How to recognize psoriasis?What kind of disease is this?Why does my skin hurt?

People who face this skin disease for the first time, which has very unpleasant symptoms, want to know what psoriasis is and how to get rid of it.This is a disease that mainly affects the upper layer of the epidermis and its appendages: the nail plate and bed, the hair.According to statistics, psoriasis affects about 4% of the entire world population.Furthermore, the disease is more common at a young age: from 18 to 23 years old.

There are many diseases similar to psoriasis, so it is important to know its symptoms to choose the appropriate treatment.

In general, you should not self-medicate with this disease, as psoriasis develops very quickly and can cause serious complications.A visit to a dermatologist is the only correct decision if you discover signs of the disease.

Species

There are many varieties of this skin disease.When classifying psoriasis, the nature of the rash, the severity of the course and the location of the lesions are taken into account.There are the following main types of psoriasis:

• Plaque psoriasis (common).This is the most common type of disease, occurring in 85% of all patients.It is characterized by the presence of grayish or silvery-white plaques raised above the surface of the skin, which come off easily.Psoriasis vulgaris is another name for this form of the disease.
• Guttate psoriasis.The harmful elements in this type of disease resemble red to purple droplets or dots.
• Pustular psoriasis.The most serious form of this skin disease.It is characterized by the presence of pustules on the body - vesicles filled with transparent, uninfected fluid.When the disease is advanced, the fluid becomes purulent.
• Psoriatic nail damage (onychodystrophy).The symptoms of this form of psoriasis affect the nail plates and the area around them: the shade of the nail changes, spots appear on its surface, the skin around the bed becomes thicker, the plate breaks and delaminates.

• Arthropathic psoriasis.The disease is characterized by inflammation of small joints.This form of psoriasis often leads to disability.
• Inverse (double or inverse) psoriasis.The disease affects skin folds in the groin area, inner thighs, armpits and under the mammary glands (in women).
• Palmoplantar psoriasis.With the development of this form of the disease, all characteristic symptoms begin to appear on the feet and hands.In severe cases, the disease affects the nails and other areas of the body.
• Seborrheic psoriasis.With this form, the rashes are localized on the head, face and back.

Symptoms of the disease

What does psoriasis look like?How not to confuse it with another skin disease?At the initial stage of the disease, the following signs of psoriasis occur:

• the appearance on the skin of pink, red or bluish papules, located symmetrically in specific areas of the body;
• general weakness;
• chronic fatigue;
• depression or apathy.

Gradually, the rash combines into plaques - easily removable scaly formations.The area of inflammation grows towards the edges.

At this stage of psoriasis, there are signs that can help distinguish the disease from other skin conditions.If you scratch the scales, you can observe the phenomenon of the psoriatic triad, formed by the following symptoms:

• stearin stain: after scraping the plate, silvery-white scales separate, resembling stearin chips;
• terminal film: at the site of the scraped formation, a very thin and shiny film remains, covering the papule;
• “bloody dew”: at the site of the removed terminal film, pinpoint bleeding may appear, which occurs due to damage to the subcutaneous vascular network.

Psoriasis symptoms vary depending on the specific stage of the disease and the season.In most patients, psoriasis manifestations intensify in winter.The “summer” form of the disease is quite rare, as the patient's condition improves under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

How does psoriasis manifest itself in the different phases?In total, there are 3 stages of development of the disease.

1. In the progressive stage, new rashes constantly appear and existing plaques increase in size.The patient feels intense itching, the skin peels off all the time.
2. What does stationary phase psoriasis look like?During this period, the growth of papules stops.Small folds are observed in the plate area.There is still intense itching.
3. In the regression stage, the plaques begin to disappear, the peeling disappears and the itching ceases to torment.Pigmented areas may appear at the site of the formations.

Some types of psoriasis have different symptoms.

For example, when the scalp is affected, dandruff-like plaques first appear.In this case, only the skin suffers;hair condition and growth are not affected by the disease.From the head, the rashes spread to the area behind the ears, neck and forehead.

The occurrence of psoriasis on the palms and feet is accompanied by thickening of the skin and the appearance of cracks.At the initial stage of the disease, pustules with transparent contents are formed, which gradually become purulent.Subsequently, scars appear at the site of these formations, causing discomfort and pain during physical activities (working with your hands, walking).In the future, the disease can be transmitted to the back of the hands and fingers.

Nail psoriasis has the following description: firstly, the plate becomes covered with small depressions, resembling needle marks, changes color and begins to flake and flake.The tissue around the nail becomes thick and inflamed.

Main reasons

The pathogenesis of psoriasis has not been fully studied to date.Scientists have put forward several theories about the occurrence of this disease.There are two main causes of psoriasis.

