psoriasis

It has to be said that the pain caused by psoriasis is underestimated by others. According to scientists, psoriasis has as negative an impact on quality of life as chronic heart failure and chronic lung disease.This disease does not directly kill people, but it greatly ruins people's lives.Let’s talk about psoriasis.It’s a chronic skin inflammatory process that modern medicine classifies as autoimmune, meaning it’s related to allergies in your own tissues.Psoriasis is one of the most common skin diseases, affecting 1-2% of the population in developed countries.Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red, scaly patches covered with silvery scales that cause itching. Psoriasis usually appears between the ages of 20 and 30 and is often hereditary.This pathology is not an infectious disease. In addition to physical pain, even mild cases of psoriasis can cause serious psychological problems: low self-esteem, shame, and social isolation. It is impossible to die from psoriasis, but the impact of this disease on human life is very serious.

causes of psoriasis

The cause of psoriasis is not completely determined. The mechanism of the disease is related to the disruption of skin cell division, which in turn triggers an immune system response. This reaction is one of autoimmune because it occurs in response to a malfunction of the body itself rather than in response to the penetration of an external threat.

Is psoriasis contagious?

Psoriasis is not contagious, and it is foolish and cruel to be afraid of shaking hands with someone who has it.As mentioned before, psoriasis is not an infectious disease; many studies suggest it is an autoimmune disease. In psoriasis, it is thought that immune T cells, which are supposed to attack foreign organisms, mistakenly attack healthy skin cells. This results in thickening of its upper epidermis and an inflammatory process that penetrates deep into the dermis.The autoimmune theory of the origin of psoriasis has its place, but the autoantigen that should trigger this process has not yet been found, that is, the i has not been clicked yet.However, it's clear: You can't get psoriasis - you can get it.

Is psoriasis hereditary?

Like rosacea, psoriasis is often hereditary. The heredity of psoriasis has been confirmed, that is, the incidence is higher in families where psoriasis has been diagnosed; in addition, the concentration of incidence in twins is also higher than in other groups.But heredity needs to be awakened. This is caused by motivating factors:

• psychological trauma and chronic stress conditions;
• past infectious diseases;
• skin damage;
• some medications;
• hormonal changes in the body;
• Allergies (e. g. citrus fruits, eggs, chocolate can aggravate the condition);
• alcohol poisoning;
• Even climate change.

Symptoms of psoriasis

The first symptom of psoriasis: a rash that appears as bright pink patches with a flaky surface. The plaques are single, elevated above the level of healthy skin, and are located in the elbows and popliteal fossae.Most commonly, psoriasis plaques appear on the skin of the knees, elbows, chest, abdomen, back, and scalp, but as the disease progresses, they can appear in any other most unexpected place on the skin.At the beginning, the papules are small - 3-5 mm and bright pink in color. They gradually grow larger and are covered with silvery scales, then coalesce into larger structures called plaques.Fresh parts of pimples are often brightly colored, even red, while "old" pimples are more faded in color. In the early stages of psoriasis, the edges of the papules will not fall off. They represent engorged borders - growing corollasThe hallmark of psoriasis is the Auspitz triad. This triad can be observed when the surface of the papule is scratched with a sharp object. It includes three phenomena:

• Stearic stain phenomenon - a large number of silver-white scales are layered and easily separated when scratched;
• Symptoms of psoriatic lamellae are an oozing surface composed of stratum spinosum, which opens after exfoliation of the underlying layer of keratin laminae;
• "Blood dew" phenomenon - after the psoriasis membrane falls off, the surface capillaries are exposed in the form of small blood spots

stages of psoriasis

The main components of psoriasisIt is a single pink or red papule covered with a large number of loose silvery white scales.Psoriasis develops quite slowly; the increase in the number of plaques and their growth can be observed over months or years. In a small proportion of patients, the disease may become more severe. Often this is preceded by severe mental stress or a serious illness requiring extensive medication. In this case, the papules are not pale pink, but bright red, with obvious signs of inflammation, swelling, and causing itching.second stagePsoriasis is characterized by more widespread skin lesions. New pimples appear and new plaques form in the scratched areas. As a result of growth, new growth merges with existing growth. The plaques affect symmetrical limbs and create similar patterns and lines.The third stageSlowed growth, mainly changes in the structure of the rash. The line between healthy skin and affected skin becomes clearer. The plaques appear blue and begin to fall off actively. If left untreated, they can thicken, sometimes forming papillary nevus (brown) and wart-like growths (flesh-colored).There is another stage -disease subsides, the symptoms gradually disappear at this time. The peeling disappears, the definition of borders disappears, the skin normalizes and returns to its original state.

