Psoriasis: why does it appear, what are the symptoms and how to treat it?

Psoriasis or psoriasis is an autoimmune chronic disease that affects the skin and manifests itself in the form of red spots, plaques covered with small scales. The disease is incurable, therefore the methods of treating psoriasis are limited to controlling symptoms, stopping pain and inflammation, and achieving early and long-term remission. There are many prejudices about this disease in society. People who do not know what it is believe that psoriasis can be acquired. In the description, several types of this non-infectious disease can be singled out, each with individual symptoms and course.

Where does psoriasis come from?

The causes of psoriasis have not been determined, because little is known about this skin disease. Symptoms of the disease in the initial stages may resemble dermatitis, eczema, but it is impossible to confuse pronounced psoriatic plaques with other skin diseases. Scientists and doctors agree that one of the factors why psoriasis appears is a genetic predisposition.

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. rises to 60%.

But even if the parents are carriers of the gene that causes skin disease, it does not mean that the child will get sick. The causes of psoriasis on the body are different. Stress, nervous shocks, mental trauma "trigger" the skin disease.

Psoriasis is also caused by:

• skin injuries, 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 may occur due to malnutrition, but convincing evidence in support of this theory has not been found.

Doctors know that a certain gene is responsible for the skin disease, but they cannot determine the exact causes of psoriasis.

What does early-stage psoriasis look like?

The first symptoms of psoriasis look like this:

1. The man's nails are peeling and his skin is cracking.
2. A pustular rash appears on the body.
3. The skin begins to peel and die.
4. There are blisters on the hands and soles of the feet.
5. Itchy red spots covered with whitish scales appear on the elbows, knees, and face.

A person sinks into depression, is not interested in anything, experiences a breakdown, and even low self-confidence.

On the head, face and under the hair

First, a person notices increased peeling of the skin, which resembles dandruff. Then the plaques themselves appear, covered with silvery scales. The rash grows, affecting more and more of the skin, but even with severe psoriasis, the hair does not fall out.

In 80% of cases, psoriasis primarily affects the scalp. If the pathology is not treated, the rash appears in other places.

A sign of a disease that affects the skin on the face is severe itching. At first, psoriasis resembles an allergy, the skin becomes covered with small red spots that increase in size and coalesce into an inflamed nodule or papule.

Eruptions cover the entire face. The spots themselves are covered with scales that are easily and painlessly separated. Beneath them is a final film reminiscent of crimson shiny leather. If the itchy areas are combed, they are covered with small drops of blood.

On the hands and feet

The skin disease psoriasis affects the skin:

• upper arms and legs;
• brushes;
• joints in hands and feet;
• near the nails.

The disease begins with the appearance of small, round-shaped redness on the skin between the fingers, on the lower legs, 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 the palms and feet

Palmar-plantar is called a 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 expressed in the formation of pustules, deep abscesses.

On the torso

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 final film does not protect even the smallest capillaries, and the surface of the skin, when combed, is covered with microscopic drops of blood. Psoriasis can appear in the chest area and on the sides.

The red spots spread and coalesce into formations that doctors call "paraffin lakes. "

Psoriasis causes various skin changes:

• peeling;
• thickening;
• edema;
• appearance of blisters-pustules.

Often, keratinized dry skin cracks, which brings pain and discomfort.

Other localizations

Psoriasis spreads throughout the body if the disease progresses. Psoriatic plaques can be localized in the groin, on the buttocks, in the bends of the elbows and knees. The disease causes great discomfort, because the rashes itch, but they should not be scratched. Careless procedures can easily damage the thinned affected skin and cause additional infection.

Symptoms of skin psoriasis, regardless of localization, are similar, so a dermatologist diagnoses the disease according to:

• red rash with a clear border;
• the so-called psoriatic triad: the phenomenon of the "stearin stain", i. e. the plaque itself, covered with silvery soft scales, with the presence of a terminal film under them and small drops of blood that cover the stain if it is scraped;
• the appearance of new plaques at the site of skin injuries;
• itching.

Psoriatic arthritis

This form of complication affects joints and tendons, which lose their density and elasticity.

Arthritis follows 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 the paired bony elements.
• Symmetrical, reminiscent of rheumatoid. Paired joints suffer. This form often leads to disability.
• Interphalangeal distal joints involving the phalanges of the fingers and toes.
• Spine, in one or more sections.
• Deformation when joints are destroyed.

Arthritis is characterized by severe pain, swelling, and the skin at the site of the affected bone joint has a bluish color. In this case, the person experiences a breakdown, sometimes the lymph nodes increase.

