Psoriasis: possible causes and manifestations

Psoriasis is an unpleasant skin condition in which the body becomes covered in red rashes that turn into patches.A person may be bothered by itching, which prevents him from falling asleep, and if complications in the form of arthritis occur, severe joint pain may occur.Psoriasis significantly affects quality of life.Studies show that patients feel as unwell as those who have had a heart attack, heart failure or severe hypertension.

Unfortunately, doctors have not yet found the answer to the question of how to cure psoriasis.Everything that the pharmaceutical industry and medicine offer - ointments, creams, ultraviolet radiation, immunity drugs - brings only temporary relief.Other measures - psychotherapy, vitamin intake, psoriasis diet - do not cure, but help to improve the condition.

Psoriasis disease

Psoriasis on the head

How does scalp psoriasis occur?

• The first lesions appear in the form of scaling on the back of the head.
• Then the peeling spreads even more, the skin itches and itches.In the early stages of psoriasis, patients tend to believe that they just have dandruff and are intensely looking for a remedy to get rid of it.Contacting doctors is often ineffective - a dermatologist may confuse the lesions with seborrheic dermatitis and prescribe shampoos for this.
• In the next phase, the itching becomes unbearable, the patient hurts the skin by scratching until it bleeds.
• Then red plaques and bumps appear, which a person easily injures when scratching.
• The plaques become covered in gray particles that gradually cover the entire scalp.The particles are epithelium exfoliated from the surface.
• After that, psoriasis spreads to the smooth scalp that is not covered by hair.

Cutaneous psoriasis

Cutaneous psoriasis is a non-infectious skin lesion that affects approximately 4% of the population.The reasons for this have not been fully identified, but the main version is a genetic disorder.An equally popular opinion is that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease.Versions about the infectious origin of the disease deserve attention.

Nail psoriasis

Depending on how damaged the nail plate is, there are:

• Change in the color of the nail bed.
• The appearance of grooves and point damage to the board.
• Corrosion or, conversely, thickening of the nail.
• Thickening of the skin under the nail plate.

Diagnosis of nail psoriasis is possible after appropriate tests for the presence of fungi.But sometimes even this type of study does not completely exclude the disease, since a fungal infection can accompany existing psoriasis.

Psoriasis in adults

Psoriasis in women

Psoriasis in pregnant women

Psoriasis is a chronic disease with periods of exacerbations and improvements.How does he behave during pregnancy?Observations show that pregnant women feel much better - they are less worried about the manifestations of the disease, even if during this period all treatment is almost completely canceled so as not to harm the fetus.

Sometimes the disease does not go away completely, even during pregnancy, and medication is needed.If necessary, it is best to treat psoriasis with products that do not contain hormones.

Psoriasis in nursing mothers

How to treat psoriasis in nursing mothers?Many drugs are allowed that do not have a systemic effect and are not transmitted through milk:

• Hormonal medications, as long as they are used under medical supervision and when urgently needed, in small areas of the body.
• Moisturizing creams (including for children's skin).
• Fats and fat-like creams that can moisturize the skin by being retained in the stratum corneum.
• Treatment of psoriasis with salicylic ointment is allowed.
• To obtain an anti-allergic effect, various sorbents can be used.
• The use of phototherapy is permitted (without oral administration of photosensitizers).

Psoriasis in men

Psoriasis is slightly less common among men than women.The course of the disease in men may be milder - the manifestations are less pronounced and the disease begins, on average, later compared to women.Otherwise, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis are almost the same in both sexes.

A characteristic of men is the location of psoriasis in the region of the glans penis.As the disease occurs without characteristic scaling, diagnosis can be difficult, especially if the patient does not turn to a dermatologist, but to a urologist, whose specific work does not imply close familiarity with the symptoms of psoriasis.

