Psoriasis

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

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

Let's talk about psoriasis.

This is a chronic inflammatory process of the skin, which modern medicine classifies as autoimmune, d. m. th. related to allergies in your 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 with 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 ones, since 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 a number of studies show that it is autoimmune in 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 promote this process has not yet been found, that is, the i has not been spotted.

However, it's clear: you can't catch psoriasis - you can just get it.

Is psoriasis hereditary?

As with 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, in twins the concentration of incidence is also higher than in other groups.

But the legacy needs to wake up. This is done by provoking factors:

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

Symptoms of psoriasis

The first symptoms of psoriasis: skin rash in the form of bright pink plaques with a cracked surface. The plaques are single, rise above the level of healthy skin and are located in the elbows and popliteal cavities.

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

At first, the papules are small - 3-5 mm, the color is bright pink. Gradually they increase in size and become covered with silvery scales, then merge into larger formations called plates.

The fresh elements of the papule are usually bright, even red, while the "old" ones are paler. In the initial stage of psoriasis, the edges of the papule do not peel off. They represent a hyperemic border - a growth corolla

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

• the phenomenon of stearin spot - the layering of a large number of silvery white scales, which are easily separated when itched;
• a symptom of the psoriatic film is an exudated surface made of a spinous layer, which opens after the removal of the lower layers of the horny plates;
• the phenomenon of "blood dew" - exposure of surface capillaries in the form of small blood spots after detachment of the psoriatic film

Stages of psoriasis

The main element of psoriasisit is 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 mental stress or a serious illness that requires massive drug treatment. In this case, the papules are not pale pink, but bright red, with visible signs of inflammation, swollen, causing itching.

The second phasepsoriasis is characterized by more extensive lesions. New papules appear at the scratch site, forming new plaques. As a result of growth, new growths join existing ones. The plates touch symmetrical limbs and form similar patterns and lines.

In the third stagegrowth slows down, the changes are mainly related to the structure of the rash. The boundaries between healthy and affected skin become clearer. The plaques acquire a bluish tint and begin to peel off actively. In the absence of therapy, they thicken and sometimes form papillomatous nevi (brown) and warts (flesh-colored).

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

Types of psoriasis

• Spotted psoriasis is represented by pale pink spots, poorly infiltrated. Reminds me of toxicoderma.
• Irritated psoriasis - appears due to exposure of the skin to aggressive environmental factors (sunlight, cold, heat) and irritating medications. The color of the plaque becomes more intense, increases in size, rises above the surface of the skin, and a strip in the form of a rash forms along the edges.
• Seborrheic psoriasis - often develops in patients with seborrhea. The clinical picture is very similar to seborrheic eczema.
• Exudative psoriasis is quite common. It occurs due to excessive secretion of inflammatory fluid - exudate. It impregnates clusters of scales, turning them into scaly crusts.
• Psoriasis of the lips and soles is represented either by the usual plaques and papules, or by hyperkeratotic formations similar to corns 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 mucous membranes is also rare. Occurs in the mucous membrane of the mouth and bladder. It appears as gray-white areas with a red border

Depending on the seasonality of the aggravation, 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 affecting the skin.

With non-seasonal psoriasis, there are no periods of remission, the disease appears throughout the year.

According to the affected skin area:

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

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

30% of patients have psoriatic arthritis, in which the joints become inflamed along with external manifestations, and 10% have a tear form of the disease.

Other rarer subtypes are also known. All of them are manifested by specific rashes that can appear in any part of the body, and itching, sometimes very painful. But there is good news: according to statistics, in 80% of cases, psoriasis appears 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 plates with cortical scales, saturated with exudates. If it is damaged, for example, as a result of scratches or self-injury in the folds of the body, the rashes become wet. They cause itching and burning and cause physical discomfort. This type of disease is diagnosed more often in people with excess body weight, hypothyroidism and diabetes.
2. Pustular form (generalized).. 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 merge, forming "purulent lakes".
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 symptoms of pain and their deformation. Maybe joint fusion, loss of mobility. Against 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, has a number of complications. They are manifested in the reduction of skin function, disorders in temperature regulation and water-salt balance. 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:

• psoriatic arthritis. Approximately 30% of patients with psoriasis 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 experience 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 the pathologies associated with psoriasis, especially in severe form, include depression, anxiety disorders, including suicidal tendencies.

Psoriatic erythroderma is slightly less common. This condition occurs when the skin is completely damaged. Patients are concerned about itching and burning, excess skin of dead tissue and a strong reaction of the skin to temperature changes.

The next most common type is pustular psoriasis. This complication is associated with the addition of a secondary infection - staphylococcus and streptococcus. Clinically, pustular psoriasis is associated with 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. Existing symptoms are accompanied by high fever and signs of severe intoxication.

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

The 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 excluded.

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

Treatment of psoriasis

Can psoriasis be cured? yes!

Using the pathogenetic technique, we perfectly put the skin in a state of remission, the skin is cleansed, restored 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 may require 6 procedures, or maybe 10. Maintenance therapy is required from 2 to 6 months, everything is individual.

I always warn patients that the treatment of psoriasis is of a harsh nature, that is, it proceeds slowly. But we can take long breaks (about a month) 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 be able to support skin with complex dermatoses at home.

Home care regimens for patients with psoriasis are selected individually. But there are also moderate regimens that are suitable for psoriasis skin care. Check out my social media. networks, 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 would like to emphasize that it is of great importance to take maximum precautions to reduce the risk of worsening the disease. As always, it's all trite and nothing new, but I'll say it anyway.

Recommended:

• avoid skin damage;
• avoid hypothermia;
• give up bad habits;
• avoid stressful situations;
• immediate treatment of infections and associated diseases;
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Psoriasis patients should be especially careful in observing the requirements of personal hygiene.

If you shower or bathe, then:

• use products without colors and fragrances;
• choose a mild shampoo;
• avoid using harsh sponges, creams, gels with abrasive particles;
• Avoid strong soap, as it dries the skin too much;
• adjust the water temperature to keep it warm;
• stay in the water for no more 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 body moisturizers. Try to comb your hair as little as possible so as not to irritate the scalp. The same goes for blow drying. If you can't do without it, then choose a warm or cold current.

Choose clothes that are light, made of natural fabrics and are loose so that they do not restrict movement and do not fall apart.

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

Prevention of psoriasis

Based on the fact that psoriasis is considered a multifactorial disease with some immunopathological, genetic, endocrine, metabolic and possibly infectious components, there are no uniform 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;
• have chronic infections;
• diseases of the nervous system;
• endocrine disorders.

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

If the treatment of psoriasis according to WHO standards (hormones, phototherapy) has not helped you, come, 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.