Elbow psoriasis is an inflammatory process with characteristic skin rashes. Among the provoking factors for the appearance of the disease are heredity, various diseases, bad habits, stressful situations and more.
The pathology is accompanied by itching, redness, swelling, soreness in the affected areas. Urine, blood, stool, biopsy, microflora culture are prescribed for diagnosis. Treatment includes the use of drugs, local remedies, physiotherapy, dietary adjustments.
Before starting treatment for psoriasis of the elbows, it is necessary to exclude other pathologies: eczema, fungal infection.
Only after a complete examination are specific drugs prescribed, which is why prior consultation with a dermatologist is necessary.
stages
Psoriasis occurs in several stages, alternating periodically.
Initially
The outer surface of the elbow area is covered with small papules. Externally, they look like acne in any order. After 14-21 days, the formations turn into voluminous plaques covered with scales. The dryness of the skin increases, the surface becomes rough.
progressive
This stage is characterized by the formation of many large plaques. Patients complain of scaling, redness in the affected area. The boundaries of the rash are represented by a well-defined edge. At this stage, the transition of the disease to an exacerbation period is noted.
Stationary
With a properly selected scheme of therapeutic measures, the clinical picture becomes less pronounced and the disease goes into a state of rest. The number of psoriatic rashes decreases, new papules are missing.
regressive
This stage is accompanied by a reduction in the severity of symptoms, the number of plaques is significantly reduced. The skin where the rash was previously localized is noticeably pigmented, but at the same time there are no characteristic scales at the sites of lesions, the epidermis does not peel off.
Symptoms
The beginning of the development of the pathological process is indicated by the appearance of small red spots with an oval or rounded shape. As the disease progresses, the number of formations increases, they spread to the surrounding healthy areas of the skin.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that cannot be completely cured. However, modern methods help to quickly get rid of the exacerbation of the disease and achieve long-term remission.
Antihistamines are used; topical ointments and creams with corticosteroids, salicylic acid are used for joint rashes.
An important method of treatment is the appointment of diet and vitamin complexes; a positive effect of some homeopathic remedies has been noted.
The early stage is characterized by a small number of rashes. If at this stage it is time to seek professional help, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of the disease becoming chronic.
The main feature of psoriasis is the formation of scales with a light silver tint. During mechanical action, their integrity is disrupted, resulting in a smooth surface with bloody cracks.
There have been cases where there were no scales on the psoriatic plaques.
Patients begin to complain of severe itching, swelling at the site of the lesion, burning. If you palpate the damaged areas, you may notice a rise in temperature and soreness in these areas.
Depending on how well the body's protective functions work, the pathological process is accompanied by the formation of single or multiple plaques when the disease affects the entire surface of the skin of the upper limb. If appropriate measures are not taken in time, the probability of turning the pathology into a neglected form increases several times.
The severity of the clinical picture also depends on the stage of the disease. In the period of remission the symptoms disappear, the patient feels better. The recurrent condition is characterized by the appearance of numerous psoriatic plaques, due to painful symptoms, the general well-being of a person deteriorates.
Reasons
Despite the high prevalence of the disease, it was not possible to fully investigate and determine the exact factors that provoke it. However, experts have identified several possible causes that may contribute to the appearance of psoriatic lesions on the elbows.
One of the most common factors is genetic predisposition. According to statistics, in 50% of cases the pathology is diagnosed in a person whose relatives were also susceptible to this disease.
Prerequisites for the development of psoriasis are the lack of resistance of the body to infectious diseases, malnutrition, uncontrolled intake of drugs, which has a negative impact on the immune system, thus contributing to its weakening.
Also among the reasons are:
- endocrine disorders;
- diseases of the digestive system;
- injury to the epidermis;
- frequent stress, neurosis, depression.
Vitamin deficiency and lack of micronutrients in the body can contribute to the manifestation of psoriasis.
Diagnosis
As the development of psoriasis of the elbows is accompanied by pronounced clinical signs, the detection of the pathology is not difficult. First, the dermatologist performs an external examination of the damaged areas of the epidermis and collects the patient's medical history.
To confirm the preliminary diagnosis, the patient is sent for laboratory testing.
A blood test allows you to determine a possible predisposition to an allergic reaction to certain drugs that can be used to treat psoriasis. In addition, the analysis can help diagnose anemia, which will be accompanied by characteristic abnormalities in leukocyte and erythrocyte levels.
The analysis of urine makes it possible to determine the level of water-salt balance, ie how much salt and water have entered and removed from the human body.
Examination of the faeces is necessary to identify helminths in them.
When the basic methods of making a definitive diagnosis are not sufficient, the doctor will prescribe an additional examination:
- biopsy of epidermal samples taken from lesions;
- backsowing on the microflora;
- potassium oxide testing.
