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 inconvenience and suffering. Noticeable cosmetic defect worsens relationships with others, provokes the development of complexes.
The treatment of psoriasis requires an integrated approach. Untimely seeking medical help leads to serious consequences: the disease can be hereditary. Following the doctor's recommendations will alleviate the suffering, will reduce the manifestations of psoriasis.
Causes
Skin disease is of great interest to researchers. Doctors have only speculations, 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 occur? “
There are two theories:
- the first says: scaly lichen develops when the maturation of epidermal cells, their proliferation and differentiation is disturbed. Autoimmune processes play a secondary role;
- second hypothesis: the cause of skin lesions is a malfunction of the immune system. Problems with the normal functioning of epidermal cells are secondary.
Provoking factors:
- lack of vitamins and minerals in the body due to the small amount of vegetables and fruits in the menu;
- undermines nervous health due to frequent stress;
- strong drug abuse;
- metabolic disorders due to malnutrition;
- decreased immunity after infectious diseases.
Risk group:
- patients with hypertension;
- obese faces;
- diabetics;
- people who drink alcohol in excess;
- patients undergoing chemotherapy, corticosteroid therapy, strong antibiotics.
Symptoms and stages of the disease
Stages of psoriatic eruptions:
- initial stage. On the elbows, other areas, pink or reddish papules appear, covered with scales of heterogeneous structure. Over time, the rash occupies an increasing area, redness of the skin, swelling, itching;
- Most symptoms occur in people who are tired of drugs. In the risk group - persons who have suffered psycho-emotional trauma;
- The next stage is the emergence of the Kebner phenomenon. After scratching the body appear abrasions, wounds, bleeding. Gradually they merge, forming symmetrical lines and plaques. Nails are often affected;
- third stage. The rash becomes brighter, the plaques acquire clear outlines, the affected areas turn blue, itch, peel off;
- Symptoms gradually fade. First comes the peeling, after which the color of the epidermis is restored. The last stage is the resorption of infiltrates, improving the condition of the skin.
Is psoriasis contagious? Is it possible to get sick when you communicate, shake hands, play together, have sex? The answer is "No! " The nature of the pathology is different, there are no viruses or fungi on the skin. Do not push the patient with psoriasis away from you! It's hard for him now. Support the person morally.
Location locations:
- elbow joints. Relatively light form. Groups of plaques with well-defined borders appear symmetrically on both shoulders. Color - salmon or pink red;
- palms. The disease is characterized by keratinization of surfaces, peeling, severe itching;
- ears and scalp. Psoriatic eruptions appear on the inside and outside of the ears, on the head. In case of unexpected itching inside the ears, it is recommended to visit a dermatologist immediately;
- legs. Often plaques, redness, itching of the lower extremities appear simultaneously with rashes on the hands. Externally, the manifestations of the disease are similar;
- back. Scaly lichen affects different areas of the back. The rash takes the form of a tear. The rash often resembles ordinary plaques;
- face. In this area, rashes occur less frequently. On the eyebrows, in the area of the nasolabial folds, small papules appear near the eyes. In isolated cases, flaky formations are seen on the lips.
Diagnosis of the disease
A dermatologist or therapist can easily diagnose psoriasis by its characteristic features. A biopsy of the affected skin is sometimes required. The microscopic piece is sent for laboratory tests.
One drop method of blood chemoscanning is widely advertised. Special computer programs and a high-power electron microscope are used.
Experts recommend giving up the services of "doctors" who have no medical education. Quacks often use only this method to diagnose various diseases without engaging in further research.
Be sure to visit a dermatologist, therapist. An experienced doctor will tell you if you have psoriasis or not based on clinical signs.
Methods of treatment
How is psoriasis treated? Complex therapy will help to eliminate the unpleasant symptoms, to improve the patient's condition. In many cases, the treatment is long-term, with further action of provoking factors, relapses are possible.
Experts recommend using not only drugs but also folk recipes, diet, physiotherapy methods. The patient is required to strictly follow the doctor's prescriptions.