Psoriasis in children

In childhood, psoriasis can bring a lot of suffering to the child, as it is accompanied by itching, pain and, if the joints are affected, their mobility can be limited.And sometimes colleagues lack tact and tease children with “lichen”, having no idea about the true non-infectious nature of the disease.

How does childhood psoriasis manifest?It is characterized by several forms:

• Localization in typical places - on the extensor surfaces of the limbs, buttocks.
• Nail damage.
• Psoriasis on the scalp, on the scalp.

The exact causes of psoriasis in children are unknown, but the main cause is believed to be a genetic defect.Versions of an unfavorable external environment are also considered - exposure to allergens, friction of the skin with clothing, chronic and acute stress.Finally, another possible cause of the disease is previous infections.

Psoriasis: symptoms

Psoriasis symptoms in adults

The symptoms of psoriasis are so characteristic that they allow for an accurate and quick diagnosis.The main manifestation of the disease are red, scaly patches (plaques) on the surface of the skin, made up of papules.Patients are concerned about severe itching and signs of inflammation in the area of the spots.One of the characteristics of psoriasis is the spread of plaques where there are skin lesions - microtraumas, scratches, cracks.The preferred location of rashes is on the head, under the hair, on the extensor surfaces of the joints, on the lower back and sacrum, in all natural skin folds.

Psoriasis has an undulating course, in which periods of exacerbation are spontaneously replaced by remission.Many patients note that they cannot connect any event in their lives with the exacerbation that has begun.During this period, the symptoms of psoriasis manifest themselves more clearly - peeling intensifies, the redness of the spots becomes clearly bright, and as a result of peeling of skin flakes and infection, suppuration of plaques is possible.

Symptoms of psoriasis in children

Psoriasis in children is almost as common as atopic dermatitis.It occurs in several forms characteristic of childhood:

• Tear-shaped – red bumps that appear after injuries and infections.They are often confused with allergies.
• Plates.It manifests itself with the same symptoms as the corresponding form in adults.
• The pustular form is uncommon and is usually caused by infection, anxiety, or taking certain medications.The disease is expressed in the spread of pustules on the skin - vesicles with purulent liquid contents.As with plaques, the danger comes from scratching the pustule and possible infection.
• The erythrodermic form is characterized by the spread of lesions throughout the body, intense inflammation and itching of the skin, fever and fever.The severe course of the disease requires urgent hospitalization of the child.
• Psoriatic arthritis is one of the forms and at the same time a complication of psoriasis.It appears against the background of an existing disease and is expressed in pain and swelling of the joints, muscle stiffness.
• A special form of the disease is called diaper psoriasis, in which diaper rash covers the child's buttocks and is therefore confused by pediatricians and mothers with irritation caused by contact with urine and feces.

Forms of psoriasis

There is still no generally accepted classification of psoriasis.The following forms are distinguished:

• Plate (common).
• Exudative.
• Arthropathic.
• Pustulate.
• Psoriatic erythroderma.
• Scalp psoriasis.
• Fold psoriasis.
• Psoriasis on the palms and soles.

Certain clinical variants of the disease of varying severity can be observed in the same patient.

pustular form

Psoriasis sometimes occurs in the form of pustular skin lesions.It is characterized by the formation of pustules-vesicles filled with purulent or sterile contents.The size of the bubbles can reach 2.5-3 cm.The preferred location for rashes is the extensor areas of the arms and legs and the trunk.Pustular psoriasis on the scalp is common.The surface of the patient's body is red and hot.Patients complain of fever and fever, general malaise.

Exudative form

The exudative form is characterized by the appearance of large plaques on the surface of the skin, which then, unlike psoriasis vulgaris, become covered with yellowish-brown crusts.

A feature of exudative psoriasis is the atypical location of the rashes.Unlike other shapes, they occupy surfaces in the curves of the arms and legs and folds of the skin.Due to friction from clothing and irritation, the rash can become injured and then become infected.

