psoriasis

Psoriasis is a non-infectious disease that affects a person's skin, nail plates, and joints. The disease is characterized by a wavy course with periods of exacerbations and remissions. The danger of this disease lies not only in the unpleasant sensations it causes, but also in the fact that the disease significantly complicates life and affects social adaptation and a normal quality of life. In severe cases, severe depression can result from the acute form of the disease.

How to get rid of psoriasis, what is this disease, what are the symptoms and treatment for psoriasis? You can find out about this in our article.

Psoriasis: causes

Under normal conditions, a healthy person's skin is renewed within a month. During this time, dead cells are peeled off and new ones take their place. When the mechanism of skin renewal is disturbed, the process of maturation of new cells only takes about a week, which disrupts the cellular balance. As a result, cells die much faster.

In areas affected by the pathological process, there is an excessive proliferation of cells of the immune system, macrophages and cells of epithelial tissue. Due to this, peeling of the skin is observed and the creation of favorable conditions for the inflammatory process is created. In addition, the processes of the formation of new capillaries are accelerated, which is why the skin at the site of inflammation turns red.

Chronic psoriasis is not infectious, so the disease is considered non-infectious. This was noted as early as the 19th century, but so far scientists cannot give the exact reason for its occurrence.

Among the reasons that are prerequisites for the development of the disease are:

• Inheritance. If a person's parents or close relatives are predisposed to skin pathologies, it is very likely that it could be inherited. This is due to a mutation in some sections of DNA found in patients with psoriasis and a similar mutation in their loved ones.
• Gene mutations. Violations of the structure of DNA, affecting the violation of the processes of renewal of the skin, can not only be inherited, but also manifest at a later age in people whose relatives do not have psoriasis. What causes such genetic changes is unknown.
• Weakened immune system. Any violation of the body's defenses can trigger the development of psoriasis.
• Disorders in metabolic processes. Metabolic disorders manifest themselves in the form of changes in the metabolism of fats, nitrogen, carbohydrates and vitamins in psoriasis. As a result, there is an accumulation of toxins in the body, a decrease in adaptability and an increased susceptibility to infection. In addition, patients have an increase in the levels of bile acids in the blood serum, which is caused by metabolic disorders.
• External stimuli. Friction, constant contact with chemical compounds, tight clothing, cuts, and insect bites - all of these lead to the appearance of microtraumas on the skin, which over time can develop into psoriasis.
• Frequent allergic reactions. If a person is prone to atypical immune system reactions, which manifest themselves in the form of rashes, itching, and rashes, then this is an additional chance for psoriasis.
• Strong experiences or persistent stressful situations. Every stress leads to a weakening of the body's defenses and undermines the immune system. If a person is prone to skin diseases, then it is precisely in such moments that it can manifest itself. In addition, any stress affects the endocrine processes, as a result of which significant doses of adrenaline and noradrenaline are released into the blood. This process affects metabolic processes and biochemical reactions and becomes a prerequisite for the development of psoriasis.
• General weakening of the body due to serious diseases - atherosclerosis, cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.
• Imbalanced diet and alcohol abuse. If a person eats too much fatty, smoked, salty, sweet, and spicy foods, they are more likely to develop psoriasis. In some cases, excessive consumption of chocolate and citrus fruits is also a prerequisite for the development of the disease.
• Hormonal fluctuations caused by severe changes in hormone levels during menopause, puberty, pregnancy and breastfeeding after an abortion. It is worth noting that the hormonal cause of psoriasis may not be related to the periods given above. In this case, it is about a change in the function of the organs of the endocrine system.
• Climate change under unfavorable environmental conditions. If a person is prone to psoriasis and moves to a colder area, the disease can worsen significantly. The same applies to areas with heavily polluted air and heavily polluted water. However, the climatic factor can hardly be called the root cause of the disease. Rather, it acts as a catalyst that activates the "dormant" form of the body's tendency to psoriasis.

How to tell if it's psoriasis: symptoms of the disease

First of all, psoriasis is a skin condition. In some particularly severe cases, however, it can affect not only the skin, but also tendons, internal organs, the spine, nail plates and joints. The following examines the signs of psoriasis that appear in the first place and helps you distinguish psoriasis from other skin conditions.

