Psoriasis

It must be said that the suffering that psoriasis brings is underestimated by others. According to scientists, psoriasis is not inferior to chronic heart failure and chronic lung diseases in terms of its negative impact on the quality of life.

This disease does not kill directly, but it greatly destroys people's lives.

Let's talk about psoriasis.

It is a chronic inflammatory process of the skin, which modern medicine classifies as autoimmune, i. e. associated with allergies to own tissues.

Psoriasis is one of the most common skin diseases and occurs in 1-2% of the population in developed countries.

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red, scaly patches covered in silvery scales that itch. Psoriasis usually appears between the ages of 20 and 30 and is often hereditary.

This pathology is not an infectious disease. In addition to physical suffering, even mild psoriasis can cause serious psychological problems: low self-esteem, shame and social isolation. It is impossible to die from psoriasis, but the impact of this disease on a person's life is very serious.

Causes of psoriasis

The causes of psoriasis have not been fully identified. The mechanism of the disease is associated with a violation of the division of skin cells, which in turn causes a reaction of the immune system. Such a reaction is one of the autoimmune, because it occurs in response to a malfunction in the body itself, and not to the penetration of a threat from the outside.

Is psoriasis contagious?

Psoriasis is not contagious, and being afraid to shake hands with a person suffering from this disease is stupid and cruel.

As already mentioned, psoriasis is not an infectious disease and numerous studies indicate that it is of autoimmune origin. In psoriasis, it is believed that immune T cells, which are supposed to attack foreign organisms, tragically mistakenly attack healthy skin cells. This leads to a thickening of its upper layer, the epidermis, and an inflammatory process that penetrates deeper into the dermis.

The autoimmune theory of the origin of psoriasis has its place, but the autoantigen that should trigger this process has not yet been found, i. e. the point has not been made.

However, it's obvious: you can't get psoriasis - you can only get it.

Is psoriasis inherited?

Like rosacea, psoriasis tends to be hereditary. The hereditary nature of psoriasis is confirmed by the fact that the incidence is higher in those families in which psoriasis has already been diagnosed, in addition, the concentration of incidence is higher in twins than in other groups.

But the legacy needs to be awakened. This is achieved by provoking factors:

• psychological trauma and conditions of chronic stress;
• past infectious disease;
• skin injuries;
• some medicines;
• hormonal changes in the body;
• allergies (for example, citrus fruits, eggs, chocolate can aggravate the disease);
• alcohol intoxication;
• even climate change.

Symptoms of psoriasis

The first symptoms of psoriasis: a skin rash in the form of light pink plaques with a peeling surface. The plaques are individual, rise above the level of healthy skin, and are found on the elbows and in the popliteal cavities.

Most often, psoriatic plaques appear on the skin of the knees, elbows, chest, abdomen, back and scalp, but as the disease progresses, they can appear on any other, most unexpected place on the skin.

At the beginning, the papules are small - 3-5 mm, bright pink in color. They gradually increase in size and are covered with silvery scales, and then merge into larger formations called plaques.

The fresh elements of the papule are usually bright in color, even red, while the "old" ones have faded. In the initial stage of psoriasis, the edges of the papule do not peel off. They represent a hyperemic edge - a crown of growth

The hallmark of psoriasis is Auspitz's triad. This triad can be observed when scraping the surface of the papule with a sharp object. It includes three phenomena:

• the phenomenon of stearic stain - layering of a large number of silver-white scales, which are easily separated when scraping;
• a symptom of the psoriatic film is a secreted surface of the spinous layer, which opens after the peeling of the lower layers of the corneous plates;
• the phenomenon of "blood dew" - the exposure of surface capillaries in the form of small blood spots after the separation of the psoriatic film

Stages of psoriasis

Primary element of psoriasisis a single pink or red papule, which is covered with a large number of loose silvery-white scales.

Psoriasis develops rather slowly, an increase in the number of plaques and their growth can be observed over several months or years. In a small percentage of patients, the disease may become more severe. As a rule, this is preceded by severe psychological stress or a serious illness that requires massive drug treatment. In this case, the papules are not pale pink, but bright red, with obvious signs of inflammation, swollen, causing itching.

The second stagepsoriasis is characterized by more extensive lesions. At the place of scratching, new papules appear that form new plaques. As a result of growth, new growths merge with existing ones. Plaques affect symmetrical limbs and form similar patterns and lines.