If a complex course of the pathological process is suspected, an X-ray examination is performed, which allows to assess the involvement in the disease of the joints.
If psoriasis develops in women during childbirth, they are referred for prolactin testing.
You may also need to consult an orthopedist, rheumatologist, venereologist or mammologist.
Methods of treatment
Psoriasis cannot be cured, but exacerbations can be prevented and the remission phase prolonged. The therapy in this case must be complex. It consists in the use of such methods of treatment:
- usemedicaldrugs inside;
- usefundslocal action;
- vitamin therapy;
- sanatorium-resorttreatment;
- applicationhomeopathicdrugs.
It is also important to follow a special diet. It includes in the diet foods that contain substances that contribute to the onset of remission, and limits the use of foods that are harmful to psoriasis.
Medicines used for psoriasis
In the treatment of the disease it is important to use drugs for internal use in the form of capsules, tablets, plates.
Antihistamines may be used to relieve the itching.
It is important to remember that only an experienced specialist can prescribe such drugs, taking into account the severity of the disease, the age criterion, as well as the individual characteristics of the patient's body.
Ointments for rashes on the elbows and shins
Elbow psoriasis is widely used for external use.
Experts say that the treatment of psoriasis should be comprehensive, so one application of creams will not be enough, as they only eliminate the symptoms of the disease on our skin.
vitamins
In psoriasis, vitamin therapy is considered an important method in complex treatment. In case of damage to the skin on the flexor surface, the use of vitamins B, E, D, A and ascorbic acid is recommended.
To do this, you need to eat right: increase the consumption of foods that contain these substances. In addition, vitamins can be purchased from pharmaceutical establishments. The vitamin solution can be used to lubricate problem skin.
Some ointments contain the necessary substances, so often experts prescribe such drugs for external use.
Vitamin and mineral complexes may be prescribed.
Intramuscular injection drugs are also prescribed for severe psoriasis.
They are made every day or every other day.
homeopathic medicines
Combined drugs are considered the most effective.
The dosage of these drugs is determined by a qualified specialist, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient's body and the severity of the pathology.
Diet
In pathological conditions, it is important to adhere to a diet. Therefore, the following products should be present in the psoriasis diet:
- lean fish;
- dairy products;
- vegetable oil;
- fruits and vegetables;
- cereals;
- greenery.
These ingredients enrich the body with nutrients and reduce acidity. In case of illness it will be useful to establish a drinking regime. The daily amount of water consumed should be at least 1, 5 liters.
The following products are contraindicated for use in pathology:
- smoked meats;
- spicy spices and condiments;
- pickles;
- sweet products;
- fatty meats;
- alcoholic beverages;
- sausages;
- coffee;
- citrus fruits;
- chocolate;
- sweets.
It is necessary to limit the consumption of fried, fatty and salty foods.
In addition, small meals are recommended for psoriasis: portions should be small and the number of meals per day should be increased to six times.
Spa treatment
For psoriasis, it is recommended to visit resorts that are located in areas with a predominance of hot and dry climates.
An annual stay in sanatoriums, where there are radon or sulfide baths, is also desirable. In such places, the patient may undergo physiotherapy procedures that help eliminate the signs of the disease and prolong the remission stage. These include applications with paraffin or ozokerite, UV radiation, phototherapy, cryotherapy.
These procedures are performed for 21-29 days daily.
The treatment of elbow psoriasis is performed with an integrated approach. Drug therapy involves the use of means for internal and external use. It is also important to take vitamins and diet during treatment. It is recommended to stay in sanatoriums and use homeopathic medicines.
Consequences
In the long absence of therapeutic measures, the course of the pathology of the elbows is complicated by the appearance of a number of diseases.
Psoriatic erythroderma may occur. In most cases, this occurs against the background of abrupt cessation or complete lack of treatment, frequent stressful situations, diseases of infectious origin, occurring in severe form, alcohol abuse.
Pustular generalized psoriasis is a more serious health threat. Such a course of pathology is characterized by a mass association of papules, as a result of which large foci are formed, at the site of localization of which the skin is exfoliated, pustular areas are formed.
Another complication is psoriatic arthritis. It is a pathological process that affects the joints, which is accompanied by swelling, severe pain and limited mobility.
Prevention
As the epidermis in this area is quite dry, regular care of the elbow area is required. To do this, you need to use a special cream with moisturizing properties.
You should also stop smoking and drinking too much alcohol. Strengthening the immune system plays an equally important role. To this end, experts recommend taking vitamin and mineral complexes, exercising and spending more time walking in the fresh air.
It is important to protect the skin from mechanical damage, not to expose the body to frequent stress and psychological disorders.
At the first signs of the development of an infectious disease, a visit to the doctor should not be delayed to ensure timely medical care.