Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious skin disease. This disease is recurrent. Very rarely, psoriasis can affect the joints, nails and mucous membranes. People of all ages are susceptible to psoriatic disease. According to statistics, there was a tendency for the development of the disease during childhood.
Psoriasis is absolutely not a contagious disease of a chronic nature. Most dermatologists tend to believe that psoriasis is a systemic disease. In their opinion, the disease affects not only a specific area of the skin, but also leads to the pathological process in almost all systems of the body (endocrine, immune, nervous).
From the outside, it may appear that psoriasis is a mild disease. But in reality, this is far from the case. The disease is dangerous. Deaths are known in dermatology. With untimely or incorrect treatment, psoriasis affects the whole body, which leads to serious complications. For example:
- psoriatic arthritis
- swollen lymph nodes
- conjunctivitis
- mucosal damage
- flattening and damage to the nail plates
- spontaneous pain
- amyotrophy
- rarely - heart damage
Usually, psoriasis does not interfere with a sick person's usual rhythm of life. The only downside is the peeling and inflammation of the skin. Unfortunately, it is impossible to recover from this disease, but it is quite possible to suspend its development or prevent the occurrence of relapses. To do this, it is enough to fulfill all the doctor's prescriptions and undergo systematic treatment in a hospital.
Causes of psoriasis
There is no specific cause for the onset of the disease. There are many factors that can lead to the development of psoriasis. There is no unequivocal opinion on one reason or another in dermatology. There are many versions. Most dermatologists believe that the disease has a genetic predisposition. It is impossible to unequivocally state or deny that heredity is the main reason. There are cases where the whole family had psoriasis.
In other words, we can say this: If a mother has psoriasis, it is not necessary that her offspring definitely show signs of this disease. But it is also impossible to rule out a genetic predisposition. For example, if a grandmother suffers from this condition, the grandchildren may never be diagnosed with psoriasis. The question of the causes of the development of the disease at the gene level remains open to this day.
The next factor, which many dermatologists believe can cause psoriasis to develop, is a disease of the endocrine system. For example, adrenal dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, pituitary dysfunction. The percentage of signs of psoriatic disease in people with pathologies of the endocrine system is quite high. Therefore, the link between the diseases exists and is proven by many examples.
In addition to the above reasons, there are many endogenous factors. For example:
- Reported diseases of an infectious nature, for example, tonsillitis. According to statistics, 17% of patients surveyed believe that psoriasis is a consequence of complications of angina pectoris.
- Chronic infectious pathological processes, such as laryngitis or tonsillitis, can also cause psoriatic disease.
- Long-term use of certain drugs: interferons, NSAIDs, beta-blockers and others.
- As strange as it may sound, pregnancy can also lead to the development of psoriasis. In a woman's body, significant hormonal changes occur, which often trigger a dormant pathological process in the body.
- It is impossible to exclude the negative effect on the human body from excessive consumption of ultraviolet rays, that is, from prolonged exposure to the scorching sun or frequent visits to the solarium.
Of course, in addition to endogenous factors, there are a number of exogenous causes. For example, skin diseases (dermatitis, mycosis, pyoderma), mechanical damage to the integrity of the skin, allergic dermatitis.
Interesting fact. Psoriasis is significantly more common in people with HIV than in healthy people. It is important to note that women are more susceptible to psoriatic diseases than the male population. Another predisposing factor is dry, thinned and sensitive skin.
You should know that if a person has disorders of the immune system, this pathology often causes psoriasis. Immune disorders and psoriatic disease are closely linked.
There are a large number of reasons leading to psoriasis, but there is not one that would completely lead to the development of the disease.
Types and forms of psoriasis
Psoriasis is a multifaceted disease. According to statistics, people usually suffer from one form of psoriasis at a time. But there are cases when a person has had several forms of psoriasis at the same time. Quite often in dermatological practice, and in such cases, when one form of psoriasis smoothly passes into another. Such a "rebirth", as a rule, leads to an abrupt cessation of prescribed treatment.
In dermatology, there are two main groups of types of psoriasis: non-pustular and pustular.
Pustular forms- Barbera psoriasis, psoriasis of the soles of the feet and palms (see photo), Tsumbusha psoriasis, annular pustulosis. This form of psoriasis is classically divided into generalized and localized. The latest pustular psoriasis can occur on any area of the skin. There are cases when pustules form on the plaques of psoriasis vulgaris.
As an example of an independent disease, you can consider Allopo acrodermatitis. As a rule, this disease is characterized by lesions of pustules and crusts of the distal phalanges of the fingers and toes. Another example of a disease independent of a localized form of psoriasis is pustular psoriasis of the soles of the feet and palms. It is important to note that some dermatologists tend to believe that this disease is a form of pustular bactericide.