Stages of psoriasis

Early stage of psoriasis

To assess the severity of psoriasis and its stage, different scales are used, which include:

• Area of rashes.
• The severity of the disease (redness, itching, swelling and exudate, superficial bleeding).
• General symptoms (general emotional and physical state).
• The influence of the disease on a person's lifestyle and social functions.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of previous therapy attempts.

The initial stage of psoriasis is the stage when the surface of the skin is damaged by no more than 3%, the nails and joints are not affected.At this time, stable remission of the disease can be achieved.

Intermediate stage of psoriasis

The intermediate stage of psoriasis corresponds to skin lesions ranging from 3 to 10% of the skin.

Severe stage of psoriasis

The severe stage of psoriasis consists of damage to the skin by more than 10% or the development of psoriatic arthritis in any area of the rash.The disease at this stage causes significant inconvenience and suffering to patients, because arthritis can be accompanied by pain, and a large area of a rash is accompanied by debilitating itching and insomnia.

Psoriasis: causes

Causes of psoriasis in adults

The causes of psoriasis have not yet been fully identified.Of course, science has advanced in the study of the disease, but the exact answer to the question of why psoriasis occurs has not yet been found.It is known that acne is not contagious, which means that the cause is probably not due to infection.Researchers tend to believe that the disease is multifactorial in nature - both metabolic disorders and immune problems are to blame.

Causes of psoriasis in children

Psoriasis in children appears against the background of infectious diseases, emotional stress, cold, excessive tanning and herbs.The trigger for the development of the disease may be frequent contact with allergens.

Diagnosis of psoriasis

Visual examination and identification of the psoriatic triad

Psoriasis disease has characteristic symptoms that allow the doctor to accurately diagnose the disease through a visual examination of the skin:

• “Stearin stain” - if the plaque is scraped, chips similar to stearin are formed.
• “Terminal film” - after removing the scales from the surface of the papule, a surface similar to a polyethylene film is visible in their place.
• “Blood dew” - after continuing to scrape the surface that appears beneath the plaque, bleeding occurs in the form of drops.

Unlike the cutaneous form, nail psoriasis is diagnosed by a dermatologist not by a triad of symptoms, but by other signs:

• Change in the color of the nail bed.
• Corroded nail.
• Grooves located on the nail.
• Small dots on the nail plate, resembling sewing needle pricks.
• Increasing the thickness of the skin under the nail.
• Thickening and change in the shape of the nail, ingrowth into the finger.

Laboratory research

Based on the structure and characteristics of the cells in the fragment, a specialist can determine the origin of the rash: in psoriasis, there is an increase in the number of Rene bodies, an increase in the proliferation of keratinocytes and an accumulation of T lymphocytes and macrophages in the skin layer.

Psoriasis: treatment

Treatment of psoriasis in adults

How to treat psoriasis?Medicine has not yet given a comprehensive answer to this question, but the principles of therapy have been developed for a long time.They can be divided into three groups:

• Eliminating the cause of the disease.
• Relieving symptoms.
• Strengthening immunity.

The goal of all types of treatment is to put the disease in remission for as long as possible.

The effectiveness of therapy varies in each individual case.

Treatment of psoriasis in children

Treatment of psoriasis in childhood is aimed at quickly achieving long-term remission and is not fundamentally different from therapy for adults:

• Follow a hypoallergenic diet with the usual food composition: exclusion of fried, salty, spicy vegetables and fruits, with preservatives that can cause allergies.
• Create a life without allergens (down pillows, old and dusty things).
• Following hygiene advice (proper washing, drying and moisturizing damaged skin).
• Physiotherapy.Electrosleep, phototherapy, magnetic therapy, ultrasound and laser can be used.The use of photochemotherapy, due to its potential harm, is recommended for children aged 15 and over.
• Sanatorium treatment with mineral baths and therapeutic mud.
• Local treatment with hormonal and non-hormonal ointments and creams prescribed by the doctor according to the severity of the disease, the intensity of skin manifestations and the individual response.
• If local treatment is not sufficient, children may be given systemic medications and procedures (UVA photochemotherapy, medications to affect the immune system, retinoids).

