Psoriasis, or psoriasis, is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin and manifests itself in the form of red spots, plaques covered with small scales. The disease is incurable, therefore, methods of treating psoriasis are reduced to controlling 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 believe that psoriasis can be contracted. In the description, several types of this non-communicable disease can be distinguished, each with individual symptoms and course.
Where does psoriasis come from
The causes of psoriasis have not been established, as little is known about this skin disease. Symptoms of the disease in the initial stages can resemble dermatitis, eczema, but pronounced psoriatic plaques cannot be confused with other skin diseases. Scientists and doctors agree that one of the factors in the onset of psoriasis is a genetic predisposition.
For example, if a mother is diagnosed with a skin condition, 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 is multiplied by 4, that is to say, it reaches 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 sick. The causes of psoriasis on the body are different. Stress, nervous shocks, mental trauma "trigger" skin diseases.
Psoriasis is also caused by:
- skin lesions, burns, insect bites, tattoos;
- medications the person is taking;
- Infectious diseases;
- alcohol abuse, smoking;
- exposure to chemicals, such as detergents;
- dermatitis and fungal diseases;
- HIV;
- pregnancy and childbirth.
Recently, scientists have stated that psoriasis can appear due to malnutrition, but no convincing evidence in favor of this theory has been found.
Doctors know that a certain gene is responsible for the skin condition, but they cannot determine the exact causes of psoriasis.
What does psoriasis in the early stages look like?
The first symptoms of psoriasis look like this:
- A person's fingernails exfoliate and the skin cracks.
- A pustular rash appears on the body.
- The skin begins to peel off and die.
- There are blisters on the hands and soles of the feet.
- Itchy red spots covered with whitish scales appear on the elbows, knees, face.
A person sinks into depression, is not interested in anything, finds depression and even low self-esteem.
On the head, face and under the hair
First, a person notices increased peeling of the skin, which looks like dandruff. Then the plaques themselves appear, covered with silvery scales. The rash grows, affects a growing area of the skin, but even with pronounced psoriasis, the hair does not fall out.
In 80% of cases, psoriasis mainly affects the scalp. If the pathology is not treated, rashes appear in other places.
A harbinger of a disease that affects the skin of the face is severe itching. At first, psoriasis looks like an allergy, the skin is covered with small red spots that grow and merge to form an inflamed nodule, or papule.
The rashes cover the entire face. The spots themselves are covered with scales, which separate easily and painlessly. Under them is a terminal film that looks like scarlet shiny leather. If the itchy places are combed out, they are covered with small drops of blood.
On arms and legs
A skin disease, psoriasis affects the skin:
- upper arms and legs;
- paint brushes;
- joints of hands and feet;
- near the fingernails.
The disease begins with the appearance of small, rounded reddened areas on the skin between the fingers, on the shins, wrists, elbows and knees.
In 10% of cases, psoriasis affects the nails. Psoriatic plaques appear on the nail plates long before the appearance of the main symptoms of the disease that affects the skin of the body.
On palms and feet
Palmar-plantar is called the manifestation of psoriasis, which 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 manifested by the formation of pustules, deep abscesses.
On the chest
Signs of a disease that affects the skin of the body are similar to psoriasis on the palms and feet, head, face. Often rashes appear on the back and lower back.
Red spots covered with grayish-white scales itch and itch. They cannot be combed, because the thin terminal film does not protect the smallest capillaries, and the surface of the skin, when combed, is covered with microscopic droplets of blood. Psoriasis can appear in the chest area and on the sides.
The red spots expand and coalesce into formations that doctors call "paraffin lakes. "
Psoriasis causes various skin changes:
- peeling;
- thickening;
- edema;
- the appearance of blisters-pustules.
Often, keratinized dry skin cracks, leading to pain and discomfort.