1. The causes of the disease are a malfunction of the immune system.Cells designed to protect the body from bacteria and viruses enter the upper layer of the epidermis, where they produce substances that trigger the inflammatory process.Because of this, skin cells divide quickly and the affected area becomes thicker.This theory is supported by a study of a psoriatic plaque, which revealed a large accumulation of immune cells.
2. The skin disease psoriasis is caused by impaired division and maturation of epithelial cells.As a result of this pathology, diseased skin cells are attacked by cells of the immune system.

The development of psoriasis is influenced by several factors.The risk of illness increases if the body is affected by several of the following conditions at the same time.

• Have dry, thin skin.Experts have noted that people with thick, oily, hydrated skin rarely suffer from psoriasis.This is due to the structural features of the epidermis and the protective functions of sebum.
• Excessive love for hygiene.The unjustified desire to keep the body constantly clean and the too frequent use of soap and washcloths harm the skin and reduce its protective properties.
• Bad habits.When smoking and drinking alcohol, the condition of the epidermis worsens: subcutaneous blood circulation and tissue nutrition are disturbed.
• Negative factors from outside.According to statistics, skin diseases appear more often in those who regularly come into contact with detergents, household chemicals, alcohol solutions, etc.
• Medication.Chronic use of certain medications, e.g. antidepressants, anticonvulsants, can cause symptoms of psoriasis.
• Infectious diseases.Often, pathology occurs immediately after a disease caused by a fungus or staphylococcus.
• Climate change.It turns out that for the development of psoriasis, it is enough to move to a different climatic zone.
• Skin injury.Constantly wearing uncomfortable clothes with rough seams or poor quality shoes, the habit of scratching the same area can cause the first symptoms of psoriasis to appear.
• Stress.Physical and psychological shocks (e.g., prolonged hypothermia) to the body may precede the onset of the disease.
• Serious eating disorders.The course of the disease can be complicated by the abuse of sweet foods, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, smoked meats and salty foods.
• Genetic predisposition.Is it possible to inherit psoriasis?According to scientists, the genes responsible for the activity of the immune system are carriers of the disease.This is why the disease is transmitted from parents to children.

Life of patients with psoriasis

Despite the fact that psoriasis is not a contagious disease and cannot be transmitted through physical contact with the patient, many patients consider themselves excluded from society, which is why they feel severe psychological discomfort.

The biggest problem is the presence of rashes on the head, ears and face.  More than half of those affected constantly focus on their appearance and are afraid of public condemnation and rejection from society, as psoriasis often looks like lichen.As the disease progresses, the person limits communication with others.Only a quarter of psoriasis patients do not experience stress due to their own appearance.

The disease also causes severe physical discomfort.Constant itching and burning limit the patient's ability to work, interfere with adequate rest, often cause insomnia, and interfere with exercise.Psoriatic arthritis adds joint pain to unpleasant symptoms.

Psychological anxiety combined with physical discomfort can cause severe depression and some patients even experience social phobia.The prolonged and expensive treatment of the disease also negatively affects the patient, taking away even more strength and interfering with their socialization.

Why is psoriasis dangerous?

At the initial stage, the disease causes discomfort associated with the manifestation of symptoms: itching, burning, peeling.

If psoriasis is not treated, it becomes advanced, which is dangerous to the patient's health and even life.

In many cases, the following dangerous complications develop:

• pathological changes occur in metabolic processes;
• heart function worsens, there is a risk of stroke, myocarditis;
• there are disturbances in the activity of the kidneys and liver;
• joints are affected (most often the phalanges of the fingers, elbows, knees);
• mucous membranes are affected: eyes, gastrointestinal tract, bladder;
• as a result of severe psoriasis, the brain and nervous system are affected;
• potency may weaken in men;
• due to the spread of plaques through the skin, the respiratory function of the skin and the activity of sweat and fat glands are disturbed;
• thermoregulation is disturbed, which leads to inflammation of the epidermis, which can cause blood poisoning and, consequently, death.

The consequence of an aggravated disease can be erythroderma.

This complication occurs in only 2% of all patients.In the initial phase, it is characterized by the appearance of bright red lesions on the skin, which resemble burns.Over time, scales appear in these areas, which peel off in large layers.The skin in this area becomes hot and very sensitive.Other symptoms also appear: feeling of tightness, constant itching, brittle nails, intense hair loss, enlarged lymph nodes.

If you find signs of psoriasis, contact a dermatologist immediately.The formulation of the diagnosis is based on an external examination of the skin and nails.Additional tests, as a rule, are not prescribed.If the patient complains of joint pain, x-rays and blood tests are taken to rule out other types of arthritis.

Only a doctor can make the correct diagnosis and decide how to treat psoriasis.

Treatment methods

It should be noted right away that psoriasis cannot be completely cured.

Winston Churchill also said: “I will erect a monument made of pure gold to him who can learn everything about psoriasis and find an effective treatment for this disease.”

External preparations

Whatever the causes of psoriasis, first of all, the doctor prescribes local remedies that help alleviate unpleasant symptoms.First, non-hormonal lotions, ointments and creams are used, which contain tar, oil, zinc or medicinal herbs.In most cases, these medications help to forget about the unpleasant signs of psoriasis after 3-4 weeks of use.

