What is psoriasis and why is it dangerous? Full description of the disease

Psoriasis is presented as a non-infectious skin pathology of chronic nature. According to statistics, 3. 7% of the world's population is prone to this disease, called paid lichen. In this case, sex does not matter, psoriasis is not a contagious disease, and the risk group is represented by people aged 14-27 years. A reddish crust with white scales appears on the skin.

Localization is possible in any part of the body, but the most common areas are the scalp, lower back, knees and elbows. As the disease is chronic, it manifests itself in periods of remission and exacerbation. How much does the pathology affect the patient's life and how to get rid of psoriasis forever?

Reasons for appearance

To understand what causes psoriasis, it is important to understand that the process of pathology is systemic, involving both the skin and the entire human body. The causes are not completely clear, they can be viral, infectious, hereditary, neurogenic or mixed. Humoral and cellular immunity are activated, which contributes to the onset of cell damage, primarily the autoimmune process of epidermal cells.

Metabolism is also disrupted, and overloaded heredity also exacerbates skin psoriasis. As a result, cell regeneration is accelerated by 3-5 times, which leads to the formation of psoriatic plaques. So why does psoriasis occur, where 80% of quality of life depends on proper treatment and timely detection of the disease:

1. Bad heredity;
2. Depression, constant stress;
3. Dysbacteriosis;
4. Problems with hormones;
5. Allergic diseases;
6. candidiasis and streptoderma;
7. Viral pathologies;
8. Dependence;
9. Parasitic infections;
10. Problems with metabolism.

Symptoms

At the very beginning of the pathology, the amount of rash can be considered insignificant. Studying the symptoms will allow you to know what psoriasis looks like in the body and how to recognize it. Psoriatic plaque plays a major role. This is a hyperemic area of the skin with scales. Looks noticeable and majestic on a healthy skin backgroundThe following symptoms are a reason to see a dermatologist immediately:

• Swollen spots on the skin with light scales;
• Itching in problem areas;
• Excessive dryness and peeling of the skin;
• painful cracks, blisters on the palms and soles;
• Deformed and abrasive nail plates.

Types of psoriasis

The classification of psoriasis involves the division of the disease into different types and forms. Given the localization of the pathology and the nature of the rash, the following types of psoriasis are worth considering:

1. Plaque psoriasis on the body is often called vulgar, ordinary or simple. This is the most common variant diagnosed in 85% of the total number of patients. Inflamed areas of the skin have a typical appearance of the disease - they are easily eroded, reddened, with fever. The red skin under the scales is easily injured and may bleed. Over time, the boards merge into a lake of paraffin.
2. Conversely, skin psoriasis affects bending surfaces. Inflamed areas of the skin are devoid of peeling and almost do not rise above healthy skin. Localization is represented by skin folds, ie folds under the breasts, psoriasis in women, underarms, the area of the external genitalia, the inner surface of the thighs and groin skin folds. When sweat is released, the skin is injured or rubbed, and the condition of the inflamed areas worsens. Diabetes and children are the most common.
3. Pustular psoriasis on the skin is characterized by the most complex symptoms. Blisters, a clear non-infectious exudate of an inflammatory nature, rise above healthy areas of the skin. Thickened, inflamed, red skin with fever around the pustules.
4. In humans, rupioid psoriasis is characterized not only by plaque-like rashes, but also by acute inflammation of the epidermis. The surface of the skin under the boards is bright pink and weeping.
5. In adults, guttate psoriasis is characterized by an abundance of small vesicles of purple or red color. The shape of the bubbles resembles circles, tears, dots or drops. The affected area is often quite large, and may have psoriasis on the head, neck, shoulders, back, lower legs, or thighs. Angina or streptococcal pharyngitis are often provocateurs in the development of this pathology.