Classification of psoriasis

Types of psoriasis differ according to the nature of the rash. The international classification describes 10 forms of autoimmune chronic disease:

1. The most common is plaque-like psoriasis or simple psoriasis. It affects any part of the body, occurs in women and men. It begins with the appearance of red swollen spots, which are subsequently covered with a whitish, scaly film that peels off easily, "plaque".
2. After a streptococcal infection, guttate psoriasis can affect the skin. It manifests itself in the thighs, lower legs, and also affects the neck and back. Rashes of red, bluish, lilac color are raised above the surface of the skin and resemble droplets in shape.
3. The spotted form is characterized by extensive rashes all over the body. The disease is more common in women than in men.
4. 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 the infection enters the blisters, then fragments of pus appear in the contents.
5. Follicular, affecting the skin on the legs and thighs, in the form of small whitish papules.
6. Psoriasis of the flexor surfaces, which affects the skin in folds, for example, in the folds of the knees, groin, under the breasts, armpits.
7. Palmar-plantar, which often appears in people who do physical work.
8. Psoriatic onychia affects only fingernails and toenails. Nail plates change color, become yellowish, peel off, sometimes die. The skin around the nails thickens.
9. A scalp characterized by a red scaly rash in the area of hair growth and itching.
10. Seborrhea, most often localized on the chest, behind the ears, between the shoulder blades, in the nasolabial folds. Psoriasis foci are very scaly, often similar to eczema, covered with purulent crusts.
11. The symptoms of the erythrodermic form of psoriasis are pronounced. The affected skin can be separated with plates, the person experiences severe pain, the body temperature rises. Untreated erythroderma turns into pyoderma – a purulent skin lesion 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

In total, there are 4 stages of psoriasis development:

• initial or early;
• progressive;
• stationary;
• regressive.

In most cases, psoriasis begins with the appearance of small papules. Round pink shiny spots, sometimes no larger than a pinhead, are raised above the surface of the skin and have a clear border. They are covered with silver scales. The presence of skin rashes in the initial stage of psoriasis can be mistaken for eczema or an allergic rash.

The clinical picture of the disease in different stages varies. For example, severe inflammation of the skin is characteristic of an acute or progressive form that requires medical assistance and intensive treatment.

However, the rash does not disappear, but increases and merges with each other. Psoriatic plaques, clearly demarcated by a pink crown, begin to peel off. The affected skin itches and itches unbearably.

It takes from 2 weeks to several months, and psoriasis moves into the stationary stage. The growth of psoriatic plaques is stopped, the peeling that covers the entire affected area of the skin is intensified.

In regressive psoriasis, peeling gradually disappears, psoriatic plaques flatten and gradually disappear. There are no marks, scars or scars on the skin. Sometimes there is hyperpigmentation of the skin. In the phase of remission, the skin takes on a normal color and texture.

What is the danger of 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 hazard is a complication of pustular psoriasis if the infection has entered the blisters.

Psoriatic arthritis is also dangerous because some of its forms destroy the joints and lead to disability. However, inflammation of 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. Timely access to a doctor will prevent complications and help 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 means. People are prescribed pills, ointments and physiotherapy. It is recommended to take medicinal baths and take careful care of the condition of the skin, in order to prevent injuries, such as scratches, cuts, scrapes.

Comprehensive treatment of psoriasis works if a person follows medical prescriptions.

How psoriasis is treated with pharmaceutical products

These are ointments, tablets, injections that the doctor prescribes to the person who asked for help. Tablets are taken at a certain time of 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. These can be products based on plant components, hormones and other chemically active substances.

In the complex therapy of scaly lichen, the following are used:

1. Antihistamines, which are prescribed if a person develops an allergy.
2. Hepatoprotectors that support the liver.
3. Immunomodulators that facilitate the course of the disease.
4. Immunosuppressants in the form of injections. They are effective but expensive and have serious side effects. Medicines should not be used by people with infections or oncological diseases.
5. Glucosteroids are effective, but they are addictive. Therefore, treatment with hormonal drugs does not last longer than 2 weeks.

If scaly lichen is mild, the doctor tries to limit himself to local medicines.

Medicines for local application - ointments, sprays

Topical medicines for psoriasis are divided into:

1. Hormonal, which affect autoimmune processes in the body.
2. Therapeutic, which include zinc, naphthalene, tar, vitamins. They hydrate chapped skin, soften hardened psoriatic lesions, support skin function and restore damaged skin.

Hormonal ointments, lotions and skin sprays are used during an exacerbation. Biologically active substances in the composition of powerful creams:

• reduce itching;
• relieve swelling;
• constrict blood vessels;
• relieves pain and fights inflammation.

Apply the product to the affected skin areas on the body, face and parts of the head. Medical ointments are most often used after the acute period of psoriasis has passed, and doctors do not recommend using hormonal preparations and creams with vitamin D for more than 2 weeks.

Tablets and injections

A person interested in how to treat psoriasis can ask a dermatologist about effective tablets and injections used in the complex therapy of psoriasis.

