How to recognize psoriasis?What kind of disease is this?Why does my skin hurt?

People who encounter this skin disease for the first time, which has very unpleasant symptoms, want to know what psoriasis is and how to get rid of this disease.This is a disease that mainly affects the upper layer of the epidermis and its appendages: the nail plate and bed, hair.According to statistics, psoriasis affects about 4% of the entire world population.In addition, the disease is more common at a young age: from 18 to 23 years.

There are many diseases similar to psoriasis, so it is important to know its symptoms in order to choose the right treatment.

In general, you should not self-medicate this disease, as psoriasis develops very quickly and can cause serious complications.A visit to a dermatologist is the only correct solution if you find signs of the disease.

species

There are many varieties of this skin disease.When classifying psoriasis, the nature of the rash, the severity of the course and the location of the lesions are taken into account.There are the following main types of psoriasis:

• Plaque psoriasis (common).This is the most common type of disease, occurring in 85% of all patients.It is characterized by the presence of grayish or silvery-white plaques raised above the surface of the skin, which are easily peeled off.Psoriasis vulgaris is another name for this form of the disease.
• Guttate psoriasis.The damaging elements in this type of disease look like droplets or dots from red to purple.
• Pustular psoriasis.The most severe form of this skin disease.It is characterized by the presence of pustules on the body - vesicles filled with clear, non-infected fluid.When the disease is advanced, the fluid becomes purulent.
• Psoriatic damage to the nails (onychodystrophy).The symptoms of psoriasis of this form affect the nail plates and the area around them: the shade of the nail changes, spots appear on its surface, the skin around the bed thickens, the plate breaks and delaminates.

• Arthropathic psoriasis.The disease is characterized by inflammation of small joints.This form of psoriasis most often leads to damage.
• Inverse psoriasis (folded or reversed).The disease affects skin folds in the groin area, inner thighs, armpits and under the mammary glands (in women).
• Palmoplantar psoriasis.With the development of this form of the disease, all the characteristic symptoms begin to appear on the legs and hands.In severe cases, the disease affects the nails and other parts of the body.
• Seborrheic psoriasis.In this form, the rashes are localized on the head, face and back.

Symptoms of the disease

What does psoriasis look like?How not to confuse it with another skin disease?In the initial stage of the disease, the following signs of psoriasis appear:

• the appearance on the skin of pink, red or bluish papules located symmetrically in certain areas of the body;
• general weakness;
• chronic fatigue;
• depression or apathy.

Gradually, the rash combines into plaques - easily removable scaly formations.The area of inflammation grows towards the edges.

At this stage of psoriasis, there are signs that can help distinguish the disease from other skin diseases.If you scrape off the scales, you can observe the phenomenon of the psoriatic triad, formed by the following symptoms:

• stearin stain: after scraping the plaque, silvery-white flakes resembling stearin shavings are released;
• terminal film: at the site of the scraped formation, a very thin shiny film remains, covering the papule;
• "bloody dew": spot bleeding may appear at the site of the removed terminal film, which is due to injury to the subcutaneous vascular network.

The symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on the specific stage of the disease and the season.In most patients, the manifestations of psoriasis intensify in the winter.The "summer" form of the disease is quite rare, as the patient's condition improves under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

How does psoriasis manifest itself in different stages?In total, there are 3 stages of disease development.

1. In the progressive stage, new rashes constantly appear and the existing plaques increase in size.The patient experiences severe itching, the skin peels all the time.
2. What does psoriasis look like in the stationary stage?During this period, the growth of the papules stops.Small folds are observed in the area of plaques.Still very itchy.
3. At the stage of regression, the plaques begin to disappear, the peeling disappears and the itching stops tormenting.Pigmented areas may appear at the site of formations.

Some types of psoriasis have characteristic symptoms.

For example, when the scalp is affected, dandruff-like plaques first appear.In this case, only the skin suffers;the condition and growth of the hair are not affected by the disease.From the head, the rash spreads to the area behind the ears, neck and forehead.

The appearance of psoriasis on the palms and feet is accompanied by thickening of the skin and the appearance of cracks.In the initial stage of the disease, pustules with transparent contents are formed, which gradually become purulent.Later, scars appear at the site of such formations, which cause discomfort and pain during physical activity (working with hands, walking).In the future, the disease can spread to the backs of the hands and fingers.

Psoriasis of the nails has the following description: first, the plate is covered with small indentations reminiscent of needle marks, changes color and begins to peel and peel off.The tissue around the nail becomes thick and inflamed.

Main reasons

The pathogenesis of psoriasis has not been fully understood so far.Scientists have put forward several theories as to why this disease occurs.There are two main causes of psoriasis.

1. The causes of the disease are improper functioning of the immune system.Cells that are designed to protect the body from bacteria and viruses enter the upper layer of the epidermis, where they produce substances that trigger the inflammatory process.Because of this, the skin cells divide rapidly and the affected area thickens.This theory is supported by an examination of psoriatic plaque, which reveals a large accumulation of immune cells.
2. The skin disease psoriasis is caused by impaired division and maturation of epithelial cells.As a result of this pathology, diseased skin cells are attacked by immune cells.

