Psoriasis is a common, chronic, non-communicable disease that affects approximately 100 million people worldwide.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis
This is how the disease manifests itself.Skin cells divide 10 times faster than normal, forming layers on top of each other and forming raised red patches covered in silvery-white scales.These sores can appear anywhere, but most often on the head, elbows, knees, and lower back.
Here are some more signs that appear along with the spots:
- itching and burning;
- thickening and small holes in the nails;
- swollen and painful joints.
There may be other symptoms depending on the type of psoriasis.
What types of psoriasis are there?
There are seven in total
- Common, also known as vulgar.The most common type: raised, red, inflamed skin covered in white scales.
- In the shape of a tear.Small reddish-pink spots often appear on the head, thighs, forearms and torso.
- Nail psoriasis.They become yellowish-brown, soft and may separate from the socket.Indentations or thickenings appear.
- Pustulate.A rare form of the disease, it can be accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, muscle weakness and rapid pulse.Purulent swellings appear on the arms, legs and fingers, surrounded by red skin.
- Inverse.Smooth, shiny red spots without scales.They most often appear in the groin, armpits, under the breasts and buttocks.
- Psoriatic arthritis.In addition to plaques on the skin, it causes pain and swelling in the joints.
Where does psoriasis come from?
Anyone can get psoriasis, but it happens more often in adults than in children.
The exact causes of the disease are unknown.But it is believed to be an autoimmune disease: immune system cells, also known as white blood cells, become hyperactive and mistakenly attack healthy tissue.
Psoriasis can be caused by one or more factors:
- infection;
- stress;
- smoking or drinking alcohol;
- sunburn;
- vitamin D deficiency;
- some medicines and substances - lithium preparations, beta-blockers, antimalarial medicines, iodides.
You cannot become infected with psoriasis.It is not transmitted through contact with the patient's skin.
How is psoriasis treated?
There's no way to get rid of psoriasis, but you can ease your symptoms.The selection of procedures and medications is quite difficult.What works for one person sometimes doesn't work for another.A dermatologist must draw up and adjust the treatment plan.
The doctor may recommend the following.
Skin creams and ointments
They are used to soften plaques, reduce itching and slow the growth of skin cells.These are the external remedies:
- hormonal ointments;
- shampoos and ointments with coal tar;
- preparations with retinoids.
Phototherapy
Irradiation of the skin with natural or artificial ultraviolet light is carried out in a hospital environment under the supervision of a dermatologist.Phototherapy is usually used in parallel with external medications.
The easiest way is ordinary sunlight.But even if you decide to sunbathe, you should first discuss this with your doctor.This method is not suitable for everyone.
Systemic treatment
This is the heavy artillery when other methods fail.The doctor prescribes a series of pills or injections that affect the entire body.
Prescribing medication to yourself or taking it on the advice of friends is a bad idea.
Self-medicating psoriasis can cause the disease to spread to untouched areas of the body and increase the frequency of flare-ups.
The patient does not take into account the side effects of various medications and harms himself.
Don't do this, go to the doctor!
How to reduce the frequency of psoriasis attacks
In addition to the prescribed treatment, do the following:
Do not smoke or drink alcohol.Treating bad habits is less effective.
Watch your weight.After losing extra pounds, many patients find that medications that didn't work before begin to work.
Eat a balanced diet.This will reduce the risk of complications associated with psoriasis - hypertension, diabetes, stroke, atherosclerosis.
Do yoga and meditation.They reduce stress and anxiety that can cause flare-ups.
Apply a thick moisturizer to your skin as needed throughout the day to soften it.Make sure you do this after your shower and before bed.
Take colloidal oatmeal or salt baths every day for 10 minutes.Just make sure the water isn't too hot.And don't use strong soap, which dries out the skin a lot.