If non-hormonal ointments are ineffective, hormone-based medications for psoriasis are used.They must be used strictly according to the specialist's prescription, in no case exceeding the dosage or increasing the course of treatment.With the help of hormonal ointments, you can quickly forget what it is - psoriasis, but there is a high risk of serious side effects.

Even the newer local medicines must be used in combination with other medicines.In addition to ointments, enterosorbents are prescribed, which remove toxic substances from tissues, and immunosuppressants, designed to reduce the reaction of the immune system.Treatment is impossible without taking vitamin complexes, especially vitamins B, A, C, D.

Physiotherapy

These methods of treating psoriasis are widely used at all stages of the disease.Procedures such as baths, phototherapy and ultraviolet irradiation provide excellent results.

New methods of treating the disease include cryotherapy, electrosleep, hirudotherapy and PUVA therapy.

In advanced forms of the disease, the use of ultraviolet light has a good effect.Thanks to this method, in just 20-30 procedures, damaged cells are destroyed, peeling is eliminated, damaged skin is restored and the immune system returns to normal.Before carrying out the complete procedure, an experimental session is carried out, exposing a small area of the patient's body to the rays.If the skin reaction is normal, a full course is prescribed.In summer, the patient can continue the ultraviolet treatment under the natural rays of the sun.

Traditional medicine

Folk remedies for any type of psoriasis can only be used with a doctor's consultation.

It is important to understand that severe psoriasis symptoms cannot be eliminated at home.

Traditional recipes only help to soften flaky skin and temporarily eliminate itching.The following products have received the best reviews among patients.

Tar:

• in the first days of the onset of the disease, apply tar to the affected areas with a cotton swab for 10 minutes and then wash with tar soap;
• on days 4–5, increase the duration of the procedure to 40 minutes;
• the full course of treatment is 12 days;
• It is best to use tar before bed as its smell completely disappears overnight.

Celandine:

• pass several plucked celandine bushes through a meat grinder;
• Squeeze the juice from the resulting mass;
• lubricate each affected area of the body with juice;
• repeat the procedure until the external signs of the disease disappear completely.

Eggs and vinegar:

• prepare the ointment by beating 2 eggs and 20 ml of vegetable oil;
• add 10 ml of acetic acid to the mass;
• Lubricate rashes and plaques with the resulting product every night;
• course of treatment: 3–4 weeks.

Herbs:

• grind 20 g of St. John's wort flowers, 20 g of celandine root, 10 g of calendula flowers and 10 g of propolis into a paste (it is best to do this in an earthen bowl);
• add 20 ml of vegetable oil to medicinal herbs;
• Apply the prepared product to the affected areas three times a day;
• You can stop treatment as soon as the visible signs of the disease disappear.

Elderberry infusion:

• pour 0.5 liters of boiled water into 10 g of elderberry leaves and flowers;
• leave the infusion under ambient conditions for half an hour;
• take 80 ml of infusion each time the itching increases after eating;
• course of treatment - 10 days.

Diet

Whatever psoriasis treatment methods are used, great improvements will not be possible without following a special diet.To adjust the diet, it is best to contact a specialist who will create a menu taking into account the individual characteristics of a particular patient.To ensure that the entry “psoriasis” no longer appears in the medical history, you must know and follow the general rules of nutrition for patients.In the case of this disease, the following should be excluded from the menu:

• any nuts;
• citrus;
• smoked meats;
• spices;
• salinity;
• spicy dishes;
• fatty foods;
• alcohol;
• blue cheese.

If your medical history includes a diagnosis of psoriasis, you need to ensure your diet is balanced.Every day there should be food on the table that provides the body with all the necessary substances.

It is especially important to get fatty acids, which are contained in sufficient quantities in all types of fish.

Recommendations for the patient

To forget for a long time what kind of disease tormented you, regardless of what type of psoriasis you had, follow these important rules during and after treatment:

• use gentle skin care: wash with warm water and a neutral product, do not rub your body with a towel, but pat dry gently;
• give up ordinary cosmetics for a while, avoid using products that are new to you;
• When carrying out any household work, wear protective gloves;
• limit contact with allergens;
• wear clothes and shoes made from natural fabrics without rough seams;
• drink at least 1.5 liters of clean water per day.

You need to understand that it is impossible to completely cure psoriasis.However, if you choose the right means to combat this disease, you can get rid of its unpleasant symptoms and achieve a stable remission.

Keep your skin clean, pay attention to the slightest changes in its condition and, if you experience suspicious symptoms, see a specialist.Taking care of your own body will allow you to always remain healthy and beautiful.To stay up to date with interesting information and current news, subscribe to our articles and be sure to share them with friends on social networks.See you again!

This article has exclusively educational, encyclopedic and informative functions.You must obtain your doctor's approval before using the tips and recommendations described in this article.You shouldn't self-medicate!