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Psoriasis

methods of treating psoriasis

Is psoriasis contagious or not?

Answering the question of whether psoriasis is contagious or not, it should be remembered that the disease is not transmitted through sex, through droplets in the air, through contact, or through any other means. It is impossible to get infected with it.

Due to the disruption of the peeling process of keratinized skin scales, dry spots appear on the body. You can't die from them, but patients experience serious psychological discomfort because of their appearance.

Causes of psoriasis

It is not yet known exactly what causes psoriasis. There are different theories about the development of the disease. Experts tend to believe that skin and nail damage can be caused by:

  • stress, negative emotional experiences;
  • endocrine pathologies;
  • hereditary predisposition;
  • failure of the immune system, due to which the processes of growth and division of epithelial cells are disturbed.

The autoimmune cause of psoriasis is that T-helper and T-killer immune cells, which are normally responsible for protecting the body from tumor cells, pathogenic viruses and bacteria, begin to penetrate the upper layers of the skin. Here they produce substances that activate the inflammatory process. As a result, skin cells begin to divide and multiply rapidly. Proliferation is observed.

The occurrence of psoriasis is also possible due to the combined action of several factors from the following list:

  • Very thin and poorly hydrated skin (little sebum is produced).
  • Frequent contact with irritating compounds - low-quality cosmetics, alcoholic solutions, household chemicals.
  • Washing your body and hands too often (especially if you use a hard cloth and antibacterial soap/shower gel).
  • Alcohol abuse.
  • Development of infectious diseases caused by staphylococcus, streptococcus, fungi.
  • Taking antidepressants, lithium carbonate, beta blockers, antimalarial and anticonvulsant drugs.
  • Change of climate zone.
  • Mechanical skin injury.
  • Propensity to allergic reactions.
  • HIV infection.

Classification of diseases

If you study different photos of psoriasis in the initial stage, you will notice the differences - there are several variants of this dermatological pathology. Depending on the location of the lesion, it occurs:

  • Psoriasis of the scalp (manifested by itching, cracked and bleeding skin).
  • Nail psoriasis (the nail plate gradually separates from the bed and becomes painful, red spots form on it).
  • Palmoplantar psoriasis (the disease is common only on the soles and/or palms).
  • Skin psoriasis (dry plaques appear on different parts of the body).
  • Arthropathic psoriasis (joints are affected).
  • Genital psoriasis (a disease that affects the skin of the genital organs).

Clinical forms of psoriasis:

  • Ordinary or vulgar. It looks like small flat pink-red papules that are slightly raised above healthy skin. The top of the papule is covered with light scales that begin to fall off even with a light touch. If psoriasis treatment is not started in time, small lesions merge into large ones.
  • Exudative. It is more common in people with obesity, hypothyroidism and diabetics. The symptoms of this form of psoriasis are as follows: the papules are bright red, with yellow-gray scales visible on top. Plaques affect skin folds - armpits, the area under the mammary glands in women. Patients complain of itching and burning.
  • Seborrhea. Psoriasis is observed on the head, behind the ear, nasolabial and nasolabial folds, between the shoulder blades and on the chest. The point boundaries are not clearly defined. Peeling is silver-yellow in color. If you look at a photo of psoriasis on the head, associations with such a common fungal disease as dandruff will appear.
  • Palm planter. The disease occurs in people between the ages of 30 and 50, whose work involves heavy physical work. With this form, a rash may also appear on the body.
  • Pustular. Pustular elements form on the body. In medicine, an additional type of pustular form is identified - Tsumbusch psoriasis. It can be idiopathic (primary) - blisters appear on the skin that turn into pustules. The pustules open and dry. Later, the scaly rashes typical of the disease appear on them. And also medium with a benign course. In this case, pustules appear on the surface of typical psoriatic plaques due to the irritating effect of drugs.
    Another type of pustular form is Barber's psoriasis. It affects only the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands. Purulent pustules are visualized on the skin. They do not open and eventually turn into dark, dry crusts. Barber's psoriasis is characterized by the symmetry of the lesion.
  • Arthropathic (joint). Heavy form. It occurs in patients who have skin rashes. It usually appears five to six years after the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease, if the treatment of psoriasis was inadequate. Pathologies of the joint system can be different, from mild arthralgia that does not lead to changes in the joint apparatus, to deforming ankylosis (the joint becomes completely immobile).
  • Psoriatic erythroderma. It is the result of vulgar or exudative psoriasis. Almost all skin is affected. It becomes red, sprinkled with a large number of dry scales. The body temperature rises, an increase in lymph nodes (especially femoral and inguinal) is observed. If the patient does not learn how to treat psoriasis, hair loss and brittle nails are possible.

According to the criterion of seasonal relapses, psoriasis is divided into:

  • summer;
  • winter (most common);
  • uncertain.

Symptoms of psoriasis

The treatment depends on the dominant symptoms of psoriasis, so at the first examination the doctor conducts a thorough examination of the patient and examines in detail the localization of psoriatic lesions.

