Psoriasis

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

This disease does not kill directly, but it is very destructive to human life.

Let's talk about psoriasis.

This is a chronic inflammatory process of the skin, which is classified by modern medicine as autoimmune, i. e. associated with an allergy to your own tissue.

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 cause itching. 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 not impossible to die from psoriasis, but the impact of this disease on a person's life is very serious.

Causes of psoriasis

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

Is psoriasis contagious?

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

As already mentioned, psoriasis is not an infectious disease and some studies show 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 been discovered, that is, the i has not been dotted.

However, it is clear: you cannot 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 families where psoriasis has been diagnosed in addition, in twins the concentration of incidence is also higher than in other groups.

But descendants need to be made aware. This is done with provoking factors:

• psychological trauma and chronic stress conditions;
• past infectious diseases;
• skin injury;
• some drugs;
• 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 symptom of psoriasis: a skin rash in the form of bright pink plaques with a peeling surface. The plaque is single, rises above the level of healthy skin, and is located at the elbow and in the popliteal cavity.

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

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

The fresh elements of the papule are usually bright, even red, while the "old" ones are more faded. In the early stages of psoriasis, the edges of the papules do not peel off. They represent the hyperemic border - growth corolla

A 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:

• stearin stain phenomenon - a layer of a large number of silvery white scales, which are easily separated when scraped;
• the symptom of psoriatic film is a radiating surface made of the spinous layer, which is exposed after peeling off the bottom layer of the horny plate;
• the phenomenon of "blood dew" - the exposure of surface capillaries in the form of small blood spots after the detachment of the psoriatic film

Stages of psoriasis

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

Psoriasis develops relatively 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 worse. As a rule, this is preceded by severe mental stress or a serious illness that requires extensive drug treatment. In this case, the papule is not pale pink, but bright red, with obvious signs of inflammation, swelling, causing itching.

Second stagepsoriasis is characterized by more extensive lesions. At the scratching site, new papules appear, forming new plaques. As a result of growth, new growth merges with the existing one. Plaques affect symmetrical limbs and form similar patterns and lines.

In the third stageslow growth, especially alarming changes in the structure of the rash. The boundary between healthy and damaged skin becomes clearer. Plaque acquires a bluish color and begins 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 level -disease regression, at this time the symptoms disappear. Peeling disappears, the definition of boundaries disappears, the skin becomes normal and returns to its original state.

Types of psoriasis

• Patchy psoriasis is represented by pale pink, weakly infiltrated spots. Reminds me of toxicoderma.
• Irritable psoriasis - occurs as a result of exposure of the skin to aggressive environmental factors (sunlight, cold, heat) and irritating drugs. The color of the plaque becomes more intense, its size increases, it is higher above the surface of the skin, and a belt in the form of redness 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. Occurs due to excessive secretion of inflammatory fluid - exudate. It impregnates clusters of scales, turning them into scale crusts.
• Psoriasis of the palms and soles is represented either by common plaques and papules, or by hyperkeratotic formations similar to calluses and calluses.
• Follicular psoriasis is relatively rare. The rash consists of white miliary nodules with a funnel-shaped depression in the center.
• Mucous membrane psoriasis is also rare. Occurs on the mucous membrane of the mouth and bladder. Appears as a gray-white area with a red border

Depending on the seasonal severity, several types of psoriasis are distinguished:

• summer - aggravation occurs due to exposure of the skin to sunlight;
• winter - occurs due to extreme cold that affects the skin.

With non-seasonal psoriasis, there is no period of remission of the disease 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%;
• general - the entire skin is affected.

In fact, there are several subtypes of this disease, and sometimes a patient experiences two or three forms at once. Often - in 80-90% of cases - plaque psoriasis develops.

30% of patients have psoriatic arthritis, where the joints become inflamed along with external manifestations, and 10% have the teardrop form of the disease.

Other, rarer subtypes are also known. All of them are indicated by a certain rash that can occur in 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.