Types of psoriasis

• Patchy psoriasis appears as pale pink, weakly infiltrated spots. Reminds me of toxoderma.
• Irritant psoriasis - occurs due to exposure of the skin to aggressive environmental factors (sunlight, cold, heat) and irritating medications. The plaques become more intense in color, increase in size, rise higher than the surface of the skin, and form red bands along the edges.
• Seborrheic psoriasis - usually occurs in people with seborrheic disease. The clinical manifestations are very similar to seborrheic eczema.
• Exudative psoriasis is common. Occurs due to excessive secretion of inflammatory fluid - exudate. It saturates scale clusters, turning them into scaly shells.
• Psoriasis on the palms and soles of the feet appears either as common plaques and papules or as hyperkeratosis formation similar to calluses and calluses.
• Follicular psoriasis is quite rare. The rash consists of white miliary nodules with a funnel-shaped depression in the center.
• Mucosal psoriasis is also rare. Occurs on the mucous membranes of the mouth and bladder. Appears as a gray-white area with a red border

Depending on the seasonality of exacerbations, several types of psoriasis can be distinguished:

• Summer - aggravation of the condition due to exposure of the skin to the sun;
• Winter - occurs due to extreme cold affecting the skin.

Non-seasonal psoriasis has no remission period and occurs year-round.By affected skin area:

• Localized psoriasis – accounts for less than 20% of the body’s skin;
• Common - more than 20%;
• Systemic - the entire skin is affected.

In fact, there are multiple subtypes of the disease, and sometimes a patient will have two or three subtypes at the same time. Most commonly (80-90% of cases) plaque psoriasis occurs.Thirty percent of patients have psoriatic arthritis, an inflamed joint with external manifestations, and 10% have teardrop disease.Other, rarer subtypes are also known. All of these symptoms manifest themselves as a specific rash and itching that can occur anywhere on the body, and is sometimes very painful. But there is good news: According to statistics, in 80% of cases, psoriasis is mild, with skin lesions covering less than 3% of the body surface.

forms of psoriasis

1. Pustular psoriasis. It is characterized by the presence of plaques with cortical scales and filled with exudate. If the skin is damaged due to scratching or self-injury in the folds of the body, the rash becomes moist. They can cause itching and burning and cause physical discomfort. This type of disease is more common in people who are overweight, have hypothyroidism, and have diabetes.
2. Pustular (systemic) form. It has a classic developmental pattern, starting from a single vesicle and developing into a plaque. The lesions are symmetrical and can affect any part of the body. The severe course of this form of psoriasis is characterized by the development of intraepidermal pustules. They can combine to form a "festering lake". Pustules do not open on their own because they are protected on the outside by a dense brown crust.
3. Arthropathic forms. In the most severe form of psoriasis, changes affect the small joints first and then the larger joints, including the spine. This is expressed through pain symptoms and their deformations. There may be joint fusion and loss of mobility. Against the background of this form of psoriasis, other conditions appear: ankylosis, osteoporosis, which can lead to disability.

complication

Many people know what psoriasis looks like, but the disease has many complications beyond its external manifestations. They manifest themselves as decreased skin function, disturbances in temperature regulation and water-salt balance. The protective function against various bacteria is also reduced.For example, psoriasis on the hands is only part of the clinical picture. People with this diagnosis often have chronic gastrointestinal and heart disease.In general, severe psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death.Complications in this group also include:

• Psoriatic joint arthritis. About 30 percent of people with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis in their lifetime, which is characterized by joint stiffness, pain, and swelling. The disease can progress to the point of joint destruction. Psoriatic nail lesions and onycholysis occur in 80-90% of patients.
• psoriatic erythroderma;
• Systemic pustular psoriasis;
• Autoimmune diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease);
• male erectile dysfunction;
• Metabolic syndrome refers to the comprehensive manifestation of visceral obesity, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia.

