Psoriasis is a common, chronic, non-inflammatory disease that affects approximately 100 million people worldwide.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
How the disease manifests itself.Skin cells multiply 10 times faster than normal, forming red patches covered with silvery-white scales, layering on top of each other.These types of sores can appear anywhere, but are most common on the head, elbows, knees, and lower back.
There are several symptoms that appear along with spots:
- itching and burning;
- thickened and small holes in the nails;
- Swollen and painful joints.
Depending on the type of psoriasis, there may be other symptoms.
What types of psoriasis are there?
There are seven in total
- Ordinary, aka vulgar.The most common type: raised, red and inflamed skin covered with white scales.
- Teardrop shaped.Small pink-red spots usually appear on the head, thighs, forearms and torso.
- Nail psoriasis.They are yellow-brown, soft and can be separated from the nest.Indentations or thicknesses are visible.
- Pustules.A rare form of the disease can be accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, muscle weakness and rapid pulse.Gradually, red skin appears on the arms, legs and fingers.
- Reverse.Smooth and bright red spots without scales.Most often they appear under the groin, armpits, breasts and buttocks.
- Psoriatic Arthritis.In addition to plaques on the skin, it causes pain and swelling in the joints.
Where does psoriasis come from?
Anyone can get psoriasis, but it is more common in adults than in children.
The exact causes of the disease are not known.But it is believed to be an autoimmune disease: Cells of the immune system, known as white blood cells, attack healthy tissue in excess and mistakenly.
Psoriasis can be caused by one or more factors:
- infection;
- Stress;
- smoking or drinking;
- sunburn;
- lack of vitamin D;
- Some drugs and substances - lithium drugs, beta blockers, antimalarial drugs, iodides.
You cannot get psoriasis.It is not transmitted through contact with the skin of a patient.
How is psoriasis treated?
There is no cure for psoriasis, but you can manage its symptoms.Selection of procedures and drugs is quite difficult.Sometimes what works for one person doesn't work for another.A dermatologist should design and adjust the treatment plan.
The doctor may recommend the following.
Skin creams and ointments
These are used to soften plaques, reduce itching and slow the growth of skin cells.These are external means:
- hormonal ointment;
- shampoo and ointment with coal tar;
- Preparations with retinoids.
Phototherapy
Irradiation of the skin with natural or artificial ultraviolet light is carried out in a hospital under the supervision of a dermatologist.Phototherapy is usually used in parallel with external drugs.
The easiest form is ordinary sunlight.But even if you decide to sunbathe, you should discuss it with your doctor first.This method is not suitable for everyone.
Systematic cleaning
This heavy artillery when other methods fail.The doctor prescribes a course of tablets or injections that affect the whole body.
It's a very bad idea to self-medicate or take your friends' recommendations.
Self-medication of psoriasis can cause the disease to spread to untouched areas of the body and increase the frequency of outbreaks.
The patient does not take into account the side effects of various drugs and harms himself.
Don't do it, see a doctor!
How to reduce the frequency of psoriasis flakes
In addition to the prescribed treatment, do the following:
Do not smoke or drink alcohol.Treatment of bad habits is less effective.
Watch your weight.After losing extra pounds, many patients find that the drugs did not work before they started.
Eat a balanced diet.This will reduce the risk of psoriasis-related complications - high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, atherosclerosis.
Do yoga and meditation.They reduce the stress and anxiety that can lead to fare-ups.
Apply a thick moisturizer to your skin as needed throughout the day to wash it off.Make sure you do this before your shower and before bed.
Take colloidal oatmeal or salt baths for 10 minutes every day.Make sure the water is not too hot.Do not use harsh soap that dries the skin too much.