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 ruins people's lives a lot.

Let's talk about psoriasis.

This is a chronic inflammatory process of the skin, which modern medicine classifies as autoimmune, that is, associated with allergies to its 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 itchy silvery scales. 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, provokes a reaction from the immune system. Such a reaction is one of the autoimmune ones, as it occurs in response to a malfunction in the body itself, and not to the penetration of an external threat.

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 several 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 and 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, that is, the i has not been dotted.

However, it's obvious: you can't get 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 families where psoriasis has already been diagnosed. Furthermore, in twins the concentration of incidence is also higher than in other groups;

But heredity needs to be awakened. This is done by provoking factors:

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

Psoriasis symptoms

The first symptoms of psoriasis: rashes in the form of bright pink plaques with a scaly surface. The plaques are unique, go beyond the level of healthy skin and are located on the elbows and 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 in any other, more unexpected location 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 papules are usually bright in color, even red, while the "old" ones are more faded. In the early stage of psoriasis, the edges of the papule do not peel off. They represent a hyperemic boundary - a corolla of growth

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

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

Stages of psoriasis

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

Psoriasis develops quite 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 can become more serious. 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 light pink, but bright red, with obvious signs of inflammation, swollen, causing itching.

Second stagepsoriasis is characterized by more extensive lesions. New papules appear at the site of the itch, forming new plaques. As a result of growth, new growths merge with existing ones. The plates affect symmetrical limbs and form similar patterns and lines.

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

There is another step -disease regression, at this point the symptoms disappear. The peeling disappears, the edge definition disappears, the skin normalizes and returns to its original state.

Types of psoriasis

• Patchy psoriasis is represented by pale pink, weakly infiltrated patches. Reminds me of toxicoderma.
• Irritable psoriasis - occurs 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 higher above the surface of the skin and a belt in the form of redness forms at 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. Impregnates clusters of scales, transforming them into scale crusts.
• Psoriasis of the palms and soles is represented by common plaques and papules or 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. It occurs in the mucous membrane of the mouth and bladder. Appears as grayish-white areas with a red border

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

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

In non-seasonal psoriasis, there are no periods of remission; the disease occurs throughout the year.

By affected skin area:

• limited psoriasis – occupies less than 20% of the body’s skin;
• common - more than 20%;
• generalized - all skin is affected.

In fact, there are several subtypes of the disease, and sometimes a patient develops two or three forms at the same time. Most 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 the teardrop form of the disease.

Other rarer subtypes are also known. All of them are manifested by specific rashes that can occur 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 mildly 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 damaged, for example as a result of scratching or self-injury to the folds of the body, the rashes become wet. They itch and burn and cause physical discomfort. This type of disease is most often diagnosed in people who are overweight, have hypothyroidism and diabetes.
2. Pustular form (generalized). It has a classic pattern of development, starting with a single vesicle that transforms 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 come together, forming "purulent lakes". The pustules do not open on their own, as they are protected externally by a dense brown crust.
3. Arthropathic form. The most severe form of psoriasis, in which changes first affect small joints and then large ones, including the spine. This is expressed by pain symptoms and their deformation. Probably 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, presents a series of complications. They manifest themselves in a decrease in 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 mortality.

The group of complications also includes:

• psoriatic joint arthritis. Approximately 30% of patients with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis during their lifetime, which is characterized by stiffness, pain, and swelling of the joints. The disease can progress to joint destruction. 80–90% of patients present with 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 its 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, excessive flaking of dead tissue and a strong skin reaction to temperature changes.

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

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

The diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis are carried out by a dermatologist. Initially, an external examination of the affected areas is carried out 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 diagnosing psoriasis is not difficult, nor does it require tests, just examine the skin.

Psoriasis treatment

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 lead a full life. The psoriasis treatment regimen is carried out using medicinal acids under point activation. The duration of therapy is different for each patient, 6 procedures may be required, or maybe 10. Maintenance therapy is required from 2 to 6 months, everything is individual.

I always warn patients that psoriasis treatment is dull, that is, it is slow. 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 support skin with complex dermatoses at home.

Home care regimens for psoriasis patients are selected individually. But there are also suitable medium regimens for caring for skin with psoriasis. Check out my social networks. networks, there is an ocean of information there.

Recommendations for eliminating the symptoms of the disease

I always tell my patients that effective treatment of any disease is only possible with an integrated approach. I would like to emphasize that it is of great importance to take maximum care to reduce the risk of the disease worsening. As always, everything is trite and nothing new, but I'll say it anyway.

Recommended:

• avoid skin injuries;
• avoid hypothermia;
• give up bad habits;
• avoid stressful situations;
• promptly treat infections and concomitant illnesses;
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Patients with psoriasis need to be especially careful in observing personal hygiene requirements.

If you shower or bathe, then:

• use products free of dyes and fragrances;
• choose a mild shampoo;
• avoid using rough sponges, creams, gels with abrasive particles;
• Avoid hard soaps, as they dry out the skin a lot;
• adjust the water temperature to keep it warm;
• do not stay in the water for more than 10-15 minutes;
• use a soft towel, do not rub or scratch the skin.

After bathing 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 surface of your scalp. The same applies to blow drying. If you can't do without it, choose a hot or cold jet.

Choose light clothing, made from natural fabrics and with a loose fit so as not to restrict movement or cause irritation.

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

Psoriasis prevention

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

People at risk should pay special attention to their health:

• those who have relatives who suffer from psoriasis;
• those who frequently and constantly injure the skin;
• have chronic infections;
• nervous system diseases;
• 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, let's get this "snow plume" out of your life. After all, without timely and competent treatment, psoriasis begins to negatively affect vital organs and systems.