It should also be noted that pathologies associated with psoriasis, especially severe psoriasis, include depression, anxiety, including suicidality.Psoriatic erythroderma is slightly less common. This condition occurs when the skin is completely damaged. Patients worry about itching and burning, excessive exfoliation of dead tissue, and intense skin reactions to temperature changes.The next most common type is pustular psoriasis. This complication is associated with secondary infections - Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Clinically, pustular psoriasis is associated with the appearance of pustules - pustules the size of buckwheat grains. Pustules appear in different places. They are higher than the surface of the skin and are characterized by a tendency to grow rapidly and merge. Present symptoms are accompanied by high fever and signs of severe intoxication.

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

Diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis are performed by a dermatologist. First, perform an external examination of the affected area and collect a medical history. Sometimes the disease resembles other illnesses, especially in the first stages.If the hands and nails are affected, it is important to rule out the presence of fungal infection. Seborrheic eczema, pityriasis rosea, and papular syphilis should also be excluded.But I would say that in most cases, diagnosing psoriasis is not difficult and does not even require a test, examining the skin is enough.

psoriasis treatment

Can psoriasis be cured? Yes! Using pathogenic technology, we perfectly put the skin into a state of relief, where the skin is cleansed, restored, and the person can live a fulfilling life. The treatment plan for psoriasis is to use medicated acids with the activation of acupoints. The duration of treatment varies for each patient; it may require six surgeries, or it may require 10. Maintenance treatment takes 2 to 6 months and everything varies.I always warn patients that psoriasis treatment is inherently inert, that is, progresses slowly. But we can take a long break between surgeries (about a month).Home care is very important in the treatment of psoriasis. Homemade cosmetics are almost 99% natural ingredients. I spent about two years developing better formulas to be able to support skin with complex skin conditions at home.Home care options for people with psoriasis are chosen individually. But there are also common treatments that are suitable for caring for psoriatic skin. Check out my social media. The Internet contains an ocean of information.

Advice on eliminating disease symptoms

I always tell my patients that any disease can only be effectively treated with a comprehensive approach. I would like to point out that it is very important to take maximum precautions to reduce the risk of disease progression. As always, it's all mediocre and nothing new, but I'm going to say it anyway.Respected:

• Avoid skin injury;
• Avoid hypothermia;
• break bad habits;
• Avoid stressful situations;
• Prompt treatment of infections and accompanying diseases;
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

People with psoriasis need to pay special attention to personal hygiene requirements.If you shower or bath:

• Use dye- and fragrance-free products;
• Choose a mild shampoo;
• Avoid using rough sponges, creams, and gels with abrasive particles;
• Avoid using hard soap as it can overly dry the skin;
• Adjust water temperature to keep warm;
• Stay in the water for no more than 10-15 minutes;
• Use a soft towel and do not rub or scratch the skin.

After showering and bathing, it is recommended to use a dedicated body moisturizer. Comb your hair as little as possible to avoid irritating the surface of your scalp. The same applies to blow drying. If you can't live without it, go for a warm or cold stream.Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fabrics that won't restrict movement or cause chafing.In summer, it is not advisable to sunbathe for too long. To protect your skin from UV rays, use a sunscreen with a high SPF factor as part of a proper home care routine.

Prevent psoriasis

Because psoriasis is considered a multifactorial disease with immunopathological, genetic, endocrine, metabolic, and possibly infectious components, there are no uniform rules for prevention.People at risk should pay special attention to their health:

• People who have relatives with psoriasis;
• People who frequently and continuously damage their skin;
• Have chronic infection;
• neurological disorders;
• Endocrine disorders.

Nervousness, stress, alcohol abuse, frequent hypothermia, and sunburn all increase the likelihood of illness.If treating psoriasis according to World Health Organization standards (hormones, phototherapy) does not help you, come on, let us eliminate this "snow feather" from your life. After all, without prompt and effective treatment, psoriasis can begin to negatively affect vital organs and systems.