Medicines
Both topical and systemic drugs are used:
- antihistamines;
- sedatives;
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- ointments and gels for psoriasis.
Physiotherapy is effective:
- phototherapy;
- ultraviolet radiation;
- laser therapy;
- cryotherapy.
Nutrition for psoriasis
The patient is required to 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. The emphasis is on foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
Forbidden:
- spicy dishes; smoked products;
- alcohol;
- red, black pepper, other spices;
- coffee;
- hot drinks.
Not recommended:
- chocolate;
- sweets;
- whole milk;
- honey; citrus fruits;
- vegetables, red fruits.
Folk remedies and recipes
After consulting a dermatologist or therapist, add home remedies to your medications, physiotherapy treatments. Effective ointments, decoctions of medicinal herbs, lotions and baths will improve the condition, relieve itching, burning.
Treatment of psoriasis at home with folk remedies. Best recipes:
- baths with strings and sea salt.Prepare a decoction: per liter of water - 2 tbsp. l. turns. Pour 4 tablespoons into the tub. l. sea salt, pour the strained broth. The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes. Excellent soothing, drying agent;
- decoction of medicinal herbs.Boil in 0, 5 liters of water a teaspoon of nettle, burdock root, licorice and calamus, consistency. Boil for 5 minutes, leave to simmer. Wipe the affected areas with healing broth several times a day;
- dandelion root tea, nettle leaves, St. John's worttake orally. The drink perfectly cleanses the blood, increases immunity, soothes;
- herbal lotions.Take 4 tablespoons of celandine, add calendula, string, thyme, chamomile (all herbs will need 2 tbsp. ). Pour a liter of hot water, heat in a water bath. Gauze dipped in broth, apply to sore spots twice a day;
- homemade ointment.Combine fish oil, pine resin, aloe juice, olive oil, sulfur, birch tar in equal proportions. Add the same amount of celandine, super-herbs, pour a few drops of sea buckthorn oil. Allow to simmer, strain. Lubricate the affected areas every day. The tool soothes the skin, reduces itching, heals wounds;
- application of birch taron elbows, ears, other areas affected by the manifestations of scaly lichen gives a good effect;
- monastery tea for psoriasis.Medicinal drink with medicinal herbs will alleviate the course of the disease.
Skin psoriasis in children
Chronic disease occurs in infants and older children. Most cases of psoriasis occur in preschool and primary school children.
Symptoms:
- spots, blisters, red spots appear on the skin;
- gradually the rash becomes more, peeling appears;
- the body itches, the bark cracks, painful areas appear.
The main sites for localization of lesions:
- elbows;
- knees;
- legs, arms;
- psoriasis sometimes affects the nails.
Diagnosis is clear. The pronounced symptoms are difficult to confuse with the manifestations of other diseases.
Causes:
- stress;
- hormonal imbalance;
- colds;
- some drugs;
- genetic predisposition;
- respiratory diseases;
- abrupt climate change.
Healing:
- proper skin care; ascorbic acid;
- vitamin B12; ointments and gels;
- antihistamines.
Herbal baths with chamomile, yarrow, celandine, succession give a good effect. Soothing fees will help improve sleep. In severe cases, your doctor will prescribe sleeping pills.
Sometimes a child needs to be hospitalized to relieve acute symptoms. Don't give up the hospital. Drops, injections significantly alleviate the condition.
Tip!Do not prescribe powerful drugs yourself. Doctors try to use fewer drugs that have a toxic effect.
Preventive recommendations
There are no specific precautions to prevent this severe skin condition. For this reason, many people suffer from unpleasant symptoms for many years.
Sometimes psychological trauma is just as serious as occasional rashes and itching during exacerbations. Try to alleviate the course of the disease.
What else can you do:
- avoid hypothermia;
- maintain the room with optimal humidity;
- take good care of the epidermis;
- create a peaceful environment in the family;
- if necessary, change your job to avoid stressful situations and other harmful influences;
- do not injure your skin.
Remember- you're not alone in your problems. The diagnosis of psoriasis is recorded in the outpatient files 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 the recommendations of doctors. Try to prevent the ingestion of the disease.