Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease of non-infectious origin. According to statistics, 3, 7% of the world population suffers from psoriasis. People call the disease "squamous lichen".
Psoriasis is not gender dependent, it is not contagious; often develops at 14-27 years of age. The disease is characterized by the appearance of red scales in the form of a plaque (spot) covered by white scales. A spot (or multiple blemishes) can be anywhere on the body, but more often in places with thin, dry skin: elbows, knees, lower back, scalp.
The blemishes are of different sizes and disturb in different ways: in some patients, only skin irritation is observed; in other patients, large areas of skin are affected, which is accompanied by discomfort, itchiness, pain, insomnia, and decreased quality of life.
Psoriasis is a chronic disease characterized by periods of exacerbations (rash) and remission (reduction of symptoms).
Psoriasis often complicates pregnancy.
Causes of psoriasis
Psoriasis is a systemic process that involves not only the skin, but the entire body. The causes of psoriasis are not fully understood, but it is assumed that there are several of them: neurogenic (due to stress), hereditary, infectious, viral, mixed (skin lesion with penetration of staphylococci in combination with any of the above reasons), etc. . In this case, cellular and humoral immunity is activated and an autoimmune process of damage to cells, especially skin cells (epidermis), is triggered.
In addition to the activation of immunity, metabolism is disturbed. The disease is aggravated by an overloaded heredity. As a result, the renewal (regeneration) of cells is accelerated 3-5 times - psoriatic plaques form in the skin.
Without timely treatment, the lesion is aggravated: patches on the skin grow, crack, rot; nails are destroyed, joints are involved, etc.
The quality of life of a patient with psoriasis depends 80% on timely diagnosis and proper treatment.
Once again, we list the factors that contribute to the onset of the disease:
- bad heredity. Scientists have identified 9 genes that determine the development of the disease, but their interaction is unclear. It is well established that in 15% of cases psoriasis is inherited by 1st and 2nd generation relatives;
- stress, nervous tension, depression. It has been proven that stress in 70% of cases causes an exacerbation of psoriasis;
- Hormonal imbalance;
- dysbiosis;
- metabolic disorders, drug addiction;
- colitis and parasitic infections (roundworm, lamblia, intestinal infections, etc. );
- viral infections;
- streptoderma; candidiasis of the skin;
- allergies.
psoriasis symptoms
In the early stage, psoriasis rashes are in the form of red plaques (spots) with scales. The appearance of a cutaneous plaque is accompanied by intense itching. A denser layer (keratin) is found under the scales.
Here are the 6 main forms of psoriasis; each has its own symptoms:
Plaque psoriasis occurs in 85% of patients. It is characterized by dry, pink rashes, raised above the skin, covered with silvery scales. The skin in the affected areas usually exfoliates; in this location, red spots remain, bleeding during the trauma. In 60% of cases, the plates merge into large plates.
Guttate psoriasis is characterized by many small, dry lesions in the form of pink droplets that rise above the surface of the skin. Rashes are located on the thighs, legs, affecting large areas of the body. In 60% of cases, guttate psoriasis worsens after streptococcal infection.
Pustular psoriasis can be recognized by blisters on the skin filled with clear fluid. The blisters are surrounded by scaly, swollen, reddened skin. The legs and thighs are most often affected.
Flexor surface psoriasis manifests as smooth, non-scaly red patches located in the area of the skin folds: the lateral surface of the thighs, armpits, and the area of the external genitalia. Due to mechanical irritation (physiological friction), the stains bruise, bleed and rot.
Nail psoriasis manifests as discoloration, spotting, and cross-lines on the nails. The skin around the lesion is hardened. As the disease progresses, the nail exfoliates, thickens, and then dries out or falls off.
Psoriatic arthritis (15% of cases). All joints are affected, but most often the small ones - the phalanges of the hands and feet. The fingers are like sausages. Joint psoriasis leads to bursitis, a person's disability.
Let's talk separately about head and elbow injuries.
Psoriasis of the scalp (especially of the scalp) is the most common form of the disease. It is more common at a young age. It manifests as red, scaly patches that itchy and itchy. The redness is almost always noticeable, as it causes emotional discomfort and leads to the person's social isolation.
Elbow psoriasis is a disease that affects middle-aged people. It manifests as a rash on the extensor surfaces of the elbow joints. The rash spreads outward and melts - a large plaque (plaque) is formed, covered with silvery scales that fall off easily. Along with the scales, a thin protective film is peeled away, exposing the bleeding surface. In 80% of cases, the spots disappear spontaneously, without treatment, but sometimes they thicken (age) and persist for years, causing psoriatic lesions in the elbow joint.
Diagnosis of psoriasis
Diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis is performed by a dermatologist.
Due to the characteristic skin lesions, the diagnosis of psoriasis is straightforward. As additional laboratory tests, a general blood test and rheumatoid factor determination are used. For the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis, an appointment with a rheumatologist and an X-ray of the affected joints are indicated. In rare cases, a skin biopsy is performed for differential diagnosis.
Psoriasis must be distinguished from similar skin conditions: seborrhea, lupus, etc.
psoriasis treatment
Psoriasis is a chronic disease with periods of exacerbation (reappearance of skin rashes) and remission (disappearance of rashes). It is impossible to recover from psoriasis forever. You can prolong remission and reduce the intensity of exacerbations.
Only in 40% of cases is it possible to immediately find an effective treatment. Sometimes it takes months and years. Therefore, psoriasis is treated at home, with the exception of severe exacerbations and complications. The effectiveness of the treatment is influenced by the type of psoriasis, age, concomitant illnesses, etc. With a mild degree of psoriasis, topical preparations are prescribed: ointments and creams based on:
- glucocorticosteroids;
- zinc;
- tar;
- salicylic acid;
- vitamin D3.
In severe cases of psoriasis (25% of the skin surface is affected, joint damage) and the ineffectiveness of local treatment, a complex therapy is prescribed:
- cytostatics that inhibit epidermal cell division;
- immunomodulators that normalize immune responses;
- glucocorticosteroids, which regulate metabolic processes and reduce inflammation;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (to reduce itchy skin);
- multivitamins.
Physiotherapy is prescribed: ultraviolet irradiation, cryotherapy, plasmapheresis, hirudotherapy. Folk remedies are also used: celandine and lard ointments, meadowsweet and petroleum jelly, beeswax and lard. To normalize immunity, they drink homemade oat kvass, a bay leaf infusion and a dill decoction.
Diet, especially with psoriasis flare-ups, plays an important role. Spicy and sweet dishes are excluded from the diet. Fast food and alcohol are prohibited. Food must be balanced, rich in vitamins and minerals.
To prevent psoriasis from getting worse, you need to improve your health, avoid stress, hypothermia, and seasonal illness.
Here are the simple rules to prevent psoriasis exacerbations:
- do not overdry the skin;
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun;
- avoid skin lesions;
- avoid stress;
- do not smoke or abuse alcohol.
Is psoriasis contagious?
There is not a single proven case of transmission of psoriasis from a sick person during family or other contact. Therefore, it is believed that psoriasis is not contagious.
which doctor to contact
To initiate timely treatment and prevent the spread of psoriasis, consult a dermatologist. In the presence of psoriatic arthritis, an appointment with a rheumatologist is indicated.