In the third phasegrowth slows down, changes concern mainly the structure of the rash. The boundaries between healthy and affected skin become clearer. Plaques acquire a bluish hue and begin to actively peel off. In the absence of therapy, they thicken and sometimes form papillomatous nevi (brown) and warty growths (flesh-colored).

There is another stage -disease regression, at this point the symptoms disappear. Peeling disappears, the definition of the border disappears, the skin normalizes and returns to its original state.

Types of psoriasis

• Psoriasis is represented by pale pink, weakly infiltrated spots. It reminds me of toxicoderma.
• Irritable psoriasis - occurs due to exposure of the skin to aggressive environmental factors (sunlight, cold, heat) and irritating drugs. The color of the plaque becomes more intense, it increases in size, it rises higher above the surface of the skin, and along the edges a belt in the form of redness is formed.
• Seborrheic psoriasis - often develops in patients with seborrhea. The clinical picture is very similar to seborrheic eczema.
• Exudative psoriasis is quite common. It is caused by excessive secretion of inflammatory liquid - exudate. It impregnates scale clusters, turning them into scales.
• Psoriasis of the palms and soles is represented by either simple plaques and papules, or hyperkeratotic formations similar to calluses and calluses.
• Follicular psoriasis is quite rare. The rash consists of white miliary nodules with a funnel-shaped depression in the center.
• Psoriasis of the mucosa is also rare. It occurs on the mucous membrane of the mouth and bladder. It appears as gray-white areas with a red border

Depending on the season of exacerbation, several types of psoriasis are distinguished:

• summer - deterioration occurs as a result of exposure of the skin to sunlight;
• winter - occurs due to extreme cold that affects the skin.

In non-seasonal psoriasis, there is no period of remission, the disease occurs throughout the year.

On the affected skin surface:

• limited psoriasis - occupies less than 20% of the skin of the body;
• usual - more than 20%;
• generalized - the entire skin is affected.

Indeed, there are several subtypes of the disease, and sometimes one patient develops two or three forms at once. Most often - in 80-90% of cases - plaque psoriasis develops.

30% of patients have psoriatic arthritis, in which there is inflammation of the joints with external manifestations, and 10% have the lacrimal form of the disease.

Other, rarer subtypes are also known. All of them are manifested by a specific rash that can appear on any part of the body, and itching, sometimes very painful. But there is good news: according to statistics, in 80% of cases psoriasis occurs in a mild form, and the lesions cover less than 3% of the body surface.

Forms of psoriasis

1. Pustular form of psoriasis. It is characterized by the presence of plaques with cortical scales, impregnated with exudate. If it is damaged, for example, as a result of scratching or self-harm in the folds of the body, the rash becomes moist. They cause itching and burning and cause physical discomfort. This type of disease is more often diagnosed in people with excess body weight, hypothyroidism and diabetes.
2. Pustular (generalized) form. It has a classic pattern of development, starting with a single vesicle that develops into plaques. The lesions are symmetrical and can affect any part of the body. The severe course of this form of psoriasis is characterized by the appearance of intraepidermal pustules. They can unite, forming "manure lakes". The pustules do not open on their own, because they are protected from the outside by a thick brown crust.
3. Arthropathic form. The most severe form of psoriasis, in which the changes first affect the small joints, and then the large ones, including the spine. This is expressed by pain symptoms and their deformation. Probably joint fusion, loss of mobility. On the background of this form of psoriasis, other pathologies arise: ankylosis, osteoporosis, which leads to disability.

Complications

Many people know what psoriasis looks like, but the disease, in addition to external manifestations, also has a number of complications. They are manifested in reduced functioning of the skin, disorders of temperature regulation and balance of water and salt. The protective function against various bacteria also decreases.

For example, psoriasis on the hands is only part of the clinical picture. People with this diagnosis often suffer from chronic gastrointestinal and heart diseases.

Severe psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and overall cardiovascular mortality.

The group of complications also includes:

• arthritis of psoriatic joints. Approximately 30% of psoriasis patients will develop psoriatic arthritis during their lifetime, which is characterized by joint stiffness, pain, and swelling. The disease can progress to the point of joint destruction. 80-90% of patients have psoriatic nail lesions and onycholysis.
• psoriatic erythroderma;
• generalized pustular psoriasis;
• autoimmune diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease);
• erectile dysfunction in men;
• metabolic syndrome, which means a combination of visceral obesity, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia.