The disease manifests itself more often in winter. In summer, under the influence of solar radiation, the signs of psoriasis can disappear completely. However, with the "summer" form of the pathology, exposure to the sun, on the contrary, should be avoided. During an exacerbation, the patient complains of very strong itching. Damage to the nail plates was observed in only 25% of patients.

When there is a disease of the scalp, the hair is not involved in the pathological process. First, the skin begins to peel. Over time, the areas of the rash can "spread" to the neck area, behind the ears. The inflammatory process is caused by the very rapid division of keratinocytes.

In psoriasis of the hands and feet, the stratum corneum thickens and becomes covered with deep cracks. A photo of psoriasis in the initial stage shows pustules with transparent contents. Later they turn white and turn into dark scars.
As for the nail plates, the most common types of damage are:

  • The nail becomes covered with pits that look like puncture marks ("thimble type").
  • The nail changes color and begins to peel, which resembles a fungal disease. A psoriatic papule surrounded by a red border can be seen through the nail plate.

Stages of psoriasis

Despite the fact that there is still a debate about what psoriasis is and what exactly can cause its appearance, the stages of the disease are already well studied. there are three of them:

  • Progressive (initial). New growths appear on the surface of the skin in the form of a rash, which tend to grow on the periphery. They spread to healthy skin and form oval or round plaques. The spots are pink or red. There is no scaly crust on them yet - only whitish scales. The edges of the lesions are slightly compressed. As a result of scratching, new rashes appear.
  • Stationary. It appears one to four weeks after the first symptoms of psoriasis. Plaques become lighter. New rashes do not appear, old ones slowly dissolve. Papules heal in the direction from the center to the edges, due to which their shape becomes ring-shaped. The entire surface of the healed lesions is covered with white scaly scales.
  • Regressive (fading). The color of psoriatic plaques becomes almost indistinguishable from healthy skin. Itching is minimized. A "Voron's collar" is formed around the lesions, which is a ring of dense keratinized skin layers. If the patient uses a quality ointment for psoriasis, the regression phase lasts about a month. Otherwise, the "paling" process can take up to six months.

The task of a patient diagnosed with psoriasis is to keep the disease in remission all the time.

    If you notice similar symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. It is easier to prevent a disease than to deal with the consequences.

    How is psoriasis diagnosed?

    A dermatologist diagnoses psoriasis. The procedure is based on an external examination, assessment of the condition of the skin and nails, and study of the localization of lesions. No additional tests are prescribed for obvious symptoms. If there are difficulties in establishing a diagnosis, a skin sample is taken from the inflamed area (biopsy) and studied in the laboratory.

    If there are complaints of pain in the joints, an X-ray is taken. A blood test is also ordered to determine that there are no other types of arthritis. To rule out a fungal infection, a potassium hydroxide test is performed.

    How to cure psoriasis

    Treatment of psoriasis is complex. This includes:

    • general therapy;
    • local therapy;
    • physiotherapy.

    Before determining how to treat psoriasis, the dermatologist determines the stage of the disease, its clinical form and the scope of the process. When prescribing drugs, the age of the patient and the presence of concomitant diseases are taken into account. Usually, the safest drugs for health are chosen first, which are characterized by the minimum number of side effects. If they do not ensure the transition of psoriasis into regression, the treatment is adjusted.

    Systemic drugs for psoriasis

    Medicines taken orally help with moderate to severe stages of psoriasis. This includes:

    • Vitamin A derivatives (retinoids). Reduce the rate of maturation of keratinocytes. It normalizes cell differentiation and maturation.
    • Immunosuppressants. They reduce the activity of T-lymphocytes, which cause increased division of epidermal cells.
    • Medicines for the treatment of malignant tumors. It inhibits the reproduction and growth of atypical skin cells.

    Physiotherapy for psoriasis

    Physiotherapy procedures significantly improve the well-being of patients with psoriasis. In some cases, they allow you to stop taking the medication completely. Most used:

    • Selective phototherapy. The affected skin is irradiated with UV rays with a wavelength of 280-320 nm. From 15 to 35 procedures are prescribed.
    • Photochemotherapy (PUVA therapy). The method involves the combined use of photosensitizers from the inside and long-wave UV radiation from the outside. Ultraviolet rays penetrate deep into the skin, and the photosensitizer blocks the DNA synthesis process of skin cells and reduces the speed of their division. The duration of the course is from 20 to 30 procedures.
    • Laser therapy. Laser radiation of different wavelengths is used. The laser ensures accelerated resorption of plaques and eliminates the formation of scars in their place.
    • Use of monochromatic ultraviolet radiation. Each lesion is treated alternately with a lamp/laser source of UV radiation. Healthy skin is not affected. The method is optimal if less than 10% of the skin is affected. The duration of the treatment is from 15 to 30 sessions.
    • Electrosleep. There is a slight effect of electrical impulses on the brain lasting 20-60 minutes. As a result, the patient calms down, the functioning of the central nervous system normalizes, and psoriatic plaques begin to recede.
      Ultrasound therapy. It is decongestant, antipruritic and analgesic. Accelerates the resorption of scars. If necessary, it can be combined with phonophoresis. It takes 7 to 14 sessions to achieve a therapeutic effect.
    • Magnetic therapy (Betatron device). It has a general healing effect on the body. It relieves inflammation, reduces itching and burning, helps to solve joint pain.
    • Bee venom treatment. Using electrophoresis or an ultrasound machine, bee venom is injected into the body. It is characterized by a resolving and anti-inflammatory effect, normalizes metabolic processes.
    • Hyperthermia. Tissues affected by psoriasis are heated with pads containing a thermal mixture to a temperature of 40 degrees. The treatment helps improve the functioning of the immune system and reduce the negative impact of the disease on the skin.

