Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that is difficult to treat.Psoriasis plaques appear on different parts of the body, causing a lot of discomfort and suffering to the patient.A noticeable cosmetic defect worsens relations with others and provokes the development of complexes.
Treatment of psoriasis requires an integrated approach.Failure to seek medical help in time has serious consequences: the disease can be inherited.Following the doctor's recommendations relieves suffering and reduces the manifestations of psoriasis.
Reasons
Skin diseases are showing increasing interest among researchers.Doctors only have assumptions about the factors that 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: scaly lichen develops when the maturation, reproduction and differentiation of epidermal cells are impaired.Autoimmune processes play a minor role;
- second hypothesis: the cause of the skin changes is a malfunction of the immune system.Problems with the normal functioning of epidermal cells are secondary.
Provocative factors:
- lack of vitamins and minerals in the body due to the small amount of vegetables and fruits on the menu;
- nervous system health due to frequent stress;
- abuse of strong drugs;
- metabolic disorders due to improper nutrition;
- reduced immunity after infectious diseases.
Risk group:
- hypertensive patients;
- obese persons;
- diabetics;
- people who drink alcohol excessively;
- patients who have undergone chemotherapy treatment, corticosteroid treatment and strong antibiotic treatment.
Symptoms and stages of the disease
Stages of psoriasis rashes:
- in the initial stage.Pink or reddish papules appear on the elbows and other areas covered with scales of a heterogeneous structure.Over time, the rashes occupy an increasingly large area, redness appears, swelling and itching develop;
- Most symptoms occur in people whose bodies are oversaturated with drugs.Persons who have suffered psycho-emotional trauma are at risk;
- the next stage is the appearance of the Koebner phenomenon.After scratching, bruises, wounds, and bleeding areas appear on the body.They gradually merge, symmetrical lines and plaques are formed.Nails are often affected;
- third stage.Rashes become lighter, plaques take on clear outlines, affected areas turn blue, itch and peel;
- relief of symptoms occurs gradually.First, peeling stops, and then the color of the epidermis is restored.The last stage is the absorption of infiltrates, improving the condition of the skin.
Is psoriasis contagious?Is it possible to get sick during communication, holding 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 already hard for him.Support the person morally.
Locations:
- elbow joints.A relatively mild form.Groups of plaques with well-defined borders appear symmetrically on both arms.Color - salmon or pinkish-red;
- palm.The disease is characterized by keratinization of the surfaces, peeling, severe itching;
- ear and scalp.Psoriatic rashes appear on the inside and outside of the ears and on the head.If unexpected itching occurs in the ear, it is recommended to see a dermatologist immediately;
- legs.Plaques, redness and itching often appear on the lower extremities at the same time as the rash on the arms.Outwardly, the manifestations of the disease are similar;
- back.Lichen squamosus affects different areas of the back.The rash takes the form of a droplet.Rashes often resemble regular plaques;
- face.Rashes appear less often in this area.Small papules appear on the eyebrows, in the area of nasolabial folds and near the eyes.In isolated cases, formations covered with scales can be observed on the lips.
Diagnosis of the disease
A dermatologist or therapist can easily diagnose psoriasis based on its characteristic symptoms.Sometimes a biopsy of the affected skin is needed.A microscopic piece is sent for laboratory testing.
The hemoscanning method using a drop of blood is widely advertised.They use special computer programs and a high-powered electron microscope.
Experts recommend refusing the services of "doctors" who do not have a medical degree.Charlatans often use only this method to diagnose various diseases, without engaging in further research.
Be sure to see a dermatologist or therapist.An experienced doctor will tell you whether you have psoriasis or not based on the clinical symptoms.
Treatment methods
How can psoriasis be cured?Complex therapy helps 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 physical therapy methods.The patient must strictly follow the doctor's instructions.
Medicines
Both local and systemic drugs are used:
- antihistamines;
- sedatives;
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- ointments and gels for psoriasis.
Physiotherapy treatments are effective:
- light therapy;
- ultraviolet radiation;
- laser therapy;
- cryotherapy.
Nutrition for psoriasis
The patient must follow a hypoallergenic diet in psoriasis.Foods that involve blood on the affected skin should be consumed as little as possible.It is important to focus on foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
banned:
- spicy foods;
- smoked meats;
- alcohol;
- red, black pepper, other spices;
- coffee;
- hot drinks.
Not recommended:
- chocolate;
- sweetness;
- whole milk;
- honey;
- citrus fruits;
- vegetables, red fruits.
Folk remedies and recipes
After consulting with a dermatologist or therapist, add home remedies to medications and physical therapy treatments.Effective ointments, herbal decoctions, lotions and baths improve the condition, relieve itching and burning.
Treatment of psoriasis at home with folk remedies.The best recipes:
- baths with string and sea salt.To make a decoction: per liter of water - 2 tablespoons.l.successions.Pour 4 tablespoons into the bath.l.sea salt, add the strained broth.The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes.Excellent sedative, drying agent;
- decoction of herbs.Boil a teaspoon each of nettle, burdock root, licorice root and kalmus in 0.5 liters of water.Boil for 5 minutes, let it boil.Wipe the affected areas with a healing potion several times a day;
- tea made from dandelion root, nettle leaves, St. John's worttake internally.The drink perfectly cleans the blood, improves immunity and calms you down;
- herbal lotions.Take 4 tbsp.l.celandine, add calendula, string, motherwort, chamomile (you will need 2 tablespoons of each herb).Fill it with a liter of hot water and heat it in a water bath.Apply gauze soaked in broth to painful areas twice a day;
- homemade ointment.Mix fish oil, pine resin, aloe juice, olive oil, sulfur and birch tar in equal proportions.Add the same amount of celandine, beat the herbs, pour a few drops of sea buckthorn oil.Let it boil, filter.Lubricate the affected areas daily.The product soothes the skin, reduces itching, heals wounds;
- application of birch tarit has a good effect on the elbows, ears and other areas affected by the manifestations of scaly lichen;
- monastery tea for psoriasis.Medicinal drink made from herbs eases 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 among preschool and primary school children.
Symptoms:
- spots, blisters and red dots appear on the skin;
- The number of rashes gradually increases and peeling appears;
- the body itches, the bark cracks, painful areas appear.
The main locations of the rash:
- elbows;
- knee;
- 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;
- cold;
- some medications;
- genetic predisposition;
- respiratory diseases;
- sudden climate change.
Treatment:
- proper skin care;
- ascorbic acid;
- vitamin B12;
- Ointments and gels;
- antihistamines.
Baths with chamomile, yarrow, celandine, and fennel herbs have a good effect.Sedatives improve sleep.In severe cases, the doctor prescribes a sleeping pill.
Sometimes the child needs to be hospitalized to relieve acute symptoms.Don't give up on hospital treatment.Drops and injections significantly alleviate the condition.
Advice!Do not prescribe yourself strong medicines.Doctors try to use less toxic drugs.
Preventive recommendations
There are no special measures to prevent this serious skin disease.Because of this, many people suffer from unpleasant symptoms for 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 you can do:
- avoid hypothermia;
- maintaining optimal humidity in the room;
- take good care of the epidermis;
- create a calm environment in the family;
- if necessary, change jobs in order to avoid stressful situations and other harmful effects;
- do not allow skin damage.
Remember- you are not alone with your problem.The diagnosis of psoriasis is recorded in the outpatient records of hundreds of thousands of people.Do not despair, you can live even with such a serious disease without losing hope for the future.Communicate, ask for support from loved ones, follow the recommendations of doctors.Try not to let the disease consume you.