Forms of psoriasis

As for the forms of psoriasis, it can be psoriatic erythroderma, arthropathic psoriasis or psoriatic onychodystrophy:

• Psoriatic onychodystrophy, which affects the nails, causes deformation of the nail plate on the fingers of the lower or upper extremities. It is possible to change the color of the nail itself or the nail bed. This type of psoriasis also causes thickening, transverse lines, spots, spots, as well as increased fragility and delamination. It is even possible to lose the nail completely.
• In men and women, erythrodermic psoriasis develops gradually and continues with complications. This is the result of neglected plaque psoriasis when the epidermis is very red and swollen, characterized by a clear acute inflammatory process. Peeling and inflammation spread over large areas, accompanied by pain, itching and swelling of the subcutaneous tissue. With this form of pathology, the fatal outcome is higher than others, as the body loses its ability to regulate body temperature due to extensive inflammation, peeling, and separation.
• Psoriatic arthritis, in addition to the main symptoms, is complemented by an inflammatory process in the joints and connective tissues. This form of pathology can affect any joint, but most often it is small joints of the upper and lower extremities. If the disease spreads to the knee or thigh joints, the chances of losing mobility are high. The considered form of the disease accounts for 10-15% of all cases of psoriasis when diagnosed with skin disease.

Stages of development

How psoriasis develops is characterized by three successive stages. Every patient with this disease goes through it all, but with proper treatment, the duration of the second stage can be significantly reduced:

1. The progressive stage is characterized by an increase in early symptoms and deterioration of general health;
2. There is a peak in the development of pathology in the inpatient stage;
3. The regression phase is characterized by a reduction in symptoms and a significant improvement in general health.

Diagnostics

A dermatovenerologist deals with the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of psoriasis of the skin. Because skin lesions have a special nature, it is usually difficult to diagnose. In rare cases, additional laboratory tests in the form of rheumatoid factor and complete blood count are needed. If psoriatic arthritis is diagnosed, the presence of a rheumatologist becomes relevant. In this case, it is necessary to take an X-ray of the joints. The appropriateness of a skin biopsy is observed in extreme cases where it is difficult to make a differential diagnosis.

Quality of life

Occurrence of psoriasis leads to a significant reduction in quality of life. Difficulties in social adjustment and work can occur due to physical and emotional discomfort. Severe itching and pain can complicate basic life processes: sleep, body care, walking, playing sports, performing professional tasks, housekeeping, pets.

Excessive anxiety by patients about their appearance often manifests itself, fear of negative reactions from others, and low self-esteem. Pain, along with itching and emotional distress, often leads to social isolation, anxiety disorders, social phobias, and depressive states.

Treatment

Getting rid of psoriasis involves an integrated approach using the following medications and drug categories.

Creams and ointments

Ointments and creams allow you to fight psoriasis quite effectively with minimal side effects. These drugs are usually applied directly to the inflamed areas:

• Hormonal ointments are among the most effective, they eliminate the main symptoms and prevent the spread of keratinocytes. The most powerful products in this category can irritate the skin, cause dryness and thinning of the epidermis.
• Salicylic acid cleanses the skin and eliminates psoriatic flakes. Dosage is very important when using this product, as excessive use can cause hair loss and skin irritation.
• Retinoids are the active form of vitamin A, they are almost as effective as hormonal ointments, but the clinical effect is achieved for a longer time. Hypersensitivity to ultraviolet light is the most common negative syndrome.
• Tar ointments reduce the severity of negative symptoms and inhibit the growth of skin cells. Side effects include alopecia, acne or folliculitis.
• Ointment or gel form of vitamin D. Use in combination with hormonal agents gives maximum effect.
• Moisturizers help to eliminate the negative side symptoms in the form of dryness and itching, but they are unacceptable as the main method of treatment.
• The anthraline in the ointments helps to eliminate the scales, blocks the proliferation of keratinocytes. After applying to the inflamed area, the product should be washed off after a while.

Tablets for psoriasis

Since it is not always possible to overcome psoriasis with topical therapy, the treatment strategy should be supplemented with medication in tablet form. Side effects can increase significantly, so regular monitoring of your general health by tests and a visit to the doctor is a must:

