Psoriasis

It must be said that others underestimate the suffering that psoriasis brings. 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 greatly ruins people's lives.

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, occurring in 1% to 2% of the population in developed countries.

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red, scaly patches covered in silvery, itchy scales. Psoriasis usually appears between the ages of 20 and 30 and is usually 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 completely identified. The mechanism of the disease is associated with a violation of the division of skin cells, which, in turn, provokes a reaction of the immune system. This reaction is one of the autoimmune ones, since it arises in response to a malfunction of the body itself and not to the penetration of a threat from the outside.

Is psoriasis contagious?

Psoriasis is not contagious and being afraid to shake hands with a person who suffers 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, immune T cells, which are supposed to attack foreign organisms, are tragically and mistakenly thought to attack healthy skin cells. This causes 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: psoriasis cannot be caught, it can simply be contracted.

Is psoriasis inherited?

As with rosacea, psoriasis tends to run in families. The hereditary nature of psoriasis is confirmed by the fact that the incidence is higher in those families in which psoriasis has already been diagnosed, in addition, in twins the concentration of incidence is also higher than in other groups;

But it is necessary to awaken the inheritance. This is done by triggering factors:

• psychological trauma and chronic stress conditions;
• past infectious disease;
• skin lesions;
• some medications;
• hormonal changes in the body;
• allergies (for example, citrus fruits, eggs, chocolate can aggravate the disease);
• alcohol poisoning;
• Even climate change.

Symptoms of psoriasis

The first symptoms of psoriasis: skin rashes in the form of bright pink plaques with a scaly surface. The plaques are unique, they rise above the level of healthy skin and are located on the elbows and in the 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 places on the skin. .

At first, the papules are small - 3-5 mm, the color is bright pink. They gradually increase in size and become covered in silvery scales, then merge into larger formations called plates.

Fresh elements of papules are usually bright in color, even red, while "old" ones are more faded. In the initial stage of psoriasis, the edges of the papule do not fall off. They represent a hyperemic border - 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 formation of layers of a large number of silvery-white scales, which are easily separated by scraping;
• a symptom of psoriatic film is an exudate surface formed by a prickly layer, which opens after peeling off the lower layers of the horny plates;
• the "blood spray" phenomenon: exposure of superficial capillaries in the form of small blood spots after detachment of the psoriatic film

Stages of psoriasis

The main element of psoriasis.It is a single pink or red papule, which is covered by 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 for several months or years. In a small percentage of patients the disease can become more severe. 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 pale pink, but bright red, with obvious signs of inflammation, swollen and itchy.

Second stagePsoriasis is characterized by more extensive lesions. At the site of scratching, new papules appear and form new plaques. As a result of growth, new growths merge with existing ones. The plaques affect symmetrical limbs and form similar patterns and lines.

In the third stagegrowth slows down, changes mainly affect 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 treatment, they thicken and sometimes form papillomatous (brown) nevi and warty (flesh-colored) growths.

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

Types of psoriasis

• Patch psoriasis is represented by pale pink, weakly infiltrated spots. It 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 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. It occurs due to excessive secretion of inflammatory fluid - exudate. It permeates clusters of scales, turning them into scale crusts.
• Psoriasis of the palms and soles is represented by ordinary plaques and papules or by hyperkeratotic formations similar to calluses and calluses.
• Follicular psoriasis is quite rare. The rash consists of white miliary nodules with a funnel-shaped depression in the center.
• Mucosal psoriasis is also rare. It occurs in the mucous membrane of the mouth and bladder. It 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 exposure of the skin to sunlight;
• winter: occurs due to 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 once. Very often, in 80-90% of cases, plaque psoriasis develops.

30% of patients suffer from psoriatic arthritis, in which the joints become inflamed along with external manifestations, and 10% suffer from the teardrop form of the disease.

Other rarer subtypes are also known. All of them are manifested by specific rashes that can appear anywhere on the body and itching, sometimes very painful. But there is good news: according to statistics, in 80% of cases psoriasis is mild 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 they are damaged, for example, as a result of scratching or self-injury in the folds of the body, the rashes become wet. They cause itching and burning and cause physical discomfort. This type of disease is most often diagnosed in people with excess body weight, hypothyroidism and diabetes.
2. Pustular form (generalized). It has a classic development pattern, starting with a single vesicle that develops 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 join 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 joints, including the spine. This is expressed by the symptoms of pain and its 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 is like, but the disease, in addition to external manifestations, has a number of complications. They manifest themselves in a decrease in skin function, alterations in temperature regulation and water-salt balance. The protective function against various bacteria is also reduced.

For example, psoriasis in 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 psoriasis patients will develop psoriatic arthritis during their lifetime, which is characterized by joint stiffness, pain, and swelling. The disease can progress to the point of destruction of the joints. Between 80 and 90% of patients experience 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 is also worth noting that pathologies associated with psoriasis, especially in its severe form, include depression, anxiety disorders and even 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 peeling of dead tissue, and a strong reaction of the skin to temperature changes.

The next most common type is pustular psoriasis. This complication is associated with the addition of a secondary infection: staphylococcus and streptococcus. 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. The existing symptoms are accompanied by high fever and signs of severe poisoning.

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

The diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis is carried out by a dermatologist. Initially, an external examination of the affected areas is performed and a history 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, it does not even require tests, it is enough to examine the skin.

Psoriasis treatment

Can psoriasis be cured? Yeah!

Through the pathogenic 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 treatment regimen for psoriasis is carried out using medicinal acids under point activation. The duration of therapy is different for each patient; it may require 6 procedures, or maybe 10. Maintenance therapy requires 2-6 months, everything is individual.

I always warn patients that psoriasis treatment is torpid in nature, that is, it progresses slowly. But we can take long breaks (about a month) between procedures.

Home care is of great importance in the treatment of psoriasis. Homemade cosmetics are made up of almost 99% natural ingredients. I spent about two years developing better formulas so I could help skin with complex dermatoses at home.

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

Recommendations to eliminate 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 note that it is of great importance to take maximum precautions to reduce the risk of exacerbation of the disease. As always, it's all banal and nothing new, but I'll say it anyway.

Recommended:

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

Patients with psoriasis should take special care in complying with personal hygiene requirements.

If you shower or bathe, then:

• use products without dyes or fragrances;
• choose a mild shampoo;
• avoid the use of rough sponges, creams, gels with abrasive particles;
• Avoid harsh soap, as it dries the skin too much;
• adjust the water temperature to keep it warm;
• stay in the water for no more than 10 to 15 minutes;
• Use a soft towel, do not rub or scratch the skin.

After showering 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 warm or cold stream.

Choose light clothing, made of natural fabrics and loose cut so that it does not restrict movement and does not chafe.

In summer it is not advisable to sunbathe for too long. To protect your skin from UV rays, apply sunscreens with a high SPF factor as part of your proper home care routine.

Psoriasis prevention

Since psoriasis is considered a multifactorial disease with a proportion of 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 family members who suffer from psoriasis;
• those who frequently and constantly injure the skin;
• have chronic infections;
• diseases of the nervous system;
• endocrine disorders.

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

If treatment of psoriasis according to WHO standards (hormones, phototherapy) has not helped you, come and let's remove this "snow plume" from your life. After all, without timely and competent treatment, psoriasis begins to negatively affect vital organs and systems.