Other locations
Psoriasis throughout the body spreads if the disease is running. Psoriatic plaques can be localized in the groin, on the buttocks, in the folds of the elbow and knee. The disease causes great discomfort, as the rashes itch, but they should not be scratched. Careless actions can easily damage thinned skin and cause further infection.
The symptoms of skin psoriasis, regardless of location, are similar. A dermatologist therefore diagnoses the condition by:
- red rashes with a clear border;
- the so-called psoriatic triad: the phenomenon of the "stearin stain", i. e. the plate itself, covered with silvery soft scales, the presence of a terminal film under them, and tinydroplets of blood covering the stain if scratched;
- the appearance of new plaques at the site of skin lesions;
- itching.
Psoriatic arthritis
This form of complication affects the joints, the tendons, which lose their density and their elasticity.
Arthritis accompanies the symptoms of psoriasis, is characterized by inflammation of the joints and is divided into:
- Asymmetric, which affects several joints on one side of the body and does not affect paired bone elements.
- Symmetrical, resembling a rheumatoid. The paired joints suffer. This form often leads to disability.
- Distal interphalangeal joints, affecting the phalanges of the fingers and toes.
- Spine, in one or more departments.
- Deforming when joints are destroyed.
Inflammation of the joints is characterized by severe pain, swelling, the skin at the site of the affected bone joint has a bluish color. In this case, a person experiences a breakdown, 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 a chronic autoimmune disease:
- The most common is plaque or simple psoriasis. It affects any part of the body, occurs in both women and men. It begins with the appearance of swollen red spots, which are then covered with a whitish scaly film that easily peels off, "plaque".
- After a strep infection, guttate psoriasis can affect the skin. It manifests in the thighs, lower legs, and also affects the neck and back. Rashes of red, bluish and lilac color are raised above the surface of the skin and look like 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 is distinguished by the appearance of blisters - pustules surrounded by red, inflamed skin and filled with clear fluid. If an infection gets into the blisters, fragments 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 flexing surfaces, affecting the skin in the folds, for example, in the folds of the knee, the groin, under the breasts, the armpits.
- Palmar-plantar, which often appears in people engaged in physical labor.
- Psoriatic onychia only affects the fingernails and toenails. The nail plates change color, become yellowish, exfoliate, sometimes die. The skin around the nails thickens.
- The scalp, characterized by red scaly rashes in the area of hair growth and itching.
- Seborrheic, most often localized on the chest, behind the ears, between the shoulder blades, in the nasolabial folds. Psoriatic foci are very scaly, often resembling eczema, covered with purulent crusts.
- Symptoms of the erythrodermic form of psoriasis are pronounced. The affected skin can peel off with plaques, a person feels severe pain, body temperature rises. Untreated erythroderma turns into pyoderma - 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 at Different Stages
In total, there are 4 phases in the development of psoriasis:
- initial or early;
- progressive;
- Stationary;
- regressive.
In most cases, psoriasis begins with the appearance of small papules. Round pink shiny spots, sometimes no more than a pinhead, raised above the surface of the skin and have a clear border. They are covered with silver scales. The presence of rashes in the initial stage of psoriasis can be confused with eczema or an allergic rash.
The clinical picture of the disease at different stages varies. 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 disappear, but increase and merge with each other. Psoriatic plaques, clearly limited by a pink corolla, begin to peel off. The affected skin is unbearably itchy and itchy.
It takes from 2 weeks to several months, and the psoriasis turns into a stationary stage. The growth of psoriatic plaques stops, peeling increases, which covers the entire affected area of the skin.
With regressive psoriasis, the peeling gradually disappears, the psoriatic plaques flatten and gradually disappear. There are no traces, scars or scars on the skin. Sometimes there is hyperpigmentation of the skin. In the stage of remission, the skin acquires a 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 leads a normal life. Physical and psychological discomfort is felt by people whose rashes occupy a large area, the skin becomes inflamed. A significant health risk is a complication of pustular psoriasis if an infection has penetrated the blisters.