1. Some medications are prescribed if the psoriasis is severe. For example, the pills that a person gets if the damaged skin does not heal.
2. 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 of scaly lichen is not limited to taking 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 scary for him.

If there are no contraindications, a person can give injections containing immunosuppressants:

1. Some medications are given subcutaneously, while others used to treat psoriatic arthritis are given intravenously.
2. Injections have serious contraindications. They cannot be used by people under the age of 18, pregnant and lactating women, in the presence of malignant tumors and infectious diseases.

Homeopathy

Manufacturers of homeopathic medicines claim that the use of such medicines reduces the risk of relapse and guarantees a quick recovery from the problem. In addition, funds:

1. It supports immunity and the health of internal organs.
2. They are a source of minerals and vitamins needed by the body.
3. Restore bowel function, seeding the digestive tract with beneficial bacteria.
4. It helps to eliminate 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 medicine has no evidence of the effectiveness of homeopathic medicines 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. Recently, ultraviolet blood irradiation has been used against psoriasis.

Ultraviolet radiation is one of the simplest methods of physiotherapy treatment. At the same time, the effectiveness of this method has shown quite reliable results.

The duration of the sessions varies, but physiotherapy is quite effective. This is one way to cure psoriasis quickly. The procedures restore activity to the person, allowing him to fully live and work.

Is it possible to cure psoriasis forever with folk remedies?

Scaly lichen is not treated. Tablets, ointments, injections fight against the symptoms of the disease, reducing the number of relapses. Folk remedies are no exception. Decoctions, tinctures, medicated baths contribute to the onset of remission, but do not alleviate the autoimmune disease.

Medicines for oral administration

Means based on medicinal herbs and plants help to stop the symptoms of psoriasis. The safest are chamomile decoction, fresh aloe juice, poultices and decoctions of burdock rhizomes and leaves.

In pharmacies, you can buy herbal preparations against scaly lichen. They can be boiled with boiling water, poured and drunk before or after meals, or you can pour them into water and bathe in therapeutic baths.

According to traditional medicine, the use of hydrogen peroxide removes the manifestations of psoriasis. Use the medicine:

1. In the form of a solution. First, dilute a drop of the product in 3 tablespoons of water and drink it 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.
2. Externally, compresses are applied to the affected skin for an hour, moistening sterile gauze in a solution of 2 teaspoons of peroxide and 50 ml of water.

Before using any folk remedy, consult your doctor.

Compresses and baths

Compresses and baths with decoctions of medicinal plants will not cure the disease, but will alleviate the general condition, soothe itching and inflammation. Cooked for external use:

• chamomile;
• success;
• thyme;
• burdock root;
• oak bark;
• hop;
• sage and others.

Bathing for longer than 20 minutes is not recommended.

After bathing, 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 throughout the treatment and during the period of remission, a person must properly care for the skin:

• Avoid traumatic effects on the skin. Don't scratch, don't scratch. Use protective equipment during physical work or cleaning.
• Wear comfortable clothes made of natural materials.
• Use special dermatological cosmetics.
• Moisturizes the skin.
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight.

Prevention measures also include diet and lifestyle changes that a person makes.

Change in lifestyle and diet

Food is not the cause of psoriasis, however, malnutrition weakens the body's defenses, reduces resistance to stress factors. Therefore, a person with scaly lichen should follow a daily routine and diet.

When asked how to treat psoriasis, the doctor will indicate preventive measures:

1. Rejection of heavy, fried, fatty foods.
2. Active lifestyle, moderate physical activity.
3. Sunbathing in the evening and morning hours.
4. Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol.

A person should prioritize healthy meals with high content of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

What to do if the child is sick

The first thing parents do, noticing the manifestations of scaly lichen on children's skin, is to seek help from a doctor. Treating the disease in its early stages can reduce the intensity of the rash, which causes physical and emotional suffering in children.

It is necessary to teach the child to properly care for the skin, to follow a healthy lifestyle. Socialization is very important for children, so parents should encourage the child's desire to play sports, socialize, and go in circles. 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 remarks of peers and even narrow-minded adults.

Is psoriasis completely curable?

A person who is faced with an itchy, scaly rash on the skin, which brings with it physical and psychological discomfort, wants to know whether this disease is treated or not.

You can find out everything about psoriasis and its treatment 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 paid if a person is diagnosed with psoriasis.

It is impossible to completely cure psoriasis, because the disease is related to the genetic factor, and genes are not amenable to drug therapy, procedures, homeopathy and folk remedies.

Modern drugs, ointments, procedures really effectively fight against the symptoms of the disease, prolonging 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 rules of prevention.

Can the disease be prevented?

"Three pillars" on which the prevention of skin diseases is based:

1. Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene.
2. Proper nutritious diet.
3. Rejection of bad habits.

For washing, it is better to use only cosmetic dermatological products bought in a pharmacy. Well, if they contain tar.