Generalized pustular psoriasis includes:
- impetigo herpetiformis,
- Tsumbusha psoriasis,
- generalized exanthemic psoriasis.
Typically, men aged 15 to 35 suffer from Tsumbush psoriasis. This disease is much less common in women.
Exanthemous pustular psoriasis occurs suddenly (suddenly) and acutely. In most cases, there is a close relationship with other infectious diseases, such as tonsillitis. The rash is localized mainly on the trunk. More often children, adolescents are susceptible to the disease, less often adults.
Impetigo herpetiformis is a serious disease that can lead to death. As a rule, this disease is characteristic of pregnant women, more often in the second trimester. But in dermatological practice there are still extremely rare cases of the disease in men, non-pregnant women and children.
Non-pustular psoriasis. . . In other words, we can say simple psoriasis. This form of the disease differs from others in a stable course. For the non-pustular form of psoriasis, almost the entire surface of the body is affected. This type includes:
- erythrodermic psoriasis
- vulgar, or ordinary, psoriasis or plaque.
Ordinary psoriasis occurs quite often, up to 90% of patients with psoriasis are patients with the common form of this disease.
Psoriatic erythroderma is a serious disease that often leads to a fatal outcome - the death of the patient. With the disease, there is a violation of the function of thermoregulation, as well as a decrease in the barrier function of the skin. These pathologies lead to pyoderma or sepsis.
Classification and symptoms of psoriasis
There is no single classification of psoriasis generally accepted by dermatologists. There is still debate on how to classify this skin disease. Some sources have their own list of forms of psoriasis. The most common classification of the disease:
- Guttate psoriasis
- Pustular psoriasis
- Psoriatic onychia
- Psoriasis of the mucous membranes
- Exudative psoriasis
- Psoriasis of the soles of the feet and palms
- Arthropathic psoriasis
- Intertriginous psoriasis
- Psoriatic erythroderma
- Seborrheic psoriasis
- Vulgar psoriasis
- Pustular bacteria
- Tsumbusha psoriasis
Arthropathic psoriasisis initially almost asymptomatic. Sometimes patients only notice a slight pain in the joints. Over time, the pain intensifies, becomes sharp and sharp. The affected joints become swollen. If the disease is not treated, the joints are deformed and their mobility is limited. Typically, arthropathic psoriasis is often accompanied by rheumatoid-like pain. In winter, there is an aggravation of the disease, that is, seasonality is characteristic of such psoriasis.
Pustular psoriasis. . . This is not common, only 1% of the total mass of patients with psoriasis falls on this type of disease. In most cases, the rash is symmetrical and localized on the soles of the feet and palms. Pustular psoriasis is generalized and localized. This last form is more common than the previous one. Generalized pustular psoriasis is difficult. In dermatology, cases of death due to sepsis and severe intoxication of the body are common.
Psoriatic erythroderma. . . Severe psoriasis resulting from an exacerbation of pre-existing psoriasis. This disease can be both the consequence of an exacerbation of the underlying disease, and the first time it appeared. Secondary erythrodermic psoriasis develops, as a rule, in 2% of people with this disease.
Very often this disease occurs spontaneously, but cases of psoriasis resulting from improper and irritating treatment of dermatosis in the acute period of the disease are not excluded. Patients note an increase in pathological foci of desquamation, an increase in temperature and dehydration is detected. In dermatological practice, there have been cases of death in psoriatic erythroderma.
Guttate psoriasis- the second most common disease among all forms of psoriasis, children and adolescents suffer from it more often. It is characterized by the appearance on the skin of a large number of dry, purple and small elements that rise slightly above the surface of unaffected skin. The rash appears as a drop, circle, or tear. As a rule, the elements cover the entire human body, but most "densely" are localized on the thighs. In most cases, the onset of teardrop-shaped psoriasis is caused by a strep infection. For example, strep throat, strep throat.
Psoriatic onychia. . . This disease is characterized by various changes in the appearance of the nail plate, both on the hands and feet. First of all, the nail color changes, sometimes the entire nail bed. The nail turns gray, yellow or whitens. Dots or small spots appear on the nails, and sometimes even under the nail plate itself. The nail plate thickens, streaks and brittleness appear. Another clinical manifestation of the disease is the thickening of the skin around the nail bed. The difficult result of psoriatic onychia is the spontaneous loss of the nail.
Psoriasis of the mucous membranes- is a type of pustular psoriasis or vulgar psoriasis. Most often the mucous membrane of the cheeks, tongue and lips is affected, less often the mucous membrane of the genitals and eyes. With the pustular form of psoriasis, the rashes are more extensive, a large area of the mucous membrane is affected, and geographic glossitis is noted. In ordinary psoriasis, flat white-grayish papules with clear boundaries appear on the mucous membranes, dominating the unaffected surface.