Psoriatic arthritis is also dangerous because some of its forms destroy the joints and lead to disability. However, inflammation of the bone joints develops quite rarely, in 10% of cases.
Even if the plaques on the skin are insignificant and the person feels normal, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a dermatologist who will make a diagnosis and start treatment. Prompt access to a doctor will prevent complications and help achieve stable remission.
Complex treatment of psoriasis
There is no effective way to permanently get rid of psoriasis. Skin diseases are treated by various means. A person is prescribed pills, ointments, and physiotherapy is prescribed. It is recommended to take healing baths and vigilantly monitor the condition of the skin, in order to prevent injuries, such as scratches, cuts, scratches.
The complete psoriasis treatment works if a person complies with medical prescriptions.
How is psoriasis treated with pharmaceuticals
These are ointments, tablets, injections that the attending physician prescribes to the person who asked for help. Tablets are drunk at the appointed time the day before or after meals, ointments are applied to the affected areas with clean hands, injections can be done at home or in the hospital. It can be products based on plant components, hormones and other chemically active substances.
In the complex therapy of squamous lichen use:
- Antihistamine drugs, which are prescribed if a person develops an allergy.
- Hepatoprotectors that support the liver.
- Immunomodulators that facilitate disease progression.
- Immunosuppressants in the form of injections. They are effective, but expensive and have serious side effects. The drugs should not be used by people with infections or oncology.
- Glucosteroids are effective, but addictive. Therefore, treatment with hormonal drugs lasts no more than 2 weeks.
If the scaly lichen is easy, the doctor tries to limit himself to topical medications.
Medicines for topical use - ointments, sprays
Local remedies for psoriasis are divided into:
- Hormones, which affect the body's autoimmune processes.
- Therapeutic, which includes zinc, naftalan, tar, vitamins. They hydrate cracked skin, soften hardened psoriatic lesions, support skin function and restore damaged coverage.
Hormonal ointments, lotions and skin sprays are used during an exacerbation. Biologically active substances used in the composition of powerful creams:
- reduce itching;
- relieve puffiness;
- constrict blood vessels;
- relieve pain and fight 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 end of the acute period of psoriasis, and doctors do not recommend using hormonal preparations and creams containing vitamin D for more than 2 weeks.
Pills and injections
A person who is interested in how to treat psoriasis can ask a dermatologist for effective pills and injections that are used in the complex therapy of psoriasis.
- Certain medications are prescribed if the psoriasis is severe. For example, the pills a person receives if the damaged skin does not heal.
- The doctor prescribes B vitamins, folic acid, omega acids, other multivitamins, and lecithin. These drugs help recovery, do not cause addiction, shorten the duration of treatment and prolong remission.
Complex therapy for scaly lichen is not limited to the intake 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 for him.
If there are no contraindications, a person can administer injections containing immunosuppressants:
- Some medications are administered subcutaneously, while others used to treat psoriatic arthritis are administered intravenously.
- Injections have serious contraindications. They can not be used by people under 18, pregnant and lactating, in the presence of malignant tumors and infectious diseases.
Homeopathy
Manufacturers of homeopathic remedies claim that the use of these drugs reduces the risk of relapses and ensures quick recovery from the problem. In addition, the funds:
- Support immunity and health of internal organs.
- They are a source of minerals and vitamins needed by the body.
- Restore the work of the intestines by sowing the digestive tract with beneficial bacteria.
- Helps eliminate toxins.
When selecting medicines, the homeopath takes into account the history of the person, the stage and nature of the course of the disease, heredity and the psychosomatic factor.
Official medicine has no proof 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 the ultraviolet spectrum of different lengths 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 a way to cure psoriasis fast. Procedures return activity to a person, allow him to fully live and work.
Is it possible to cure psoriasis forever folk remedies
Scaly lichen is not treatable. Tablets, ointments, injections fight the symptoms of the disease, reducing the number of relapses. Folk remedies are no exception. Decoctions, tinctures, healing baths contribute to the onset of remission, but do not relieve autoimmune disease.
