Features and symptoms of the development of psoriasis affecting the elbows

Psoriasis with the localization of the main changes in the elbow area occurs in about 5% of patients with this disease. The appearance of psoriatic lesions on the elbows is possible at any age, but according to statistics, this form of the disease is mainly characteristic of older people.In most cases, the pathology can be successfully treated with a timely consultation with a doctor, but in advanced cases it can be complicated by psoriatic arthritis.

Causes and symptoms

Elbow psoriasis has the same etiological reasons for development as other forms of psoriasis. These are heredity, metabolic disorders, endocrine disorders, decreased activity of the immune system, mechanical damage to the skin, and traumatic conditions. The factor that causes psoriatic lesions in the elbow area is dyshidrosis - chronic dehydration of the skin.

The disease begins with the appearance of one or more red spots slightly above the skin. At first they are red, then they are covered with a whitish film, and gradually a layer of scales forms on their surface, which gives the plates a silver color.

In addition to these changes, elbow psoriasis can be identified by the following symptoms:

• The resulting individual spots merge with each other over time, which leads to the appearance of large lesions;
• The scales are easily removed from the surface, leaving behind a thin skin where drops of blood can be seen;
• The formation of pustules is characterized by the appearance of a clearly defined red rim that separates the healthy skin from the affected tissue;
• The appearance of rashes is accompanied by severe itching in 80% of cases;
• Regression, that is, the disappearance of the plaque, begins in the center, and after the process subsides, a light spot remains in its place.

In mild cases, the pathology disappears in one and a half to two months. In advanced ones, the spots may not be completely resolved - one or more small plaques remain on the skin during the remission stage.

If left untreated, elbow psoriasis can lead to psoriatic arthritis, an inflammation of the joints. A complication is indicated by swelling and swelling in the area of the affected joint, a local increase in temperature and pain during movement.

Characteristics of elbow psoriasis

Psoriasis on the elbows has certain characteristics of development and progression, which include:

1. Age of disease onset. Mostly, elderly people consult a doctor with this form of the disease, damage to this area is rare in children and adolescents;
2. In only 30% of cases, the symmetry of the damage is determined - plaques are formed on both the right and left elbow. In other cases, the inflammation covers only one elbow area;
3. In psoriasis, psoriatic lesions, unlike eczema and dermatitis, are localized only on the external, extensor side of the joint;
4. The disease is characterized by seasonality - most exacerbations occur in the cold months of the year, that is, when the skin is more dehydrated;
5. The rash can be dry or wet;
6. Lesions spread mainly to the forearm;
7. Over time, elbow psoriasis causes thickening of the skin in the affected area. The skin thickens, dries and quickly cracks, which is accompanied by the appearance of blood, pain and itching.

Treatment of elbow psoriasis is imperative and should be done under the supervision of a dermatologist.The lack of therapy leads to the fact that it is impossible to completely eliminate all changes in the affected area, which causes internal anxiety and can lead to depression.

Elbow psoriasis treatment methods

Treatment of psoriasis on the elbows should be comprehensive. This includes the use of external agents, systemic drugs, physiotherapy and traditional methods of therapy.

Ointments

At the initial stage of the disease, when only a few small plaques appear and there is no obvious swelling and redness, you can use ointments that have an emollient, anti-inflammatory effect and can soften the keratinized outer layer of the spots.

In severe cases, that is, when swelling, itching, hyperemia are pronounced and spots tend to increase rapidly, therapy begins with the use of ointments with glucocorticosteroids.

Any of the above ointments for psoriasis on the elbows should be prescribed by a doctor. It is used in a short course, observing the frequency and dosage of application. Failure to follow the instructions for the use of hormonal drugs greatly increases the likelihood of developing local and systemic adverse reactions.

Patients with elbow psoriasis are recommended to use ointments with emollient components and vitamins even during exacerbation of the disease. Their constant application nourishes the skin, prevents dehydration and thus prolongs remission periods.

Drug therapy

Medicines for the patient are selected according to the symptoms of the disease, their severity and accompanying diseases. Medicines are mainly prescribed if psoriatic changes continue to progress with frequent relapses.

Standard oral therapy:

1. Antihistamines.The main purpose of prescribing antihistamines is to reduce itching, which accelerates the healing process of plaques and prevents microbes from penetrating the damaged epidermis;
2. Drugs with a sedative effect– valerian, motherwort tinctures. Their use helps reduce nervousness, improves sleep quality and prevents the development of depression;
3. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Medicines of this group relieve inflammation and pain well, promote skin regeneration;
4. Vitamin therapy.The use of vitamins increases the protective properties of the body and improves metabolic processes.

All medications prescribed by the doctor must be taken completely.Reduction of rash lesions does not indicate that therapy should be completed, otherwise the disease may again progress to a progressive stage.

Physiotherapy

The main treatment of psoriasis of the elbow can be completed with physiotherapy. It is prescribed to improve blood circulation and metabolic reactions in the skin, their use helps to improve local immunity and accelerates the restoration of normal epidermis. For psoriasis, procedures such as magnetic therapy, phototherapy, PUVA method, laser treatment and skin irradiation with ultraviolet rays give good results.

Sanatorium treatment, diet therapy and normalization of the nervous system are prescribed for patients with elbow psoriasis.

Elimination of psoriasis using traditional methods

Treatment of inflamed skin on the elbows at home using folk methods can be carried out after the acute process subsides. Self-made ointments and tinctures for compresses, herbal mixtures for internal use and medicinal baths have been proven effective. Taking into account the tolerance of the main components, all means of traditional therapy should be used.

• Baths for the treatment of elbows.You need to mix chamomile, sage, celandine grass and sim in equal proportions. Two or three spoons of the mixture are poured with boiling water in a ratio of 1: 10. The mixture is infused for half an hour, after which you can dip your elbows in the medicinal solution. The duration of the procedure is until the infusion is completely cooled;
• Therapeutic bath.The shells of 10 walnuts are brewed with a liter of boiling water, after an hour the infusion is filtered and poured into a water bath. It is necessary to sleep in a medicinal bath for 20-30 minutes, repeat every day for at least 5 days;
• Garlic compress.A few small cloves are ground from a head of garlic and poured into a glass of boiling water. It is necessary to infuse the garlic solution for an hour and a half, then dip several layers of folded bandages into it, squeeze it lightly and apply it to the elbow area. As the gauze dries, the compress changes, it is advisable to carry out the procedure within an hour;
• Birch resin.You will need purified birch resin, apply it to the place where the board is. The first procedure should not take more than 8-10 minutes, its duration increases every next day. The field treatment course is 14 days. You can wash the tars on your elbows with laundry soap;
• Phytocompression.10 grams of dry grape leaves, 10 grams of burdock roots and 10 grams of flax seeds should be crushed in a blender. The prepared mixture is poured into a glass of hot milk and heated on low heat for 2-3 minutes. After cooling in the liquid, moisten a gauze napkin and apply it to the elbows. Keep the compress for half an hour.

Psoriasis on the elbows causes a lot of discomfort, but this form of the disease is considered one of the mildest forms. Timely consultation with a doctor, changes in lifestyle and diet, and adherence to preventive measures can completely clear the skin in the elbow joint and significantly extend the remission periods of the disease.