Medications to treat psoriasis

Psoriasis cream

Which creams are most popular for treating psoriasis?

• Containing synthetic hormones.They are good because they quickly and effectively relieve itching and inflammation and help reduce the size of psoriatic plaques.Hormonal creams have many side effects and should be used strictly as directed and under the supervision of a doctor.
• Non-hormonal creams have the same effect as hormonal creams, but they take much longer to occur after prolonged use.Therefore, they are not used as an ambulance.But, unlike hormones, these creams are not addictive and have almost no side effects.

Psoriasis ointment

Just like creams, ointments are hormonal and non-hormonal:

• Hormonals contain hormones, from the weakest to the most powerful 4th generation medications.Ointments are prescribed by a doctor and can be discontinued by gradually reducing the dosage.
• Non-hormonal psoriasis ointment moisturizes the skin, relieves inflammation and itching, and heals wounds.

Physiotherapy as a remedy for psoriasis

The procedures aim to achieve several therapeutic effects:

• The main type of physiotherapy is phototherapy (or photochemotherapy).The treatment consists of treating the surface of the skin with ultraviolet irradiation of different wavelengths.
• X-ray methods – treatment of the skin surface with gentle x-rays.
• Electrosleep is the introduction of a patient into a state of sleep using electrical influence on the brain.The procedure does not treat skin rashes, but helps to reduce excitability and manifestations of neurosis and, as a result, improves the general condition of patients.
• Cryotherapy – treatment of the skin surface with nitrogen to accelerate regeneration, relieve inflammation and itching.
• Magnetic therapy is used when psoriasis is complicated by arthritis.
• Laser therapy is primarily used to treat plaques.

How to cure psoriasis at home

What is self-treatment for psoriasis at home?

• Organizing a hypoallergenic lifestyle - you need to get rid of carpets, down pillows and blankets, try to change furniture to something that is easy to remove dust.It is best not to have pets for psoriasis patients, even if animal allergies are not confirmed.Prolonged contact with them can cause allergies to the body.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
• The diet for psoriasis should be healthy and nutritious.
• Elimination of stress and anxiety, as they can serve as a reason for exacerbation.
• Compliance with hygiene rules - refusal of bathing in favor of showering, careful drying, washing and subsequent moisturizing of the skin with special products prescribed by the doctor.
• Take medications and perform procedures prescribed by a dermatologist depending on the stage of the disease.
• If the doctor prescribed sunbathing or ultraviolet irradiation, you must strictly follow the procedure schedule.

Treatment of psoriasis with folk remedies

What methods are used in folk medicine?

• Birch tar is used in the form of soap or in pure form for application to affected skin.
• Soda treatment is based on the hypothesis that psoriasis occurs due to increased acidity in the skin.To neutralize it, it is proposed to treat the surface with an alkaline preparation, which is soda.
• Treatment of psoriasis with folk remedies in the form of grease is based on moisturizing the skin due to the fat it contains.
• Copper sulfate and potassium permanganate are also used to treat psoriasis.For treatment, a solution of vitriol and potassium permanganate is used, which treats the surface of the skin for several hours.

Diet for psoriasis

What does a psoriasis diet allow and even encourage?

• Fiber.It allows you to improve metabolic processes, as well as normalize digestive function.
• Calcium is a generally recognized useful product that has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect, and therefore its presence in the diet is necessary: cottage cheese, dairy products and fermented milk products are mandatory for the patient.
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids are necessary to normalize fat metabolism, help absorb many vitamins and improve the condition of the skin and vascular walls.
• Zinc must be present in the diet to promote protein synthesis, which increases immunity.
• At any stage of psoriasis, you need to eat foods rich in antioxidants.

