Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that is difficult to treat.Psoriatic plaques appear on different parts of the body, causing the patient a lot of discomfort and suffering.A noticeable cosmetic defect worsens relations with others and provokes the development of complexes.
Treatment of psoriasis requires an integrated approach.Not seeking medical help in time leads to serious consequences: the disease can be inherited.Following the doctor's recommendations will relieve the suffering and reduce the manifestations of psoriasis.
reasons
Skin diseases are of increasing interest to researchers.Doctors only have guesses about the factors that can cause psoriasis.The most common cause of psoriasis is a genetic predisposition.However, dermatologists have not yet reached a consensus: "Why does psoriasis appear?"
There are two theories:
- the first says: the scaly type of lichen develops when the maturation of epidermal cells, their reproduction and differentiation is disturbed.Autoimmune processes play a secondary role;
- second hypothesis: the cause of skin lesions is a malfunction in the immune system.Problems with the normal functioning of epidermal cells are secondary.
Precipitating factors:
- lack of vitamins and minerals in the body due to the small amount of vegetables and fruits in the menu;
- impaired nervous health due to frequent stress;
- abuse of powerful drugs;
- metabolic disorders due to improper nutrition;
- reduced immunity after infectious diseases.
Risk group:
- hypertensive patients;
- obese persons;
- diabetics;
- people who drink alcohol in excess;
- patients who have undergone courses of chemotherapy, treatment with corticosteroids and strong antibiotics.
Symptoms and stages of the disease
Stages of psoriatic rashes:
- initial stage.On the elbows and other areas, pink or reddish papules, covered with scales with a heterogeneous structure, appear.Over time, the rash occupies an increasingly large area, redness of the skin, swelling and itching appear;
- Most of the symptoms appear in people whose organism is oversaturated with drugs.Persons who have suffered psycho-emotional trauma are at risk;
- the next stage is the appearance of the Köbner phenomenon.After scratching, abrasions, wounds and bleeding areas appear on the body.Gradually, they merge, symmetrical lines and plaques are formed.Nails are often affected;
- third stage.The rash becomes brighter, the plaques acquire clear outlines, the affected areas turn blue, itch and peel;
- symptoms fade gradually.First, peeling disappears, then the color of the epidermis is restored.The final stage is the resorption of the infiltrates, improving the condition of the skin.
Is psoriasis contagious?Is it possible to get sick when communicating, shaking hands, playing together or having sex?Answer: "No!"The nature of the pathology is different;there are no viruses or fungi on the skin.Don't alienate someone with psoriasis!It's hard for him now.Support the person morally.
locations:
- elbow joints.Relatively light form.Clusters of plaques with clearly defined borders appear symmetrically on both arms.Color – salmon or pink-red;
- palms.The disease is characterized by keratinization of the surfaces, peeling, severe itching;
- ears and scalp.Psoriatic rashes appear on the inside and outside of the ears and on the head.If unexpected itching occurs inside the ears, it is recommended to visit a dermatologist immediately;
- legs.Often plaques, redness and itching on the lower extremities appear at the same time as rashes on the hands.Outwardly, the manifestations of the disease are similar;
- back.Lichen squamous affects different areas of the back.The rash takes on a teardrop shape.Often the rashes look like simple plaques;
- person.Less commonly, rashes appear in this area.Small papules appear on the eyebrows, in the area of the nasolabial folds and near the eyes.In isolated cases, formations covered with scales are noticed on the lips.
Diagnosis of the disease
A dermatologist or therapist can easily diagnose psoriasis based on the characteristic symptoms.Sometimes a biopsy of the affected skin is needed.A microscopic piece is sent for laboratory examination.
The hemoscan method using a single drop of blood is widely advertised.Special computer programs and a powerful electron microscope are used.
Experts recommend refusing the services of "doctors" who have no medical education.Quacks often use only this method to diagnose various diseases without engaging in additional research.
Be sure to visit a dermatologist or therapist.An experienced doctor will tell you whether you have psoriasis or not based on the clinical signs.
Methods of treatment
How to treat psoriasis?Complex therapy will help eliminate unpleasant symptoms and improve the patient's condition.In many cases, treatment is long-term;with further exposure to provoking factors, relapses are possible.
Experts recommend using not only medicines, but also traditional recipes, dietary nutrition and physiotherapy methods.The patient is required to strictly follow the doctor's prescriptions.
medicines
Both local and systemic drugs are used:
- antihistamines;
- sedatives;
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- ointments and gels for psoriasis.