How does psoriasis start?

On the surface of the skin (most often on the knees, hands, elbows, back, armpits, under the chest, in the area of the sacrum, on the genitals) and sometimes on the mucous membranes, rounded, dry, reddened areas appear. Initially, their size is relatively small: each papule is only a few millimeters in diameter. However, over time, the affected areas increase, the papules merge with each other and form the so-called psoriasis plaques: their diameter reaches 10 cm and even more.

Initially, papules do not cause any noticeable discomfort in a person. They practically do not itch or itch. Over time, as they grow and plaque forms, the affected areas thicken and rise slightly above the healthy areas of the skin. This phenomenon is accompanied by itching.

A characteristic feature of psoriasis in the initial stage is the formation of small dry scales with a loose structure on the affected areas of the body. Their color ranges from whitish to yellowish-gray, and a thin pinkish-red border can be seen around each badge. Outwardly, these zones are a bit like molten paraffin, for which they are called "paraffin lakes".

Signs of psoriasis on the skin of the body and face may initially be mistaken for manifestations of eczema or other skin conditions. The stage of psoriasis - called the psoriasis triad - helps determine the nature of the disease.

1. Stearic Stain Stadium. It is characterized by the formation of characteristic stearic shavings that appear when the plaque is scraped off.
2. Terminal film stage. It appears as a smooth, moist, and shiny red surface under the scale.
3. Stage of "blood thaw". When a person begins to scrape off the end film, small drops of blood form on their surface, caused by punctiform bleeding. This, in turn, is caused by thinning of the vascular network and capillary fragility.

The onset of psoriasis is also accompanied by symptoms unrelated to the skin. Usually, patients complain of increased fatigue, apathy, irritability, drowsiness, mood swings, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty sleeping.

How does psoriasis manifest itself other than skin lesions?

This disease affects not only the skin, but other organs and systems as well. The following manifestations and forms of psoriasis are distinguished:

• Psoriatic arthritis. In some cases, the lesion is not localized in the upper areas of the skin, but much deeper. As a result, the disease spreads to the joints. The course of the disease is in many ways similar to the development of rheumatoid arthritis, but there are a number of differences between them. For example, in psoriatic arthritis, asymmetrical joint damage is usually observed, the greatest peak of discomfort occurs in the morning, but the main difference is that rheumatoid factor is absent in the blood of patients with psoriatic arthritis.

• Muscle damage. If the disease is at an extremely advanced stage, atrophy of the muscle tissue can occur after cartilage and joint damage.
• Liver dysfunction. The liver's job is to cleanse the blood and remove harmful substances. When the levels of toxins characteristic of psoriasis increase in the body, the main thing that affects the liver is it.
• The transition of the disease from the skin to the mucous membranes. If left untreated, the disease progresses and spreads to the mucous membranes of the cheeks and genitals, lips and tongue. The mucous membranes swell, foci of inflammation appear on them, accompanied by desquamation.
• Damage to the nail plates (psoriatic onychodystrophy). Psoriasis affects the nails quite often. The disease is manifested by thickening of the nail plates on the hands and feet, a change in their color, the appearance of grooves and points on them. Inflammatory processes affecting the skin around the nails, bleeding under the nail plate, dryness, delamination and increased fragility of the nails can also be observed. In especially severe cases, we can talk about complete detachment of the nail and its loss.

As you can see, this disease is quite dangerous, so its treatment should be started as soon as possible to prevent its transmission to other organs and systems.

Is Psoriasis Contagious?

Since the disease is non-infectious and non-viral, it is not contagious at all. The only way the disease can be transmitted is through genetic predisposition, which is caused by heredity.

Types of psoriasis

There are several types of this disease, each of which has its own features of the course and characteristic symptoms.

• Simple / vulgar / plaque / plaque / common. According to the International Classification of Diseases - Prosiasis Vulgaris. This form is more common than others: about 80-90% of the disease cases are psoriasis vulgaris. It is characterized by the appearance of "paraffin lakes" or psoriasis plaques.