Complications of psoriasis

Psoriatic erythoderma

Psoriatic erythroderma is a complication of psoriasis in which the patient's entire skin is covered in bright red patches.A person's temperature rises, joints hurt, lymph nodes increase in size and their general condition worsens.The complication is dangerous because it contributes to the development of heart failure, impaired kidney and liver function.Peeling and inflammation of the skin leads to dehydration, heat and protein losses.

Generalized pustular psoriasis

Cutaneous psoriasis can be complicated by a rash on the surface of the body in the form of small blisters (pustules) with bright red outlines.As the disease progresses, the pustules merge into patches, open or remain intact and then dry to form a yellow crust.The sites of rashes are the chest, sides and back, extensor areas of the limbs.

Symptoms of pustular psoriasis also include fever, increased temperature, burning, and pain in the area of the rash.

Arthropathic psoriasis

Long-term skin psoriasis, after 5-6 years of its onset, can be complicated by the involvement of the joints in the process.The complication is called arthropathic psoriasis and usually manifests itself in the form of inflammation of the phalanges of the fingers and toes.The fingers become swollen, the skin in the area of inflammation turns red.In addition, the disease also affects other joints: intervertebral, iliac, heel.

The disease psoriasis in the form of arthropathy has a wave-like course with improvements and exacerbations, sometimes accompanied by skin rashes, but can also occur without skin manifestations.Patients complain of severe pain and limited mobility in the damaged joint.It is easy to identify arthropathic psoriasis in the presence of concomitant rashes, and if they are not present, the disease can be confused with other types of arthritis.

Prevention of psoriasis exacerbations

spa treatment

What is the effect of staying in resorts?

• Mud therapy helps improve skin condition and relieve inflammation.
• Climate therapy - exposure to moderate heat, sea breezes and swimming has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the skin and strengthens the immune system.
• Sunbathing (heliotherapy) is recommended in moderation.They are good for the skin due to the beneficial effects of ultraviolet radiation.However, excessive exposure to the sun can cause psoriasis complications, which is why tanning should not be abused.
• Hydrogen sulfide baths and thermal waters from natural sources improve capillary blood circulation and promote better skin regeneration.

Ultraviolet irradiation

An excellent remedy for psoriasis is ultraviolet irradiation, which can be natural (solar) or artificial.Ultraviolet treatment comes in several forms:

• PUVA photochemotherapy, when long-wave irradiation is combined with the ingestion of a photosensitizer.
• Narrow wave therapy 311 nm – phototherapy with narrow spectrum rays.
• Combined phototherapy is a combination of medium and long waves.

Lifestyle

What needs to be changed in patients’ daily lives?

• It is advisable to follow a hypoallergenic diet, limit alcohol and drink plenty of clean water (6 to 8 glasses a day, not counting liquids in dishes).
• Personal hygiene should include showering rather than bathing.
• The air in the rooms must be sufficiently humidified.
• Sun exposure is beneficial for psoriasis patients, as long as it is approved by a doctor.
• To prevent the appearance of new foci of the disease, the skin must be protected from injury.
• In order not to provoke an exacerbation of psoriasis, it is necessary to strengthen the immune system and protect yourself from colds and respiratory viral infections.
• The exact causes of psoriasis are unknown, but stress has been confirmed to cause its exacerbation.Therefore, patients need to try to protect themselves from negative emotions, emotional stress and fatigue.It is very important to get enough sleep.

Vitamin therapy courses

Which vitamins are useful in case of skin diseases?

• Retinol (vitamin A).
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E.
• Vitamin C.
• Vitamin B.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that completely changes a person's life.Diagnosing the disease is not difficult, because the “signature” psoriatic rashes are well known to any dermatologist.The causes of skin damage have not yet been precisely established and no effective means of eliminating them have been invented: neither creams, nor the use of hormones, nor ointment for psoriasis guarantee a complete cure.But don't despair!You must always remember that this is not a fatal disease, and with proper treatment, diet, preventive measures and sanatorium treatment, you can achieve a stable remission.