough sleep.
Courses of vitamin therapy
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.Diagnosing the disease is not difficult, because the "signature" psoriatic rashes are well known to every dermatologist.The causes of skin damage have not yet been precisely determined, and no effective remedy has been invented: neither creams, nor taking hormones, nor ointments for psoriasis guarantee a complete cure.But don't despair!It should always be remembered that this is not a fatal disease, and with proper treatment, diet, preventive measures and sanatorium treatment, you can achieve a stable remission.