Psoriasisis a chronic inflammatory skin disease. It is a genetic disease that manifests itself in the form of characteristic formations in the patient's body: visible pink-red papules or plaques, the surface of which is covered with scales and scales. The disease, as a rule, is accompanied by severe itching and pain, causing patients both physical and mental suffering. Psoriasis rashes can appear anywhere on the body, but are most often localized on the scalp, elbows, and hands. Chronic psoriasis on the head is a particular cause of emotional distress, especially in patients, because it can not hide under clothing.
What is the origin of the name of the disease "psoriasis"?
The name of the disease comes from the Greek word "psoriasis" - Psora - scratch (-sya). Indeed, itching of rough, scaly, silvery-white skin, which is difficult to treat, is a typical manifestation of this disease.
Who suffers from this disease?
A disease like psoriasis affects about 3-5% of the population in different countries. Men and women - equally. Psoriasis can develop at any age, but usually first appears around the age of 20, often earlier in women than in men. However, Medical On Group has collected impressive statistics on the treatment of children and the elderly suffering from this disease.
In addition to heredity, psoriasis has the following causes:
- excessive active division of skin cells;
- stress;
- decreased immunity after illness.
Answers to frequently asked questions
Is Psoriasis Infectious?
Common vulgar psoriasis is an inherited, genetic disease with metabolic disorders, endocrine glands, and damage to the immune system. Psoriasis is not contagious! It is not an external infection and there is no need to be afraid of or avoid people suffering from this scourge.
Are children of parents with psoriasis more likely to get the disease?
There is such a possibility, because we are talking about an inherited, genetic disease, and it is quite high: if both parents suffer from psoriasis, children are about 33. 3% more likely to suffer from this disease.
Is it good for sick people to spend as much time in the sun as possible?
It is generally accepted that sunlight helps in the treatment of psoriasis to some extent, but in some cases, exposure to the sun, on the contrary, can complicate the process. In any case, it is recommended to consult a professional dermatologist before any medical procedure and if any changes in the condition of the skin are detected.
What causes the periodic flare-up of the disease and its reduction?
Experience has shown that mental stress, stress and neuroses, unhealthy lifestyle and diet lead to exacerbations of psoriasis. In addition, it is not uncommon for the disease to worsen in response to irrational treatment.
Does smoking or alcohol affect the course of the disease?
Yes, it is. Smoking and drinking alcohol have a negative effect on the development of the disease, can contribute to the intensification of psoriasis.
Treatment of psoriasis. is it possible
Hereditary psoriasis of the legs, arms or head is one of the most common but difficult to treat skin diseases. Psoriasis is characterized by scaly redness of the skin, the appearance of which is not due to infection, but to an increase in cell division. In a healthy person, complete renewal of skin cells occurs in almost a month, and in one patient - seven times faster.
Exacerbation of psoriasis can be caused by stress and physical exertion, skin wounds and cuts, streptococcal infection of the upper respiratory tract, and drug reactions. Unfortunately, it is impossible to protect oneself from all of this, which means that medicine is not yet able to prevent or completely cure the disease. However, modern dermatologists are very good at controlling the course of psoriasis, choosing effective methods to treat the symptoms.
Is it possible to treat psoriasis permanently?
The treatment of psoriasis, which is offered by modern medicine because it is inherited, is to get rid of the external manifestations of the disease, to clean the patient's skin from rashes for a long time.