The development of psoriasis is influenced by a number of factors.The risk of disease increases if the body is affected by several of the following conditions at the same time.

• With dry and thin skin.Experts note that those with thick, oily and hydrated skin rarely suffer from psoriasis.This is due to the structural features of the epidermis and the protective functions of sebum.
• Excessive love of hygiene.The unjustified desire to constantly keep the body clean, the too frequent use of soap and towels injures the skin and reduces its protective properties.
• Bad habits.When smoking and drinking alcohol, the condition of the epidermis worsens: subcutaneous blood circulation and tissue nutrition are impaired.
• Negative factors from outside.According to statistics, skin diseases occur more often in those who regularly come into contact with detergents, household chemicals, alcohol solutions, etc.
• Medicines.Long-term use of certain drugs, for example, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, can cause symptoms of psoriasis.
• Infectious diseases.Often the pathology appears immediately after an illness caused by fungi or staphylococci.
• Climate change.It happens that for the development of psoriasis it is enough to move to another climate zone.
• Skin damage.Constantly wearing uncomfortable clothes with rough seams or poor-quality shoes, the habit of scratching the same area can lead to the appearance of the first symptoms of psoriasis.
• stress.Both psychological and physical (for example, prolonged hypothermia) shocks to the body can precede the onset of the disease.
• Severe eating disorders.The course of the disease can be complicated by the abuse of sweet foods, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, smoked meat and salty foods.
• Genetic predisposition.Is it possible to inherit psoriasis?According to scientists, the genes responsible for the activity of the immune system are carriers of the disease.That is why the disease is transmitted from parents to children.

Life of patients with psoriasis

Despite the fact that psoriasis is not a contagious disease and cannot be transmitted through physical contact with a patient, many patients are considered outcasts from society, which is why they experience serious psychological discomfort.

The biggest problem is the presence of rashes on the head, ears and face.  More than half of those affected constantly concentrate on their appearance and fear public condemnation and rejection by society, as psoriasis often resembles lichen.As the disease progresses, a person limits communication with people.Only a quarter of patients with psoriasis do not feel stressed about their own appearance.

The disease also causes severe physical discomfort.Constant itching and burning limit the patient's ability to work, interfere with proper rest, often cause insomnia and interfere with exercise.Psoriatic arthritis adds pain in the joints to the unpleasant symptoms.

Psychological anxiety combined with physical discomfort can provoke severe depression, and some patients even experience social phobia.Long-term and expensive treatment of the disease also negatively affects the patient, further debilitating and hindering his socialization.

Why is psoriasis dangerous?

In the initial stage, the disease causes a person discomfort associated with the manifestation of symptoms: itching, burning, peeling.

If psoriasis is not treated, it progresses to an advanced stage, which is dangerous for the health and even the life of the patient.

In many cases, the following dangerous complications develop:

• pathological changes in metabolic processes occur;
• cardiac function deteriorates, there is a risk of stroke, myocarditis;
• there are disturbances in the activity of the kidneys and liver;
• the joints are affected (most often the phalanges of the fingers, elbows, knees);
• the mucous membranes are affected: the eyes, the gastrointestinal tract, the bladder;
• as a result of severe psoriasis, the brain and nervous system are affected;
• potency may weaken in men;
• due to the spread of plaques on the skin, the respiratory function of the skin and the activity of the sweat and sebaceous glands are impaired;
• thermoregulation is disturbed, which leads to inflammation of the epidermis, and this can cause blood poisoning and, as a result, death.

A consequence of an aggravated disease can be erythroderma.

This complication occurs in only 2% of all patients.In the initial stage, it is characterized by the appearance of bright red lesions on the skin, reminiscent of burns.Over time, scales appear in such places, which peel off in large layers.The skin in this area becomes hot and very sensitive.Other symptoms also appear: a feeling of tension, constant itching, brittle nails, severe hair loss, enlarged lymph nodes.

If you find signs of psoriasis, you should immediately contact a dermatologist.The formulation of the diagnosis is based on an external examination of the skin and nails.Additional tests, as a rule, are not prescribed.If the patient complains of joint pain, X-rays and blood tests are done to rule out other types of arthritis.

Only a doctor can make the correct diagnosis and decide how to treat psoriasis.

Methods of treatment

It should be noted right away that psoriasis cannot be completely cured.

Winston Churchill also said: "I will raise a monument of pure gold to the one who can learn all about psoriasis and find an effective treatment for this disease."

External preparations

Whatever the causes of psoriasis, first of all, the doctor prescribes local drugs that help relieve the unpleasant symptoms.First, non-hormonal lotions, ointments, and creams that contain tar, oil, zinc, or medicinal herbs are used.In most cases, such drugs help to forget about the unpleasant signs of psoriasis after 3-4 weeks of use.