• Inverse (inverse psoriasis). This type of disease mainly affects the folds of the skin, the outer surface of the thighs, the groin area with the external genitals. The main difference between inverse psoriasis and vulgar psoriasis is that with the reverse form of the disease, plaques do not form on the skin: the skin is covered with red spots, accompanied by an inflammatory process. The danger of inverse psoriasis is that it progresses with sweat and friction. As a result, microcracks form on the skin where the infection enters. As a result, skin lesions with cocci and fungi can appear.
• Drop-shaped (according to the ICD - guttate psoriasis). It differs from other varieties in that the rash with teardrop-shaped psoriasis does not combine into large plaques. The patient's body is covered with small spots that resemble drops (hence the name of the disease), the color of which varies from pink to purple.

• Pustule / exudative. If other types of the disease are characterized by dry areas of the skin, pustular or exudative psoriasis can be recognized by weeping blisters filled with a clear liquid. In this case, the skin around the blisters usually turns red, the local temperature rises. If the blisters burst or if the patient combs them, there is a risk of infection and subsequent suppuration - this is the main risk for the pustular form of the disease.

• Psoriatic erythroderma. This is one of the most serious forms of the disease, which, if unfavorable, can lead to the death of the patient. Its peculiarity is skin peeling, as a result of which infection with pathogenic microflora can occur. The first sign and symptom of this type of disease - psoriasis - is manifested by severe itching of the skin, small red rashes with white scales, enlarged lymph nodes, swelling of the tissues and an increase in the total body temperature to 38-39 degrees. It is divided into generalized and hyperergic types.

• Seborrheic psoriasis. Most often, this type of disease affects the scalp, but in some cases it can affect the nasolabial folds, the skin near the auricles, and the area of the shoulder blades. It is characterized by the appearance of scales (if localized on the head), severe itching and a gray bloom.

Worsening of psoriasis

The disease is characterized by a chronically wavy course with periods of exacerbations and remissions. A decrease in the intensity of symptoms is usually observed in the warm season, while the disease worsens in winter and autumn.

Factors that provoke an exacerbation of the disease can include:

• Stress, fear.
• Unbalanced work and rest schedule.
• Weakening of the body after an infectious or viral illness.
• A sharp surge in hormones.
• Taking medications.
• Use of unsuitable cosmetics.
• Skin contact with household chemicals.
• Dysfunction of organ systems.
• Exposure to excessively dry, hot, or cold air.
• Intensive personal hygiene is not guaranteed.
• Insect bites.
• Aggravation of allergic reactions.
• Wear tight synthetic clothing.
• Moving to an unusual climate.

The worsening of a skin disease (including psoriasis) brings great discomfort to the patient - not only physical, but to a greater extent psychological. The quality of life of a person suffering from severe psoriasis in the acute stage is significantly reduced.

Patients with psoriasis often have significant difficulties and problems with social adjustment that can negatively affect work / school / home life. A person declines contact with others and prefers to spend most of their time alone. As a result, he develops social anxiety, which over time can develop into major depression.

As the disease worsens, it can make it difficult for the patient to take care of themselves and their loved ones, lead a normal life, and even sleep. If the rash is localized in the genital area, it can cause physical and psychological discomfort and lead to partners denying intimacy.

The severity of the disease

Depending on the area of skin affected and the extent to which the lesion has spread to the joints, nails and internal organs, the disease can be mild, moderate or severe.

• The mild form implies minor damage to the skin when the total area of the lesion is about 3%.
• The defeat of 3 to 10% of human skin is considered the average severity of the disease.
• A severe grade means a significant skin lesion - 10% or more of the total skin area.

If a patient is diagnosed with damage to the joints, muscles and internal organs, then it is a severe form of the disease, even if there are virtually no plaques and papules on the body.

How to get rid of psoriasis: treatment

The question of how to cure psoriasis forever is a concern for all people suffering from this disease. Fighting the external manifestations of the disease will only give a temporary result. Therefore, in order to have a lasting effect, it is important to eliminate the causes of psoriasis. This usually takes a long time - up to several years. The patient must be patient, but only in this case can he expect a long-term effect.

Let's look at how psoriasis can be treated with medication, hormone therapy, phototherapy, and exercise. We also turn to methods of treating psoriasis with folk remedies - in combination with traditional therapy, traditional medicine can achieve noticeable results.