Psoriasis of the soles of the feet and palms. . . This disease is a form of localized pustular psoriasis. As a rule, this form is chronic and recurrent. In dermatology, there are cases where Barbera psoriasis proceeded to plaque psoriasis at the same time. Pustules appear on the inner surface of the hands and / or feet. Over time and under the influence of medical therapy, the vesicles-pustules dry out. Then these dried elements form dense brownish crusts.
Intertrigue psoriasis. . . This disease is characterized by the appearance of rashes mainly in the large folds of the skin. For example, intergluteal, folds between the fingers, crease in the groin, armpits and area under the mammary gland. Intertrigue psoriasis is more common in patients with diabetes mellitus, VSD (vegetative-vascular dystonia), obesity, who do not follow simple rules of hygiene.
Erythematous-papular edematous foci, erosive and oozing, form in the folds. An important feature of the elements of this disease is that the detachment of the stratum corneum is pronounced along the periphery. Intertrigue psoriasis is very similar to epidermophytosis, candidiasis or rubromycosis. It is important to note that the clinical picture of candidiasis or dermatomycosis is much clearer and sharper than that of psoriasis.
Seborrheic psoriasis. . . In terms of symptoms, seborrheic psoriasis is very similar to seborrheic eczema. As a rule, the psoriatic rash has the same location as the elements with seborrheic eczema. It can be:
- nasolabial folds
- scalp
- Headsets
- chest area
- interscapular region
With seborrheic psoriasis, areas of the head appear on which severe peeling of the skin is noted. An important feature of this disease is the formation of a kind of psoriatic crown. The skin lesion occurs from the forehead and spreads smoothly to the scalp, so the crown contours appear so simple. It should be noted that dandruff is a red flag that "speaks" of the development of seborrheic psoriasis.
As a rule, behind the atrium, red eczema is formed, and purulent crusts are often layered. For rashes with localization on the chest and face, grayish-yellow scales are characteristic. A psoriatic rash is always severe itching. It is important to note that seborrheic psoriasis is difficult to diagnose because it is often confused with seborrhea.
Exudative psoriasis. . . This type of psoriasis is more common in children and the elderly. A fairly high risk of developing this disease in patients with disorders of the endocrine and immune system. Exudative psoriasis often affects the healthy skin of people who are overweight or have diabetes.
This disease is characterized by an excessive accumulation of exudate in the papule, which gradually rises to its surface, forming yellowish crusts. If the scabs are removed, an oozing and bleeding surface is exposed. The scales dry out over time and overlap, forming a rather dense and massive conglomerate.
The main feature of exudative psoriasis is a clear localization of pathological foci. As a rule, the lower extremities and the major folds are the most affected. The rash gives a person the strongest itching and burning sensation. The clinical picture of this disease is sharp and acute.
Vulgar psoriasis. . . It has different names in different sources. For example, plate, ordinary, simple. This type of psoriasis ranks first in terms of prevalence - in almost 90% of patients with psoriasis this type is observed. The disease usually begins quite acutely. The first symptoms appear almost immediately.
Psoriasis vulgaris is characterized by the appearance of typical elements that rise slightly above unaffected areas of the skin. The rash is inflamed, red, and warm to the touch. The elements are thickened, covered with a silvery white, scaly and dry film (skin) which peels off easily.
You should know that the gray crusts are easily removed, which damages the lower layer of the papule, which is equipped with many small vessels. This usually results in a slight clearance. Lesions affected in dermatology are called psoriatic plaques.
Such plates tend to merge, which leads to their increase in size. Over time, plaques of plaque form, which have a special name - "paraffin lakes". Psoriatic rashes associated with regular psoriasis are very scaly. Treatment is long term, requiring hospital treatment.
Pustular bacteria. . . According to statistics, this disease occurs mainly in young people (from the age of 20) and the middle (up to 50 years). The exact etiology of the pustular bactericide has not been established. It is assumed that the disease develops against the background of a strong and prolonged allergy associated with infectious foci. For example, carious teeth, tonsillitis or tonsillitis.
Psoriatic rashes affect the skin of the palms and soles of the feet. The pustular bacteria is chronic, recurrent. The first foci appear, if on the palms, then in the center, if on the sole, then on the arch. Primary psoriatic elements are small, no larger than the size of the head of a pin. Over time, the pustules dry out and form lamellar crusts. Patients experience severe itching and pain in the affected areas.
A paroxysmal course of the disease is characteristic of a pustular bactericide. At the same time, inflammation occurs in all areas affected by psoriasis. Gradually, psoriatic foci increase, and after several weeks almost the entire surface of the palms or soles is involved in the pathological process. As a rule, the pustular bacteria lasts for years and with constant relapses.