Physiotherapy procedures are effective:
- phototherapy;
- ultraviolet radiation;
- laser therapy;
- cryotherapy.
Nutrition for psoriasis
The patient must follow a hypoallergenic diet for psoriasis.It is necessary to consume as few foods as possible that cause a rush of blood to the affected skin.It is important to emphasize foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
Prohibited:
- spicy dishes;
- smoked meats;
- alcohol;
- red, black pepper, other spices;
- coffee;
- hot drinks.
Not recommended:
- chocolate;
- sweets;
- whole milk;
- copper;
- citrus fruits;
- vegetables, red fruits.
Folk remedies and recipes
After consulting a dermatologist or therapist, add home remedies to medications and physical therapy treatments.Effective ointments, decoctions of medicinal herbs, lotions and baths will improve the condition and relieve itching and burning.
Treatment of psoriasis at home with folk remedies.The best recipes:
- string and sea salt baths.A decoction is prepared: per liter of water - 2 tbsp.L. continuations.Pour into the bath 4 tbsp.l sea salt, pour the strained broth.The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes.Excellent soothing, drying agent;
- decoction of medicinal herbs.Steam one teaspoon each of nettle, burdock root, licorice and yarrow in 0.5 liters of water.Boil for 5 minutes, let it boil.Wipe the affected areas with medicinal decoction several times a day;
- tea of dandelion roots, nettle leaves, St. John's worttake internally.The drink perfectly cleans the blood, improves immunity and calms;
- herbal lotions.Take 4 tbsp.l. celandine, add calendula, string, motherwort, chamomile (you will need 2 tablespoons of all herbs).Pour in a liter of hot water and heat in a water bath.Put gauze soaked in the broth on the painful places twice a day;
- homemade ointment.Mix in equal proportions fish oil, pine resin, aloe juice, olive oil, sulfur and birch tar.Add the same amount of celandine, overcome the herbs, pour a few drops of sea buckthorn oil.Let it boil, strain.Lubricate the affected areas daily.The product soothes the skin, reduces itching, heals wounds;
- application of birch taron the elbows, ears and other areas affected by manifestations of scaly lichen, it gives a good effect;
- monastery tea for psoriasis.A medicinal drink prepared from medicinal herbs will alleviate the course of the disease.
Psoriasis of the skin in children
Chronic disease occurs in both infants and older children.Most cases of psoriasis are observed in children of preschool age and schoolchildren.
Symptoms:
- spots, blisters and red dots appear on the skin;
- Gradually, the number of rashes increases and peeling appears;
- the body itches, crusts crack and painful areas appear.
Main localizations of rashes:
- elbows;
- knees;
- legs, arms;
- Sometimes psoriasis affects the nails.
Diagnosis is not difficult.Expressed symptoms are difficult to confuse with manifestations of other diseases.
Reasons:
- stress;
- hormonal imbalance;
- colds;
- certain medications;
- genetic predisposition;
- respiratory diseases;
- sudden climate change.
Treatment:
- proper skin care;
- ascorbic acid;
- vitamin B12;
- ointments and gels;
- antihistamines.
A good effect is given by herbal baths with chamomile, yarrow, celandine and string.Sedatives will help you sleep better.In severe cases, the doctor will prescribe sleeping pills.
Sometimes the child needs to be hospitalized for relief of acute symptoms.Do not refuse hospitalization.Droppers and injections significantly relieve the condition.
advice!Do not self-prescribe strong drugs.Doctors try to use less drugs that have a toxic effect.
Preventive recommendations
There are no specific measures to prevent this severe skin disease.For this reason, many people suffer from unpleasant symptoms for many years.
Sometimes psychological trauma is no less serious than periodic rashes and itching during exacerbations.Try to alleviate the course of the disease.
What else can you do:
- avoid hypothermia;
- maintain optimal air humidity in the room;
- carefully cares for the epidermis;
- create a calm environment in the family;
- if necessary, change your work to avoid stressful situations and other harmful influences;
- do not allow injury to the skin.
Remember– you are not alone in your trouble.The diagnosis of psoriasis is recorded in the outpatient records of hundreds of thousands of people.Do not despair, even with such a serious illness you can live without losing hope for the future.Communicate, seek support from loved ones, follow doctors' recommendations.Try not to let the disease consume you.