1. Systemic glucocorticosteroids reduce inflammation, swelling and itching, block the increased activity of skin cells. There are many side effects, so Anna tablets are rarely prescribed.
2. Psoriasis can be treated anywhere on the body with methotrexate, which has an effective cytostatic and anti-inflammatory effect. The body reacts very positively to low doses. Rare side effects include increased fatigue, decreased appetite, and digestive problems.
3. Retinoids are effective in treating skin diseases such as psoriasis, where other treatments are not possible. Side effects include alopecia and inflammation of the lips. You will not be able to give birth for 3 years after using this group of tablets, because retinoids cause birth defects.
4. Cyclosporine is very similar to methotrexate and belongs to the category of immunosuppressants. Increased blood pressure and renal pathology are the most common side effects.
5. If the listed drugs can not be used due to the characteristics of the patient's body, it is advisable to prescribe hydroxyurea.

needles

Medications to help get rid of psoriasis can be given in the form of injections with the following components:

• Antihistamines immediately block acute itching;
• When tablets and ointments containing this component are ineffective, glucocorticosteroids in the form of injections are used;
• Biological drugs are the result of the synthesis of human and animal proteins. They have a beneficial effect on the body's immune system, but their cost is very high for many patients.

Shampoo application

Special therapeutic shampoos are also worth considering, because only they can eliminate psoriasis on the head:

1. Antifungal shampoos are effective when the causative agent of pathological inflammation is a fungal infection;
2. Shampoos containing corticosteroids;
3. Tar shampoo or soap is used to eliminate psoriatic scales, as well as reduce burning and itching. It is also advisable to add maple resin directly to the shampoo that the patient usually uses.

Medications

If the appearance of psoriasis is diagnosed in time, many medications can give the right result, the specialist will recommend the most appropriate.

Biologically active substances

Since it is rarely possible to get rid of psoriasis quickly, dietary supplements should be considered as additional maintenance therapy:

1. Vitamin D is useful because calcium is one of the most important minerals in the fight against this skin disease, and vitamin D is needed for its absorption. Use of this supplement during the transition from the active phase to the stationary state. stage is the most effective.
2. Silicon in vitamin-mineral complexes acts as a sorbent that attracts antigens, as well as improves the condition of the skin.
3. Lecithin can quickly regenerate epithelial cells that die in this pathology. The integrity of the skin is restored much faster and the inflammatory process is less pronounced.
4. Omega-3 acids and fish oil also help eliminate the inflammatory process.

Folk approaches to treatment

To increase the effectiveness of the drug, complex therapy can be completed with alternative treatments, but keep in mind that psoriasis in the back and other areas may be sensitive to allergens, so you should first consult your doctor:

• Chinese green tea helps reduce discomfort due to itchy skin, brightens plaques. It can be applied inside as a drink or as a mask for externally affected areas.
• Sunbathing, especially in combination with sea water, can reduce the symptoms of psoriasis. Exposure to ultraviolet rays should not be direct, it is better to sunbathe in the shade. If you ignore this advice, the appearance of psoriasis will disappear only for a while, but soon the disease will return with more pronounced negative symptoms.
• Ointment from maple tar, salicylic alcohol and sea buckthorn oil should be applied directly to the affected areas within 2 hours. If the psoriasis on the abdomen or back is large enough, it is worth applying gauze over the ointment. After washing the ointment should be applied celandine tincture in the form of oil.
• Infusion of flaxseed allows to eliminate the clinical symptoms of the disease within a week. Soak a tablespoon of seeds in a glass of boiling water for a day, then boil, cool and strain, take with activated charcoal before breakfast (1 tablet per 10 kg body weight). Even if the symptoms of psoriasis disappear, the course should be continued for 20 days. Products containing caffeine should not be consumed.
• Propolis and butter in the form of an ointment in a ratio of 1: 20. Mix the ingredients, boil for 15 minutes, strain and apply to the affected areas. The product should be stored in the refrigerator.
• Celery decoctions can be taken orally once a day and compresses can be applied for 2 hours for 21 days. Three courses with a break of one week will be enough to forget about the disease for several years.
• Oil gel in the form of celandine powder and ointment should be used for 3 days, applied to inflamed areas of the skin. After a 4-day break, the course continues until the external manifestations disappear completely. All components are mixed in equal proportions to prepare the product.

