Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that is difficult to treat.Psoriatic plaques appear in different parts of the body, causing a lot of inconvenience and suffering to the patient.A noticeable cosmetic defect worsens relationships with other people and provokes the development of complexes.
Psoriasis treatment requires an integrated approach.Failure to seek medical help in a timely manner leads to serious consequences: the disease can be hereditary.Following your doctor's recommendations will alleviate suffering and reduce the manifestations of psoriasis.
Causes
Skin diseases are of increasing interest to researchers.Doctors only have guesses about the factors that can cause psoriasis.The most common cause of psoriasis is a genetic predisposition.However, dermatologists have not yet reached a consensus: “Why does psoriasis appear?”
There are two theories:
- the first says: the squamous type of lichen develops when the maturation of epidermal cells, their reproduction and differentiation are impaired.Autoimmune processes play a minor role;
- second hypothesis: the cause of the skin lesions is a malfunction of the immune system.Problems with the normal functioning of epidermal cells are secondary.
Provoking factors:
- lack of vitamins and minerals in the body due to the small amount of vegetables and fruits in the menu;
- compromised nervous health due to frequent stress;
- abuse of potent drugs;
- metabolic disorders due to poor nutrition;
- decreased immunity after infectious diseases.
Group of risk:
- hypertensive patients;
- obese people;
- diabetics;
- people who drink alcohol excessively;
- patients who have undergone courses of chemotherapy, corticosteroid treatment and strong antibiotics.
Symptoms and stages of the disease
Stages of psoriatic rashes:
- initial stage.Pink or reddish papules appear on the elbows and other areas, covered with scales of a heterogeneous structure.Over time, the rash occupies an increasingly larger area, redness of the skin, swelling and itching appear;
- Most symptoms appear in people whose bodies are saturated with medications.At risk are people who have suffered psycho-emotional trauma;
- the next stage is the emergence of the Koebner phenomenon.After scratching, abrasions, wounds and bleeding areas appear on the body.Gradually they merge, symmetrical lines and plates are formed.Nails are often affected;
- third stage.The rash becomes brighter, the plaques acquire clear outlines, the affected areas turn blue, itch and peel;
- the disappearance of symptoms occurs gradually.The peeling disappears first and then the color of the epidermis is restored.The final stage is the reabsorption of infiltrates, improving the condition of the skin.
Is psoriasis contagious?Is it possible to get sick when communicating, shaking hands, playing together or having sex?Answer: “No!”The nature of the pathology is different;there are no viruses or fungi on the skin.Don't turn away someone with psoriasis!It's already difficult for him.Support the person morally.
Locations:
- elbow joints.Relatively light form.Groups of plates with clearly defined boundaries appear symmetrically on both arms.Color – salmon or pinkish red;
- clap.The disease is characterized by keratinization of surfaces, peeling, intense itching;
- ears and scalp.Psoriatic rashes appear on the inside and outside of the ears and on the head.If unexpected itching occurs inside the ears, it is recommended to immediately consult a dermatologist;
- legs.Often, plaques, redness and itching on the lower extremities appear simultaneously with rashes on the arms.Externally, the manifestations of the disease are similar;
- to go back.Scaly lichen affects several areas of the back.The rash takes on a teardrop shape.Often the rashes resemble ordinary plaques;
- face.Rashes appear less frequently in this area.Small papules appear on the eyebrows, in the region of the nasolabial folds and near the eyes.In isolated cases, formations covered with scales are visible on the lips.
Diagnosis of the disease
A dermatologist or therapist can easily diagnose psoriasis based on its characteristic symptoms.Sometimes a biopsy of the affected skin is necessary.A microscopic piece is sent for laboratory analysis.
The hemoscanning method using a drop of blood is widely publicized.Special computer programs and a high-power electron microscope are used.
Experts recommend refusing the services of “doctors” who do not have a medical education.Quacks often use just this method to diagnose various diseases, without bothering with additional research.
Be sure to visit a dermatologist or therapist.An experienced doctor will tell you whether you have psoriasis or not based on clinical signs.
Treatment methods
How to cure psoriasis?Complex therapy will help eliminate unpleasant symptoms and improve the patient's condition.In many cases, treatment is long-term;with increased exposure to provoking factors, relapses are possible.
Experts recommend using not only medications, but also traditional recipes, dietary nutrition and physiotherapy methods.The patient is obliged to strictly comply with the doctor's instructions.