Nutrition for psoriasis
Patients with psoriasis simply need to eat a diet and adhere to the basics of good nutrition. The main task of the diet is to maintain a normal acid-base balance. But it is important to note that the alkaline background of the body should slightly prevail over the acidic background.
Naturally, the body's balance depends on the foods that psoriasis patients consume on a daily basis. It is important to know for each person suffering from this disease that 70% of the daily diet should be represented by products that form an alkali in the body. For the formation of acid - not more than 30%. In simpler terms, it is possible to say this: products that produce alkalis should be consumed 4 times more than acidifying products.
List of products that form alkali in the body:
- All vegetables except rhubarb, pumpkin and Brussels sprouts. It is important to remember that potatoes, peppers, eggplants and tomatoes are strictly prohibited.
- Fruits should not be excluded. The main thing is not to use prunes, cranberries, black currants and blueberries. It should be noted that bananas, melons and apples should not be eaten at the same time with other foods.
- Be sure to drink fresh vegetable juices of carrots, beets, parsley, celery, and spinach.
- Grape, pineapple, pear, orange, papaya and grapefruit, mango, lemon and apricot fruit juices can be consumed daily. It is important to add lemon juice to your food.
The list of foods that patients with psoriasis are prohibited from eating (acid form):
- You should completely eliminate or minimize the consumption of foods containing starch, fats, sugars and oils. Typically, these include the following foods: potatoes, beans, cream, cheese, cereals, meat, dry peas. An unbalanced daily intake of these products inevitably leads to the initiation of acid reactions in the blood. The result is a deterioration in well-being.
- It is important to balance your food properly. It is forbidden to consume a certain number of foods at the same time. For example, meat products containing foods with a large amount of sugars and sweets and starch should not be combined.
- It is important to limit your sugar intake. Preservatives, vinegar, colors and various food additives should be included in the diet as little as possible.
- The main point is that it is necessary to completely exclude the consumption of alcohol and alcoholic beverages.
Every patient with psoriasis should remember that eating well is an important condition in the treatment of this disease. It is imperative to replace frying with stew or boil. It is necessary to eat food that is subjected to gentle processing.
Psoriasis treatment
Treatment of psoriasis should take place during an exacerbation in a hospital setting, and on an outpatient basis - during remission. Diet is an important point of treatment. Fasting days are helpful.
In addition to specialized diets and treatments, it is important to carefully monitor skin hygiene. For washing, it is better to use tar soap, you can also use baby soap. You should, as often as possible, take baths with a decoction of celandine, tricolor violet or hops.
If there are no contraindications, you can try to treat psoriasis and folk remedies. Don't experiment and don't heal yourself. Only a doctor has the right to say which folk remedy is useful and necessary.
List of safe and effective ointments for psoriasis:
- A packet of butter (but not spread) should be placed in a saucepan with crushed propolis (10 g). Put on the fire and cook after boiling for 15 minutes. After - it is necessary to filter the mixture well and allow it to cool. Store this medication only in the refrigerator. Method of application - rub on the affected area several times a day.
- In a clay dish it is necessary to grind fresh flowers of St. John's Wort (20 g), celandine, propolis, calendula flowers (10 g). Vegetable oil is added to the resulting mixture. Store in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Method of application - carefully lubricate psoriatic rashes 3 times a day.
- In a liter of white wine for half an hour, boil the gallbladder and scales of sea fish, the weight of which exceeds three kilograms, on a fairly low flame. Let cool, strain, then add a glass of olive oil. Method of application - thoroughly wash the affected areas with egg soap and wipe dry. After that, lubricate the elements with this mixture. Treatment lasts until the drug is used up.
- Mix equal parts celandine powder and petrolatum (by weight) thoroughly. Method of application - the ointment is laid out in a thin layer on the rash and left for up to three days. After that you need to take a short break, about 4 days. Treat until psoriasis is completely gone.
- A tablespoon of vegetable oil is added to the homemade beaten eggs (2 pieces). The mixture is whipped again, after which acetic acid (40 g) is introduced. Store the ointment in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Method of application - treat psoriatic rashes once a day, preferably at night.
- An equally effective and common remedy for the treatment of psoriasis is healing mud. The mud should be warmed to 38 degrees and applied to the affected skin. This procedure should be done in the evening, preferably before bedtime. After 30 minutes, the dirt is removed with lukewarm water. It is important to remember that after dirtying, all rashes should be treated with saline solution. The body should dry out and the excess salt should fall off. Without washing and moisturizing the skin, you have to go to bed. And only in the morning lubricate the psoriatic elements with cream. The recommended course is 20 procedures (every other day).
Whichever popular psoriasis treatment method is chosen, it should be negotiated with the attending dermatologist.