A form of psoriasis

1. Pustular form of psoriasis. It is characterized by the presence of plaques with cortical scales, impregnated with exudate. If damaged, for example, as a result of scratching or self-injury in the folds of the body, the rash becomes wet. They cause itching and burning and cause physical discomfort. This type of disease is more often diagnosed in people who are overweight, hypothyroidism and diabetes.
2. Pustular form (common).. It has a classic developmental pattern, starting with a single vesicle that develops into a plaque. 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 a "purulent lake. " The pustule does not open on its own, because it is covered externally by a dense brown crust.
3. Form of arthropathy. The most severe form of psoriasis, in which changes first affect small joints, and then large ones, including the spine. This is expressed by symptoms of pain and 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 several complications. They manifest themselves in decreased skin function, disturbances in temperature regulation and water-salt balance. The protective function against various bacteria is also reduced.

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 death.

The group of complications also includes:

• psoriatic arthritis. About 30% of psoriasis patients will develop psoriatic arthritis during their lifetime, which is characterized by stiffness, pain, and swelling in the joints. This disease can progress to the level 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 the pathology associated with psoriasis, especially in severe forms, includes 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, excessive exfoliation of dead tissue, and strong skin reactions to temperature changes.

The next most common type is pustular psoriasis. These complications are associated with the addition of secondary infections - staphylococci and streptococci. Clinically, pustular psoriasis is accompanied by the appearance of pustules - pustules the size of buckwheat seeds. 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 high fever and signs of serious intoxication.

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

Diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis is carried out by dermatologists. Initially, an external examination of the affected area is carried out, and an anamnesis is collected. Sometimes this 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 a fungal infection. Seborrheic eczema, pityriasis rosea and papular syphilis should also be excluded.

But I would like to say that in most cases, diagnosing psoriasis is not difficult, it does not even require a test, it is enough to examine the skin.

Treatment of psoriasis

Can psoriasis be cured? Yes!

Using pathogenetic techniques, we put the skin perfectly in a state of remission, the skin is cleaned, restored and the person can live a full life. The treatment regimen for psoriasis is carried out using medicinal acid under eye activation. The duration of therapy is different for each patient; it may require 6 procedures, or perhaps 10. Maintenance therapy is required from 2 to 6 months, everything is individual.

I always warn patients that the treatment of psoriasis is torpid, that is, it goes slowly. But we can take a long (about a month) break between procedures.

Home care is very important in the treatment of psoriasis. Homemade cosmetics consist of almost 99% natural ingredients. I spent about two years developing a better formula to be able to support skin with complex dermatosis at home.

The home care regimen for psoriasis patients is selected individually. But there is also an average regimen that is suitable for taking care of skin with psoriasis. Check out my social media. network, there is a sea of information out there.

Recommendations to eliminate the symptoms of the disease

I always tell my patients that effective treatment for any disease can only be done with an integrated approach. I would like to note that it is very important to take maximum precautions to reduce the risk of aggravation of the disease. As always, everything is superficial and nothing new, but I'll say it anyway.

Recommended:

• avoid injury to the skin;
• avoid hypothermia;
• abandon bad habits;
• avoid stressful situations;
• promptly treat infections and concomitant diseases;
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Psoriasis patients need to be especially careful in complying with personal hygiene requirements.

If you shower or bathe, then:

• use products without dyes and fragrances;
• choose a mild shampoo;
• avoid using rough sponges, creams, gels with rough particles;
• Avoid harsh soaps, as they dry 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 a special body moisturizer. Try to brush your hair as little as possible so as not to irritate the surface of your scalp. The same goes for blow drying. If you can't do without it, then choose warm or cold flow.

Choose clothes that are light, made of natural fabrics, and have a loose fit so that they do not restrict movement and do not chafe.

In summer, you should not sunbathe for too long. To protect your skin from UV rays, use 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 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 frequently and constantly injure the skin;
• have a chronic infection;
• diseases of the nervous system;
• endocrine disorders.

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

If the treatment of psoriasis according to WHO standards (hormones, phototherapy) does not help you, come on, let's get rid of this "snowflake" from your life. After all, without timely and efficient treatment, psoriasis begins to negatively affect vital organs and systems.