Prevention

Prevention of psoriasis, as well as measures to prevent exacerbations are as relevant as the treatment itself:

1. The cleanliness of the skin should be carefully monitored, use moisturizers based on natural ingredients.
2. Take control of your overall health, especially if you have immune problems. Taking multivitamin complexes is a mandatory component of the prevention of psoriasis.
3. Regular massage improves lymph flow and blood circulation, which removes rotten products faster and cleanses the skin better.

4. Any contact with household chemicals should be limited as much as possible. Gloves and household respirators are mandatory protective measures when it is not possible to transfer household chores to other family members. When choosing household chemicals, pay attention to the presence of dyes, chemicals and fragrances. The level of the Christmas tree should be equal to the natural. It is also worth minimizing the use of skin care cosmetics and decorative cosmetics.
5. Often the first signs of the disease appear after nervous tension, so it is important to master different methods of rest and self-management. The benefits of healthy sleep should not be overlooked. Often under stress, herbal sedatives and teas are allowed.
6. Smoking is a direct provocateur of both inflammation and the disease itself in the beginning. We are talking about smokers who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day. Under the influence of cigarette smoke, immunity is reduced, blood vessels are affected and the body's antioxidant defenses are weakened. As for alcohol, it does not affect the onset of skin pathology, but can aggravate its course.

Psoriasis and pregnancy

Pregnancy greatly complicates the treatment of psoriasis, as all medications are allowed. It is also worthwhile to understand in detail the issue of planning a pregnancy and other situations in a woman's life related to this period.

Pregnancy planning

The reproductive function of women and men is not affected by the disease. When it comes to possible harm to the baby, psoriasis is not transmitted by contact, so breastfeeding and communication with the baby will not be a problem. Another thing is the ability to transmit the disease at the genetic level, but the probability is not so great - 8-15% if one of the parents is sick. The risk increases when both parents are affected - 50-60%.

When planning a pregnancy, you must first undergo another course of treatment to achieve remission. We are talking about a woman in particular, because the condition of the father does not affect the transport of the fetus. Stress should also be minimized and treated responsibly in this regard.

Pregnancy

As for the pregnancy itself, many say that the pathology is much easier, but the symptoms worsen immediately after birth. This is due to the weakening of the female immune system, because the child, in fact, depletes the body, absorbing nutrients through the umbilical cord. If you need treatment during pregnancy, it is worth choosing safer means with minimal possibility of side effects. Analyze your condition and you can understand how the disease will behave in future pregnancies. Then it is worth thinking about what tools can be used and which should be avoided.

	Prohibited	Recommended
Local treatment	Vitamin A preparations are strictly contraindicated.	Ointments and creams contain minimal amounts of glucocorticosteroids. It is not recommended for use on the shoulders, abdomen and mammary glands, as cortisone can cause stretch marks.
	Vitamin D-based preparations are allowed only in small amounts in certain problem areas.	Soothing and moisturizing creams have no contraindications.
Systemic treatment	Methotrexate and acetrite cause abortion or fetal defects. Treatment with these drugs before childbirth requires abstinence from pregnancy for 4 months. Also, such drugs have a negative effect on the sperm condition of men, so the rule of compliance with this period also applies to men.	UV-B phototherapy is not harmful to the unborn child or the mother.
	Puva therapy is also not suitable during pregnancy, as it requires the prior use of photosensitizing agents.	In severe cases of the disease, Cycloporine can be prescribed, which does not adversely affect the child's body, but can cause side effects in the mother.

C-section

The presence of psoriasis is not a reason to perform a caesarean section at birth, but it is worth considering the possibility of the Koebner phenomenon. It is the development of psoriasis in areas where the skin is damaged. So far, no official study has been conducted on the speed of recovery in these areas and the risk of infection.

Psoriasis after childbirth

In most cases, exacerbation of the pathology occurs after birth, due to stress, fatigue, chronic sleep deprivation, irregular and limited nutrition and hormonal imbalances. Breastfeeding is allowed because it is not transmitted to the pathological child through milk, but lactation is not recommended when using the drug over large areas, as some components may enter the milk.

No medication can guarantee 100% safety for mother and fetus, so consultation with the doctor leading the pregnancy is mandatory.

Although psoriasis is chronic, with properly planned treatment, it is possible to successfully overcome negative symptoms and prevent a decline in quality of life due to the many limitations associated with the disease.