Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease of non-infectious origin. According to statistics, 3. 7% of the world's population suffers from psoriasis. People call this disease "paid lichen".
Psoriasis is not sex-dependent and is not contagious; most develops at the age of 14-27. The disease is characterized by the appearance of red scales in the form of plaques (spots) covered with white scales. The stain (or several spots) can be on any part of the body, but most often on areas with thin and dry skin: elbows, knees, lower back, scalp.
The spots are of different sizes and are disturbing in different ways: in some patients only skin irritation is noted; In other patients, large areas of skin are involved, which is accompanied by anxiety, itching, pain, insomnia and decreased quality of life.
Psoriasis is a chronic disease characterized by periods of exacerbation (rash) and remission (reduction of symptoms).
Psoriasis often complicates pregnancy.
Causes of psoriasis
Psoriasis is a systemic process that affects not only the skin but the entire body. The causes of psoriasis are not fully understood, but there are several of them: neurogenic (due to stress), hereditary, infectious, viral, mixed (skin damage caused by the penetration of staphylococci together with any of the above causes). ) and so on. At this time, cellular and humoral immunity is activated, and the autoimmune process of cell damage, primarily skin cells (epidermis), is activated.
Along with the activation of immunity, metabolism is also impaired. The disease is aggravated by a loaded heredity. As a result, cell renewal is accelerated by 3-5 times - psoriatic plaques form on the skin.
If not treated in time, the lesion worsens: skin spots grow, crack, pus; nails are destroyed, joints are involved, and so on.
The quality of life of a patient with psoriasis depends 80% on timely diagnosis and proper treatment.
Here are the factors that contribute to the onset of the disease:
- bad heredity. Scientists have identified nine genes that determine the development of the disease, but their interaction is unclear. It is well established that in 15% of cases psoriasis is inherited by 1st and 2nd generation relatives;
- stress, nervous tension, depression. It has been proven that in 70% of cases, stress causes exacerbation of psoriasis;
- hormonal imbalance;
- dysbiosis;
- metabolic disorders, drug addiction;
- colitis and parasitic infections (roundworm, lamblia, intestinal infections, etc. );
- viral infections;
- streptoderma; candidiasis of the skin;
- allergies.
Symptoms of psoriasis
In the initial stage, psoriasis skin rashes are in the form of red plaques (spots). The appearance of a skin plaque is accompanied by intense itching. A denser (keratinous) layer is found under the scales.
Here are 6 main forms of psoriasis; Each has its own symptoms:
Plaque psoriasis occurs in 85% of patients. It is characterized by dry, pink rashes on the skin, covered with silver coins. The skin in the affected areas is often eroded; red spots remain here, bleeding during trauma. In 60% of cases, the boards are joined to large slabs.
Gutt psoriasis is characterized by numerous small, dry lesions in the form of pink drops rising above the surface of the skin. The rash is localized on the thighs and legs, affecting large areas of the body. In 60% of cases, guttate worsens after psoriasis streptococcal infection.
Pustular psoriasis is characterized by blisters on the skin filled with clear fluid. The blisters are covered with reddish, edematous crusty skin. Legs and thighs are affected more often.
Psoriasis of the flexor surfaces manifests itself in the form of smooth, non-flaky red spots located in the area of the skin folds: the lateral surface of the thighs, armpits and external genitalia. Due to mechanical irritation (physiological friction), the spots are injured, bleed and purulent.
Psoriasis of the nails is manifested by discoloration, the appearance of spots and transverse lines on the nails. The skin around the lesion hardens. As the disease progresses, the nail wears out, thickens, and then dries or falls out.
Psoriatic arthritis (15% of cases). Any joint is affected, but more often the smaller ones - the phalanges of the hands and feet. Fingers are like sausage. Psoriasis of the joints leads to bursitis, a person's disability.
Let's talk about lesions of the head and elbows.
Scalp psoriasis (primarily scalp) is the most common form of the disease. It is more common at a young age. It manifests itself in the form of red spots with itching and itching. Redness is almost always noticeable, so it causes emotional distress and social isolation.
Elbow psoriasis is a disease of middle-aged people. It manifests itself in the form of rashes on the extensor surfaces of the elbow joints. The rash spreads and coalesces - a large plaque (plaque) is formed, covered with silver, easily falls off the scales. Along with the scales, a thin protective film is released that exposes the bleeding surface. In 80% of cases, the spots disappear on their own without treatment, but sometimes they thicken (age) and cause psoriatic lesions of the elbow joint for years.
Diagnosis of psoriasis
Diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis is carried out by a dermatovenerologist.
Due to the characteristic skin lesions, the diagnosis of psoriasis is simple. Additional laboratory tests include a general blood test and a rheumatoid factor test. A consultation with a rheumatologist and radiography of the affected joints are indicated for the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. Rarely, a skin biopsy is performed for a differential diagnosis.
Psoriasis should be distinguished from similar skin diseases: seborrhea, lupus, etc.
Treatment of psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic disease with periods of exacerbation (reappearance of skin rashes) and remission (disappearance of rashes). There is no cure for psoriasis forever. You can prolong the remission period and reduce the intensity of exacerbations.
In only 40% of cases can effective treatment be found immediately. Sometimes it takes months and years. Therefore, psoriasis is treated at home, except for severe exacerbations and complications. The effectiveness of treatment depends on the type of psoriasis, age, concomitant diseases, etc. affects. With mild psoriasis topical preparations are prescribed: ointments and creams:
- glucocorticosteroids;
- sink;
- tar;
- salicylic acid;
- vitamin D3.
In severe cases of psoriasis (25% of the skin surface is affected, joints are damaged) and ineffectiveness of local treatment, complex therapy is prescribed:
- cytostatics that inhibit the division of epidermal cells;
- immunomodulators that normalize immune responses;
- glucocorticosteroids that regulate metabolic processes and reduce inflammation;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (to reduce itchy skin);
- multivitamins.
Physiotherapy is prescribed: ultraviolet radiation, cryotherapy, plasmapheresis, hirudotherapy. Folk remedies are also used: ointments based on celandine and lard, meadow and petroleum jelly, beeswax and lard. To normalize immunity, they drink homemade kvass from oats, an infusion of bay leaves and a decoction of fennel.
Diet plays an important role, especially with the exacerbation of psoriasis. Spicy and sweet foods are excluded from the diet. Fast food and alcohol are prohibited. Nutrition should be balanced, rich in vitamins and minerals.
To prevent psoriasis from getting worse, you need to improve your health and avoid stress, hypothermia and seasonal illnesses.
Here are some simple rules to prevent psoriasis from getting worse:
- do not over-dry the skin;
- not to be exposed to the sun for a long time;
- avoid skin injuries;
- avoid stress;
- do not smoke and do not abuse alcohol.
Is Psoriasis Infectious?
There is no proven case of transmission of psoriasis from a sick person during household or other contact. Therefore, it is believed that psoriasis is not contagious.
Which doctor to consult
Consult a dermatovenerologist to start treatment on time and prevent the spread of psoriasis. In case of psoriatic arthritis, a rheumatologist should be consulted.