Medicines
Topical and systemic medications are used:
- antihistamines;
- sedatives;
- anti-inflammatory medications;
- ointments and gels for psoriasis.
Physiotherapy treatments are effective:
- phototherapy;
- ultraviolet irradiation;
- laser therapy;
- cryotherapy.
Nutrition for psoriasis
The patient is required to follow a hypoallergenic diet for psoriasis.It is necessary to consume as little as possible of foods that cause blood flow to the affected skin.It is important to emphasize foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
Banned:
- spicy dishes;
- smoked meats;
- alcohol;
- red, black pepper and other spices;
- coffee;
- hot drinks.
Not recommended:
- chocolate;
- candy;
- whole milk;
- honey;
- citrus;
- vegetables, berries.
Folk remedies and recipes
After consulting with a dermatologist or therapist, add home methods to your medications and physical therapy treatments.Effective ointments, decoctions of medicinal herbs, lotions and baths improve the condition and relieve itching and burning.
Treatment of psoriasis at home with folk remedies.Best recipes:
- baths with string and sea salt.Prepare a decoction: per liter of water – 2 tablespoons.I.successions.Pour 4 tablespoons into the bathtub.I.sea salt, pour in the strained broth.The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes.Excellent soothing and drying agent;
- decoction of medicinal herbs.Brew a teaspoon of nettle, burdock root, licorice and calamus in 0.5 liters of water.Boil for 5 minutes, let it brew.Wipe the affected areas with a healing decoction several times a day;
- tea from dandelion roots, nettle leaves, St. John's worttake internally.The drink perfectly cleanses the blood, improves immunity and soothes;
- herbal lotions.Take 4 tbsp.I.celandine, add calendula, string, motherwort, chamomile (you will need 2 tablespoons of all herbs).Fill with a liter of hot water and heat in a bain-marie.Apply gauze soaked in the broth to painful areas, twice a day;
- homemade ointment.Combine fish oil, pine resin, aloe vera juice, olive oil, sulfur and birch tar in equal proportions.Add the same amount of celandine, top the herbs, add a few drops of sea buckthorn oil.Let it ferment, strain.Lubricate affected areas daily.The product soothes the skin, reduces itching, heals wounds;
- birch tar applicationon elbows, ears and other areas affected by manifestations of scaly lichen gives a good effect;
- monastery tea for psoriasis.A medicinal drink made from medicinal herbs will ease the course of the disease.
Skin psoriasis in children
The chronic disease occurs in both infants and older children.Most cases of psoriasis are seen in preschoolers and elementary school students.
Symptoms:
- spots, blisters and red dots appear on the skin;
- Gradually, the number of rashes increases and peeling appears;
- the body itches, the crusts crack and painful areas appear.
Main locations of rashes:
- elbows;
- knees;
- legs, arms;
- Sometimes psoriasis affects the nails.
The diagnosis is not difficult.Pronounced symptoms are difficult to confuse with manifestations of other diseases.
Reasons:
- stress;
- hormonal imbalance;
- colds;
- some medicines;
- genetic predisposition;
- respiratory diseases;
- sudden climate changes.
Treatment:
- proper skin care;
- ascorbic acid;
- vitamin B12;
- ointments and gels;
- antihistamines.
Herbal baths with chamomile, yarrow, celandine and string give a good effect.Soothing preparations will help improve your sleep.In severe cases, the doctor will prescribe sleeping pills.
Sometimes a child needs to be hospitalized to alleviate acute symptoms.Don't give up on hospitalization.Droppers and injections significantly alleviate the condition.
Advice!Do not prescribe strong medications on your own.Doctors are trying to use fewer drugs that have a toxic effect.
Preventive recommendations
There are no specific measures to prevent this serious skin disease.For this reason, many people suffer from unpleasant symptoms for many years.
Sometimes psychological trauma is no less serious than periodic rashes and itching during exacerbations.Try to ease the course of the disease.
What else can you do:
- avoid hypothermia;
- maintain optimal air humidity in the room;
- carefully care for the epidermis;
- create a peaceful environment in the family;
- if necessary, change jobs to avoid stressful situations and other harmful influences;
- do not allow injury to the skin.
Remember– you are not alone in your problem.The diagnosis of psoriasis is recorded in the outpatient records of hundreds of thousands of people.Do not despair, even with such a serious illness you can live without losing hope for the future.Communicate, seek support from loved ones, follow doctors' recommendations.Try not to let the illness consume you.