    Ointments for the treatment of psoriasis

    According to reviews, the treatment of psoriasis with ointments can achieve excellent results if the medicine is chosen correctly. At the first symptoms, non-hormonal formulations are prescribed:

    • salicylic ointment (makes the skin soft, relieves inflammation, removes dead epidermal cells);
    • anthralin (slows down DNA synthesis, reduces the activity of cellular enzymes, slows down the process of cell division);
    • sulfur ointment (disinfects, softens, removes white plaque from lesions);
    • naphthalene ointment (relieves itching, relieves pain, normalizes immune reactions).

    If the treatment of psoriasis with non-hormonal ointments does not give the expected effect, hormonal drugs or strong ointments containing the following glucocorticosteroids are prescribed:

    • Hydrocortisone. Removes the feeling of tightness and itching. It suppresses the increased activity of leukocytes, preventing their movement into the skin.
    • Flumethasone. It helps with the exudative form of psoriasis. It is characterized by pronounced anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effects.
    • Triamcinolone acetonide. It has antipruritic and anti-inflammatory effects. Indicated in periods of exacerbation.

    Psoriasis on the scalp occurs in 50% of patients and causes the most severe complaints. If you are sick, avoid hair dryers, gels and hairsprays. It is important that the hairpins and comb do not scratch the skin. Otherwise, epidemics will begin to spread.

    Scalp psoriasis is treated with:

    • UV comb (stimulates the formation of profile skin cells from keratinocytes, due to which existing plaques are reabsorbed).
    • Photochemotherapy (UVR in combination with Beroxan, Puvalen and Psoralen).
    • Medicated shampoos (Tana, Nizoral, Friederm tar). It is recommended to buy several different products and replace them. This will avoid addiction.
    • Salicylic ointment (apply to sections, cover the head with cellophane and leave for two hours).
    • Hormonal lotions (Belosalik, Elokom, Diprosalik). Contains steroid hormones. It is easily applied to the scalp and effectively eliminates dandruff and itching.
    • Kirkazon decoction (normalizes the process of skin cell division, cleans).

    The effect of any scalp treatment is noticeable after a few weeks, so there is no need to stop the treatment after a few sessions.

    Treatment of psoriasis at home with folk remedies

    To cure psoriasis at home forever, if it is a mild form of the disease, folk remedies help:

    • Herbal tea made from dandelion root, St. John's wort or nettle leaves.
    • Therapeutic baths with the addition of decoction of string, soap or yarrow.
    • Wiping the affected areas with cabbage brine, celandine juice and birch tar.
      Dressings based on garlic infusion.

    Also, according to reviews, treating psoriasis with hydrogen peroxide can achieve good results. Psoriatic plaques should be smeared twice a day with a cotton swab soaked in a three percent solution. The duration of the course depends on the severity of the symptoms and can last up to two months.

    Diet for psoriasis

    Allowed products for worsening psoriasis are:

    • fruit (apples, apricots, peaches);
    • fruit juices;
    • vegetables (beets, potatoes, radishes, watermelon, pumpkin);
    • greenery;
    • berries (all but red);
    • lean meat (beef, veal, turkey, rabbit) - up to 200 grams per day;
    • any nuts;
    • lean fish;
    • fermented milk products, cottage cheese and cheese;
    • whole wheat bread;
    • sea kale.

    People with psoriasis should not eat:

    • smoked dishes;
    • red fish;
    • animal fats;
    • eggs;
    • pork and duck meat;
    • pastries.

    It is forbidden to drink coffee, carbonated and alcoholic beverages. It is recommended to limit the intake of sugar. To cleanse the body, it is recommended to spend fasting days twice a week - vegetables, apples or kefir.

    Is psoriasis dangerous?

    Psoriasis is a serious but not fatal disease. It reduces the quality of life because it looks ugly. Plaques on the body prevent patients from working in a team or resting. They often lead to limited movement and difficulty performing simple physical tasks. Untimely treatment of psoriasis can lead to damage to the organs of vision and joints.

    It is impossible to completely cure psoriasis. This is a chronic dermatological disease that must always be kept in a "dormant" state.

      Risk group

      The risk group includes people who have:

      • chronic skin diseases;
      • skin injuries;
      • disorders of the central nervous system and the autonomic system.

      Prevention

      For disease prevention, doctors recommend:

      • moisturizes the skin;
      • avoid long stays in cold and dry rooms;
      • do not take beta blockers and lithium (except in extreme cases), they cause psoriasis.

      This article is published for educational purposes only and does not constitute scientific material or professional medical advice.