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

Psoriasis presents itself as a non-infectious skin pathology of a chronic nature. Statistics say that 3. 7% of the inhabitants of the world are prone to this disease, which is called lichen squamous. Gender in this case does not matter, psoriasis is not a contagious disease, while the risk group is represented by people from 14 to 27 years old. Red scaling spotted with white scales appears on the skin.

Location is possible anywhere on the body, but the most common locations are the scalp, lower back, knees, and elbows. As the disease in question is chronic, it is manifested by periods of remission and exacerbations. How much does the pathology affect the patient's life and how to get rid of psoriasis for good?

appearance reasons

To understand what causes psoriasis, it is worth noting that the process of formation of the pathology is systemic, both the skin and the entire human body are involved in it. The reasons are not completely clear, they can be viral, infectious, hereditary, neurogenic or mixed. Humoral and cellular immunity is activated, which contributes to the launch of an autoimmune process of cellular damage, mainly epidermal cells.

Metabolism is also disturbed and overloaded heredity also exacerbates cutaneous 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, in which the quality of life depends on 80% of the correct treatment and timely detection of the disease:

1. Bad heredity;
2. Depression, constant stress;
3. dysbacteriosis;
4. Hormonal problems;
5. Allergic diseases;
6. Candidiasis and streptoderma;
7. Viral pathologies;
8. Addiction;
9. Infections of a parasitic nature;
10. Problems with metabolism.

Symptoms

The amount of rash at the beginning of the pathology can be considered insignificant. Studying the symptoms will let you know what psoriasis looks like on the body and how to recognize it. Psoriatic plaque plays the role of a key symptom. This is a hyperemic area of skin with scales. Against the background of healthy skin, it looks noticeable and sublime. The presence of the following signs is the reason to urgently consult a dermatologist:

• Convex patches on the skin with light scales;
• Itching in problem areas;
• Excessive dryness of the skin and peeling;
• Painful cracks, blisters in the area of the palms and feet;
• Deformed and exfoliating nail plates.

types of psoriasis

Classification of psoriasis involves dividing the disease into different types and forms. It is worth considering the following types of psoriasis, taking into account the location of the pathology and the nature of the rashes:

1. Plaque psoriasis on the body is often referred to as common, common, or simple. This is the most common variant, diagnosed in 85% of all patients. The inflamed areas of the skin have an appearance typical of the disease in question - they exfoliate easily, become reddened, with a fever. The red skin under the scales is easily bruised and may bleed. Over time, the plates melt into the so-called paraffin lake.
2. Inverse cutaneous psoriasis affects the flexor surfaces. Inflamed areas of skin are devoid of scaling and barely protrude above healthy skin. The location is represented by skin folds, that is, folds under the breast, if psoriasis in women, armpits, area of the external genitals, inner surface of the thighs and skin folds in the groin. When sweat is released, the skin is injured or friction occurs, the condition of the inflamed areas worsens. Diabetics and children are the most frequent patients.
3. Pustular psoriasis on the skin is characterized by the most complex symptoms. Blisters with a clear, uninfected exudate of an inflammatory nature rise above healthy areas of skin. Around the pustules thickened, inflamed, red skin with fever.
4. Rupioid psoriasis in humans is characterized not only by plaque-like rashes but also by acute inflammation of the epidermis. The surface of the skin under the patches is bright pink and weepy.
5. Guttate psoriasis in adults is characterized by an abundant number of small purple or red vesicles. The shape of the blisters may resemble circles, tears, dots, or drops. The affected area is often quite extensive, it could be psoriasis on the head, neck, shoulders, back, legs or thighs. Angina or streptococcal pharyngitis are often provoking the development of the pathology in question.

forms of psoriasis

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

• Psoriatic onychodystrophy, affecting the nails, leads to 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 leads to the formation of thickening, transverse lines, spots, spots, as well as increased fragility and delamination. Even complete nail loss is possible.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis in men and women develops gradually and proceeds with complications. This is a consequence of ignored plaque psoriasis, when the epidermis becomes 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, a lethal outcome is more likely than with others, as the body loses the ability to regulate body temperature due to extensive inflammation, scaling and detachment.
• 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 hip joints, there is a high chance of losing the ability to move. The considered form of the disease accounts for 10-15% of all cases when the skin disease of psoriasis is diagnosed.

stages of development

The way psoriasis develops is characterized by three successive stages. Every patient with the disease in question goes through them all, but with proper treatment, the duration of the second stage can be significantly reduced:

1. The progressive phase is characterized by an increase in the first signs and a deterioration of the general state of health;
2. In the stationary stage, there is a peak in the development of the pathology;
3. The regression stage is represented by a decrease in symptoms and a significant improvement in overall health.