It should also be noted that pathologies associated with psoriasis, especially in severe form, include depression, anxiety disorders, including suicidal tendencies.

Psoriatic erythroderma is somewhat rarer. This condition occurs when the skin is completely damaged. Patients are concerned about itching and burning, excessive peeling of dead tissue and strong skin reaction to temperature changes.

The next most common type is pustular psoriasis. This complication is associated with the addition of secondary infection - staphylococci and streptococci. Clinically, pustular psoriasis is accompanied by the appearance of pustules - pustules the size of buckwheat grains. Pustules appear in different places. They rise above the surface of the skin, are characterized by rapid growth and a tendency to merge. The existing symptoms are accompanied by a high temperature and signs of serious intoxication.

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

Diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis is carried out by a dermatologist. Initially, an external examination of the affected areas is performed and an anamnesis is collected. Sometimes the disease is similar to other diseases, especially in the first stage.

If the hands and nails are affected, it is important to exclude the presence of fungal infections. Seborrheic eczema, pityriasis rosea and papular syphilis should also be ruled out.

But I want to say that in most cases, diagnosing psoriasis is not difficult, it does not even require testing, it is enough to examine the skin.

Treatment of psoriasis

Can psoriasis be cured? Yes!

With the pathogenetic technique, we perfectly bring the skin into a state of remission, the skin is cleansed, renewed and the person can live a full life. The treatment regimen for psoriasis is carried out using medicinal acids under the activation of points. The duration of therapy is different for each patient, 6 procedures may be needed, and maybe 10. Maintenance therapy is needed from 2 to 6 months, everything is individual.

I always warn patients that the treatment of psoriasis is torpid in nature, that is, it is slow. But we can make long (about a month) breaks between procedures.

Home care is of great importance in the treatment of psoriasis. Homemade cosmetics consist of almost 99% natural ingredients. I spent about two years developing better formulas to support skin with complex dermatoses at home.

Home care regimens for patients with psoriasis are chosen individually. But there are also average regimens that are suitable for psoriasis skin care. Check out my social networks. network, there is an ocean of information out there.

Recommendations for eliminating the symptoms of the disease

I always tell my patients that effective treatment of any disease is possible only with an integrated approach. I want to note that it is very important to take maximum precautions to reduce the risk of worsening the disease. As always, everything is banal and nothing new, but I'll say it anyway.

Recommended:

• avoid skin injury;
• avoid hypothermia;
• give up bad habits;
• avoid stressful situations;
• timely treat infections and associated diseases;
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Psoriasis patients must be especially careful in observing the requirements for personal hygiene.

If you shower or bathe, then:

• use products without colors and fragrances;
• choose a mild shampoo;
• avoid using rough sponges, creams, gels with abrasive particles;
• Avoid hard soap, as it dries the skin too much;
• adjust the water temperature so that it is warm;
• stay in the water no longer than 10-15 minutes;
• use a soft towel, do not rub or scratch the skin.

After showering and bathing, it is recommended to use special moisturizing creams for the body. Try to brush your hair as little as possible so as not to irritate the surface of the scalp. The same goes for blow-drying. If you can't do without it, choose a hot or cold jet.

Choose clothes that are light, made of natural fabrics and loosely cut, so that they do not restrict movement and do not rub.

In summer, you should not sunbathe for too long. To protect your skin from UV rays, apply sunscreen with a high SPF factor as part of your proper home care routine.

Prevention of psoriasis

Based on the fact that psoriasis is considered a multifactorial disease with a share of immunopathological, genetic, endocrine, metabolic and, possibly, infectious components, there are no single rules for prevention.

People at risk should pay special attention to their health:

• those who have relatives suffering from psoriasis;
• those who often and constantly injure the skin;
• has chronic infections;
• diseases of the nervous system;
• endocrine disorders.

Increased nervousness, stress, alcohol abuse, frequent hypothermia and sunburn increase the likelihood of pathology.

If psoriasis treatment according to WHO standards (hormones, phototherapy) did not help you, come and let's remove this "snow plume" from your life. After all, without timely and competent treatment, psoriasis begins to negatively affect vital organs and systems.