Drugs for oral administration
Means based on herbs and medicinal plants help to stop the symptoms of psoriasis. The safest are chamomile decoction, fresh aloe juice, compresses and decoctions of rhizome and burdock leaves.
In pharmacies you can buy herbal preparations against scaly lichen. They can be brewed with boiling water, infused and drunk before or after a meal, or you can pour it into water and take therapeutic baths.
According to traditional medicine, the use of hydrogen peroxide suppresses the manifestations of psoriasis. Use the medicine:
- In the form of a solution. First dilute a drop of the product in 3 tablespoons of water and drink on an empty stomach half an hour before meals. Gradually increase the concentration of the solution up to 10 drops for the same amount of water. Take the medicine every three days.
- Externally, compresses are applied to the affected skin for an hour, wetting sterile gauze in a solution of 2 teaspoons of peroxide and 50 ml of water.
Before using any folk remedy, consult with your doctor.
Compresses and baths
Compresses and baths with decoctions of medicinal plants will not cure the disease, but they will relieve the general condition, soothe itching and inflammation. Brewed for external use:
- chamomile;
- Succession;
- thyme;
- burdock root;
- oak bark;
- jump;
- sage and others.
It is not recommended to take baths longer than 20 minutes.
After the bath, moisturizing creams and therapeutic ointments are applied to the skin.
Baths and compresses with herbal decoctions have practically no contraindications.
Skin protection and care
There is no complete cure for psoriasis. But all the time of treatment and during the period of remission, a person should take good care of his skin:
- Avoid traumatic effects on the skin. Don't scratch, don't scratch. When carrying out physical or cleaning work, use protective equipment.
- Wear comfortable clothes made from natural materials.
- Use special dermatological cosmetics.
- Hydrate the skin.
- Avoid direct exposure to sunlight.
Preventive measures also include dietary and lifestyle changes that the person makes.
Changing lifestyle and nutrition
Diet is not the cause of psoriasis, however, malnutrition weakens the body's defenses, reduces resistance to stress factors. Therefore, a person with squamous lichen should monitor their daily routine and nutrition.
The doctor, when asked how to treat psoriasis, will list preventive measures:
- Refusal of heavy, fried and fatty foods.
- Active lifestyle, moderate physical activity.
- Sunbathing in the evening and in the morning.
- Quit smoking and alcoholic beverages.
A person should prioritize healthy meals that are high in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
What to do if a child is sick
The first thing parents do, noticing the manifestations of scaly lichen on the skin of children, is to seek help from a doctor. Treating the disease in the early stages can reduce the intensity of rashes that cause physical and emotional pain in children.
It is necessary to teach the child to properly care for his skin, adhere to a healthy lifestyle. Socialization is very important for children, so parents should encourage the child's desire to play sports, make friends, go to circles. To deal with emotional discomfort, children may need the help of a psychotherapist who will teach them not to react to silly remarks from their peers and even stubborn adults.
Is psoriasis completely curable?
A person who is faced with itchy, scaly rashes, which lead to physical and psychological discomfort, seeks to find out whether this disease is treated or not.
Everything about psoriasis and its treatment can be learned from the dermatologist you turned to for help. There are associations and support centers where you can also get the necessary information, including legal information, for example, what benefits are due if someone is diagnosed with psoriasis.
It is impossible to completely cure psoriasis, since the disease is associated with a gene factor, and genes are not amenable to drug therapy, procedures, homeopathy and folk remedies.
Modern drugs, ointments, procedures effectively fight the symptoms of the disease, prolong 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 rules of prevention.
Can the disease be prevented
"Three pillars" on which the prevention of skin diseases is based:
- Observance of personal hygiene rules.
- Proper nutritious nutrition.
- Rejection of bad habits.
For washing, it is better to use only cosmetic dermatological products purchased in pharmacies. Well, if they contain tar.