Diagnosis

A dermatovenereologist is involved in the diagnosis and further treatment of skin disease psoriasis. There are usually no difficulties in determining the disease, as the skin lesions are of a special nature. Rarely, there is a need for additional laboratory tests in the form of determination of rheumatoid factor and complete blood count. The participation of a rheumatologist becomes relevant if psoriatic arthritis is diagnosed. In such a situation, it is necessary to take an x-ray of the joints. The desirability of a skin biopsy is seen in extreme cases, when it is difficult to make a differential diagnosis.

the quality of life

The occurrence of psoriasis leads to a significant decrease in quality of life. Difficulties may arise during social adjustment and at work due to physical and emotional discomfort. Intense itching and pain can complicate basic life processes: sleeping, taking care of the body, walking, playing sports, performing professional tasks, taking care of the house, pets.

On the part of patients, there is often an excessive concern with their own appearance, they are afraid of a negative reaction from others and they have low self-esteem. The pain, along with itching and emotional discomfort, often leads to social isolation, anxiety disorders, social phobia and depressive states.

Treatment

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

creams and ointments

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

• Hormonal ointments are among the most effective, they eliminate the main symptoms and block the proliferation of keratinocytes. The most powerful means of this category can irritate the skin, cause dryness and thinning of the epidermis.
• Salicylic acid eliminates psoriatic flakes by cleansing the skin. The dosage when using this remedy is extremely important as overuse leads to 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 longer. Hypersensitivity to ultraviolet light is the most common adverse syndrome.
• Tar ointments reduce the severity of negative symptoms and block the growth of skin cells. Side effects include alopecia, acne, or folliculitis.
• A vitamin D ointment or gel. Combined use with hormonal agents gives maximum effect.
• Moisturizing creams help to eliminate negative side symptoms in the form of dryness and itchiness, but they are unacceptable as the main method of treatment.
• Anthralin in the composition of ointments helps to eliminate scales, blocks the proliferation of keratinocytes. After application to the inflamed area, the product should be washed off after a while.

pills for psoriasis

As it is not always possible to defeat psoriasis through local therapy, it becomes necessary to complement the treatment strategy with medication in pill form. Side effects can increase significantly, so constant monitoring of your overall health through tests and visits to a doctor is a must:

1. Systemic glucocorticosteroids reduce the inflammatory process, swelling and itching, block increased activity of skin cells. Side effects are extremely numerous, so Anna group pills are rarely prescribed.
2. Whole-body psoriasis can be treated with methotrexate, which has an effective cytostatic and anti-inflammatory effect. The body reacts quite positively to low dosages. Rare side effects include increased fatigue, decreased appetite and digestive problems.
3. Retinoids are effective in cases where skin disease psoriasis cannot be treated by other means. Among the side effects are alopecia and inflammation of the lip region. After using the tablets of this group, you cannot give birth for 3 years, as retinoids cause birth defects to occur.
4. Cyclosporine has much in common with methotrexate and belongs to the category of immunosuppressants. An increase in blood pressure and the occurrence of kidney pathology are the most common side effects.
5. If the listed drugs cannot be used due to the characteristics of the patient's body, then it becomes convenient to prescribe hydroxyurea.

injections

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

• Antihistamines instantly block acute itching;
• Glucocorticosteroids in the form of injections are used if tablets and ointments with this component are not effective;
• Biological preparations are the result of the synthesis of human and animal proteins. They have a beneficial effect on the body's immune system, but their price is too high for many patients.

shampoo application

It is also worth considering special therapeutic shampoos, as only they can remove psoriasis on the head:

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

Medicines

If the appearance of psoriasis is diagnosed in time, many drugs can bring the appropriate result, the specialist will recommend the most suitable one.

Biologically active substances

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

1. Vitamin D is useful, as calcium is one of the most important minerals in fighting the skin disease in question, and vitamin D is necessary for its absorption. The use of this supplement in the transition phase from the active phase to the stationary phase is most effective.
2. Silicon in the composition of vitamin and mineral complexes plays the role of a sorbent that attracts antigens and also improves the condition of the skin.
3. Lecithin is able to quickly restore epithelial cells, which die in this pathology. Skin integrity is restored much more quickly, and the inflammatory process becomes less pronounced.
4. Omega-3 acids and fish oil also contribute to the elimination of the inflammatory process.

Popular approaches to treatment

To increase the effectiveness of drugs, complex therapy can be supplemented with alternative treatment methods, but remember that psoriasis on the back and other areas can be sensitive to allergenic substances, so you should first consult your doctor:

• Chinese green tea helps reduce discomfort due to itchy skin, plaques clear. Application is possible indoors in the form of a drink or outdoors in the form of masks on the affected areas.
• Sunbathing can reduce the manifestations of psoriasis, especially in combination with seawater. Exposure to ultraviolet should not be direct, it is better to sunbathe in the shade. If you ignore this recommendation, then the manifestations of psoriasis will be eliminated only for a while, but soon the disease will return with even more pronounced negative symptoms.
• Birch tar ointment, salicylic alcohol and sea buckthorn oil should be applied directly to the affected areas for 2 hours. If the psoriasis on the abdomen or back is extensive enough, it is worth putting gauze over the ointment. After washing off the ointment, it is necessary to apply tincture of celandine in the form of oil.
• An infusion of flaxseed allows you to eliminate the clinical symptoms of the disease in question within a week. For a day, soak a spoonful of seeds in a glass of boiling water, then boil, cool and strain, take in the morning before meals in combination with activated charcoal (1 tablet for every 10 kg of weight). The course should be continued for 20 days, even if the manifestations of psoriasis have disappeared. Products with caffeine in the composition 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 must be stored in the refrigerator.
• Celery decoctions can be taken orally once a day and a compress can be applied for 2 hours for 21 days. Three courses with a one-week break will be enough to forget about the illness for several years.
• Celandine powder and Vaseline in the form of an ointment should be used for 3 days, applied to the inflamed areas of the skin. After a break of 4 days, the course continues until the external manifestations completely disappear. To prepare the product, all components are mixed in equal proportions.

Prevention

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

1. Skin cleaning must be monitored very carefully, use moisturizing creams based on natural ingredients.
2. Monitor your overall health, especially if you have immune problems. Taking multivitamin complexes is a mandatory component of psoriasis prevention.
3. Regular massage improves lymphatic flow and blood circulation, due to which caries products are removed more quickly and the skin is better cleaned.

4. Any contact with household chemicals should be limited as much as possible. Gloves and household respirators are mandatory protective equipment if 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 must be equal to the natural one. 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 various methods of relaxation and self-control. The benefits of healthy sleep should not be overlooked. With frequent stress, it is permissible to take soothing herbal tinctures and teas.
6. Smoking is a direct trigger of both exacerbations and the disease itself initially. We are talking about smokers who use more than 20 cigarettes a day. Under the influence of cigarette smoke, immunity declines, blood vessels are affected, and the body's antioxidant defense weakens. As for alcohol, it does not affect the appearance of this skin pathology, but it can worsen its course.

Psoriasis and pregnancy

Pregnancy greatly aggravates the treatment of psoriasis, since the use of far in all medicines is allowed. It is also worth understanding in detail the issue of pregnancy planning and other situations related to this period of a woman's life.

pregnancy planning

The reproductive function of women and men is not affected by the disease. As for possible harm to the baby, psoriasis is not transmitted by contact, so breastfeeding and communicating with the baby will not be an issue. Another thing is the ability of the disease to be transmitted at the genetic level, but the probability is not so great - 8-15% if one of the parents is sick. The risk increases if both parents are affected - 50-60%.

When planning a pregnancy, you must first undergo another course of treatment to achieve remission. We are specifically talking about a woman, as the condition of the father does not affect the birth of the fetus. Stress also needs to be minimized and handled responsibly in this regard.

Pregnancy

As for the pregnancy itself, many note that the course of the pathology is greatly facilitated, but the symptoms worsen immediately after childbirth. This is due to the weakening of the woman's immune system, since the child, in fact, depletes the organism, absorbing nutrients through the umbilical cord. If there is a need for treatment during pregnancy, it is worth giving preference to safer means with minimal probability of side effects. Analyze your condition and you will be able to understand how the disease will behave in future pregnancies. It is then worth considering which remedies can be used and which should be avoided.

	Prohibited	recommended
local treatment	Vitamin A-based preparations are categorically contraindicated.	Glucocorticosteroids in ointments and creams are acceptable in minimal amounts. In the shoulders, abdomen and in the region of the mammary glands, the use is not recommended, because cortisone can cause the appearance of stretch marks.
	Vitamin D-based preparations are only allowed in small amounts in certain problem areas.	Soothing and moisturizing creams have no contraindications.
systemic treatment	Methotrexate and acetritine cause miscarriage or fetal defects. Treatment with these drugs before pregnancy requires abstinence from pregnancy for 4 months. in addition, these drugs negatively affect the condition of men's sperm, so the rule of compliance with this period also applies to men.	UV-B phototherapy is not harmful to either the unborn child or the mother.
	Puvatherapy during pregnancy is also not suitable, as it requires the prior use of photosensitizing agents.	In severe cases of the disease, cycloporine can be prescribed, which does not have a negative effect on the child's body, but can cause side effects in the mother.

section C

The presence of psoriasis is not a reason to perform a cesarean section during delivery, but the possibility of Koebner's phenomenon is worth considering. We are talking about the appearance of psoriasis in areas where the skin has been damaged. To date, no formal studies have been conducted on the healing rate of these areas and the risk of infection.

Psoriasis after childbirth

After childbirth, in most cases, there is an exacerbation of the pathology, the cause of which is stress, fatigue, chronic lack of sleep, irregular and limited nutrition and hormonal imbalance. Breastfeeding is allowed, as the pathology is not transmitted to the child with milk, however, when using drugs in large areas, lactation is not recommended, as some components can get into the milk.

No drug can guarantee 100% safety for the mother and fetus, so consultations with the doctor who conducts the pregnancy are mandatory.

Although psoriasis is chronic, with well-planned treatment, it is possible to successfully eliminate negative symptoms and avoid a decrease in quality of life due to the many limitations associated with the disease.