Treating psoriasis with medication

The first thing to do after experiencing suspicious round rashes, increased dryness, and flaking skin on yourself or your loved ones is to seek qualified medical help. Only a dermatologist can determine exactly what type of skin lesion is occurring in your particular case. Remember: in no case should you self-medicate, as the lack of therapy or self-chosen drugs can seriously damage your health.

Tests or skin tests are usually not required to diagnose the disease. It is enough for the doctor to see the skin covered with papules or plaques to determine the cause of the lesion. If there is a severe form of the disease, the dermatologist may prescribe a referral for tests - general and biochemical studies of the blood and urine. A skin biopsy may also be required in particularly difficult cases. X-rays may also be needed to diagnose psoriatic arthritis.

There are several effective treatments for psoriasis. The choice of the appropriate therapy option depends on the degree of damage to the skin, joints, nails and the intensity of the progression of the disease. Usually the best option is to opt for a comprehensive treatment regimen that includes the use of local and internal remedies, the use of ultraviolet radiation, bathing in salt and soda baths, and physical therapy.

To avoid itching and flaking of the skin, creams, gels, ointments, sprays, and lotions are used. They can be made on the basis of salicylic acid, pyrithione, tar and other active components. The main task of hormonal and non-hormonal external preparations is to soften psoriasis plaques, disinfect them, eliminate inflammation, moisturize and care for the affected areas of the skin.

In the role of drugs taken orally in the treatment of psoriasis in humans, there are drugs based on efalizubam, gamma-D-glutamyl-D-tryptophan sodium, etc.

A positive result in the treatment of psoriasis of the skin gives a break by the sea. At the same time, it is advisable to choose resorts with a relatively mild and warm climate. The ideal solution is treatment in specialized sanatorium and spa facilities, with the rest being aimed at complex therapy of psoriasis.

Psoriasis: home treatment

Treatment of psoriasis with home and folk remedies can only be effective if it acts as an adjunct therapy that complements the main drug treatment. A bet on traditional medicine prescriptions can also be made if the patient is allergic to medicines. In either case, the doctor should decide what to do with psoriasis. So, if you want to use this or that folk method, it is worth consulting a dermatologist.

One of the most common traditional medicines for psoriasis is the use of baking soda. Sodium bicarbonate has an emollient effect on psoriatic plaques, softens rough skin, reduces itching, and improves waste removal. On the basis of soda, homemade ointments, baths are made, soda is taken orally, compresses and lotions are made.

Salt baths are also an effective way to treat the disease. They become a worthy alternative if the patient does not have the opportunity to travel to the sea.

Celandine juice applied to psoriatic plaques also gives positive results. However, you need to remember that this remedy is quite aggressive. So make sure that the juice does not get on healthy areas of skin.

Walnut shells are also used to help fight psoriatic plaques. The dish is poured with boiling water, which is insisted, the resulting infusion is filtered and placed in a warm bath. This remedy is especially effective in times of exacerbations of the disease.

How can you cure psoriasis with diet?

Adequate diet is an important part of all skin conditions, and psoriasis is no exception. Of course, a balanced diet cannot be a one hundred percent cure for psoriasis, but when combined with medication and traditional medicine, it gives good results.

During treatment and to extend the duration of remission, doctors recommend avoiding alcohol, smoked and salty foods, fatty and spicy foods, the use of artificial flavors, preservatives, emulsifiers and chemical colors, fatty meat, mayonnaise and ketchup. It is also advisable to reduce the amount of salt, refined sugar, chocolate, and other sweets and citrus fruits. Doctors advise focusing on the use of low-fat fermented dairy products, plant-based foods, cereals, lean meats, and fish.

Despite the fact that during the diet it is desirable to reduce the amount of fat consumed, it is irrational to completely give it up. You just need to replace animal fat with vegetable oils - olives, flax seeds, corn, sunflower.

Prevention of psoriasis

The stages of psoriasis treatment necessarily include a period of remission. It is important to extend these periods as long as possible. To do this, the patient must adhere to a number of disease prevention rules:

• Avoid stressful situations.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Refuse to wear tight clothing made of wool and synthetic materials.
• Spend enough time outdoors.
• Make sure you get enough rest and sleep.
• Take good care of your skin.