The classic image with psoriasis

Psoriasis is one of the most common chronic skin conditions. With such a pathological process, damage to the skin, as well as to integuments, is noted. The great urgency of this problem is that it leads to a deterioration in the quality of life of a sick person due to cosmetic disorders.

Most often, the first episode of psoriasis occurs in the age group of fifteen to forty-five years. According to statistics, this disease is diagnosed in about three percent of the total population. In addition, the number of women and men with such a pathology is in equal proportions.

There are several theories regarding the mechanism of development of psoriasis. The main one is the autoimmune theory, which says that this pathological process is formed as a result of an incorrect immune response to external factors. An excessive immune response leads to the development of an inflammatory reaction in the layers of the skin, which triggers the mechanisms of division and multiplication of cell structures. In addition, it is believed that hereditary predisposition and exposure to various infectious agents may play a role in the development of this disease.

We notice that most often, psoriasis occurs in people who:

  • Have other skin conditions;
  • Have thin, dry skin;
  • Smoke and drink alcohol;
  • Systematically come into contact with irritating chemicals;
  • Often they injure the skin by mechanical influences;
  • Observe excessive hygiene;
  • are under severe stress;
  • Have a reduced level of immune defense or use drugs that suppress immunity.

Depending on the symptoms of psoriasis, it is customary to classify this pathology in several forms:

  • Plate shape. This form is the classic version. It occurs in over eighty percent of people. The clinical picture in this case is characterized by typical scaly plaques, which tend to grow peripherally;
  • Teardrop shape. The disease in this form is accompanied by the appearance of many small foci on the surface of the skin. Such lesions can be very different in color, are raised above the surface of the skin, and peel off intensely. As a rule, their size does not increase, only their number increases;
  • Exudative form. This is one of the most unfavorable options. In this case, bubbles and blisters filled with serous fluid form on the surface of the plaques. Very often these elements undergo a secondary infection with subsequent appearance of pus;
  • Psoriatic onychodystrophy. It is characterized by the involvement of the nail plaques in the pathological process, which become striated and thickened. In most cases, the nails will discolor, chip and break. In advanced cases, complete loss of the nail plate is possible;
  • psoriatic arthropathy. Symptoms of psoriasis in this case are manifested by inflammation of the joints and connective tissue. In some cases, this form develops on its own, but most often it is accompanied by skin manifestations;
  • Psoriatic erythroderma. This form is characterized by a very severe course and is often fatal. The development of inflammation in large areas of the body, which is accompanied by intense peeling and peeling of the skin, is noted.

The main symptoms of psoriasis

doctor examines elbow for psoriasis

We will talk in more detail about the classic form. What does psoriasis look like? First of all, on the surface of the skin appear simple papules of pink or red color. These papules are covered with silvery-white scales that are easily scraped off. Over time, the number of papules increases more and more, they begin to merge into plaques.

The plaques formed during this disease have a hyperemic and edematous appearance. In some cases, mild itchy skin may be present. Pathological foci tend to fairly rapid peripheral growth, and their surface is intensely scaly. Over time, the growth of the plaques stops and their boundaries become clear. A specific sign of such a pathological process is a pseudoatrophic edge, localized along the periphery of the foci. At the stationary stage, the appearance of a stagnant cyanotic tint on the surface of the plaques is noted.

Symptoms of psoriasis in the regression stage are characterized by the gradual disappearance of desquamation, starting from the central part. After that, the skin acquires a normal color, after which the tissue infiltration disappears.

Diagnosis and treatment of this disease

doctor smears elbow for psoriasis

First of all, psoriasis is established on the basis of its clinical picture. There is a triad of specific phenomena that indicate this pathological process: stearin stain, terminal film and blood dew. The phenomenon of stearic stain is that when the lesion is scratched, the desquamation becomes more intense. If we continue to scrape, we notice a thin peeling and the appearance of a moist, hyperemic surface - the phenomenon of a terminal film. The phenomenon of blood dew implies the presence of point bleeding with additional scratching.

Among the drugs for this disease, the following can be used:

  • Glucocorticoids;
  • Cytostatics;
  • Antihistamines;
  • Keratolytic and anti-inflammatory ointments.

In addition, various physiotherapy treatments are widely used.

Prevention of exacerbations of psoriasis

To prevent exacerbations, it is recommended to avoid stressful situations, give up bad habits and eat well. In addition, you must limit any irritating effects on the skin and avoid contact with substances to which you are allergic.