If non-hormonal ointments are ineffective, hormone-based psoriasis medications are used.They should be used strictly according to the prescription of a specialist, in no case exceeding the dosage and not increasing the course of treatment.With the help of hormonal ointments, you can quickly forget what it is - psoriasis, but there is a high risk of serious side effects.

Even the latest local drugs must be used in combination with other drugs.In addition to ointments, enterosorbents are prescribed, which will remove toxic substances from the tissues, and immunosuppressants designed to reduce the reaction of the immune system.Treatment is impossible without taking vitamin complexes, especially vitamins B, A, C, D.

Physiotherapy

These methods of treating psoriasis are widely used at every stage of the disease.Such procedures as baths, phototherapy and ultraviolet irradiation give excellent results.

New methods of treating the disease include cryotherapy, electrosleep, hirudotherapy and PUVA therapy.

In advanced forms of the disease, the use of ultraviolet light has a good effect.Thanks to this method, in just 20-30 procedures, damaged cells are destroyed, peeling is eliminated, damaged skin is restored and the immune system is normalized.Before the full procedure is performed, a test session is conducted, exposing a small part of the patient's body to the rays.If the skin reaction is normal, a full course is prescribed.In the summer, the patient is offered to continue the ultraviolet treatment under the natural rays of the sun.

Traditional medicine

Folk remedies for any type of psoriasis can be used only after consulting a doctor.

It is important to understand that severe psoriasis symptoms cannot be eliminated at home.

Traditional recipes only help to soften the scaly skin and temporarily relieve itching.The following products received the best reviews among patients.

tar:

• in the first days of the onset of the disease, apply tar to the affected areas with a cotton swab for 10 minutes, then wash with tar soap;
• on 4-5 days, increase the duration of the procedure to 40 minutes;
• the full course of treatment is 12 days;
• It is better to use tar before going to bed, as its smell disappears completely at night.

Jaundice:

• pass through a meat grinder several bushes of celandine, uprooted;
• Squeeze the juice from the resulting mass;
• lubricate any affected area of the body with juice;
• repeat the procedure until the external signs of the disease completely disappear.

Eggs and Vinegar:

• prepare the ointment by beating 2 eggs and 20 ml of vegetable oil;
• add 10 ml of acetic acid to the mass;
• Apply the resulting product to rashes and plaques every night;
• course of treatment: 3-4 weeks.

Herbs:

• 20 g of St. John's wort flowers, 20 g of yarrow root, 10 g of calendula flowers and 10 g of propolis are ground into a paste (it is better to do this in a clay pot);
• add 20 ml of vegetable oil to the medicinal herbs;
• The finished product is applied to the affected areas three times a day;
• You can stop the treatment as soon as the visible signs of the disease disappear.

Elderberry infusion:

• 10 g of elder leaves and flowers are poured with 0.5 l of boiled water;
• leave the infusion at room conditions for half an hour;
• take 80 ml of infusion every time the itching increases after a meal;
• course of treatment - 10 days.

diet

Whatever methods of psoriasis treatment are used, without following a special diet, it will not be possible to achieve a significant improvement.To adjust the diet, it is better to contact a specialist who will draw up a menu, taking into account the individual characteristics of a particular patient.To make sure that the record "psoriasis" no longer appears in the medical history, you need to know and follow the general rules for feeding patients.With this disease, the following should be excluded from the menu:

• any nuts;
• citrus fruits;
• smoked meats;
• spices;
• salinity;
• spicy dishes;
• fatty foods;
• alcohol;
• blue cheese.

If your medical history includes a diagnosis of psoriasis, you should make sure that your diet is balanced.Every day on the table should be foods that supply the body with all the necessary substances.

It is especially important to obtain fatty acids, which are contained in sufficient quantities in all types of fish.

Recommendations for the patient

In order to forget for a long time what disease tormented you, regardless of the type of psoriasis, observe the following important rules during and after treatment:

• use gentle skin care: wash with warm water and a neutral product, do not rub your body with a towel, but gently absorb it;
• give up the usual cosmetics for a while, avoid using products that are new to you;
• When doing housework, wear protective gloves;
• limiting contact with allergens;
• wear clothes and shoes made of natural fabrics without rough seams;
• drink at least 1.5 liters of clean water per day.

You should understand that it is impossible to completely cure psoriasis.However, if you choose the right means of combating this disease, you can get rid of its unpleasant symptoms and achieve a stable remission.

Keep your skin clean, pay attention to the smallest changes in its condition, and if you have suspicious symptoms, contact a specialist.Taking care of your own body will allow you to always stay healthy and beautiful.To keep up with interesting information and current news, subscribe to our articles and do not forget to share them with friends on social networks.See you again!

This article has exclusively educational, encyclopedic and informative functions.It is necessary to get your doctor's approval before using the tips and recommendations described in this article.You should not self-medicate!