Psoriasis is one of the most common chronic dermatoses. With such a pathological process, skin damage is observed, as well as skin appendages. The great urgency of this problem lies in the fact that it leads to a deterioration of the quality of life of a sick person due to aesthetic disorders.
Most often, the first episode of psoriasis occurs at the age of fifteen to forty-five years. According to statistics, this disease is diagnosed in about three percent of the entire population. Moreover, the number of women and men with such a pathology is in equal proportions.
There are several theories about the mechanism of psoriasis development. The key is the autoimmune theory, which states that this pathological process is formed as a result of an incorrect immune response to any external factor. An excessive immune reaction leads to the development of an inflammatory reaction in the layers of the skin, which stimulates the mechanisms of division and multiplication of cellular structures. In addition, it is assumed that hereditary predisposition and exposure to various infectious agents may play a role in the development of this disease.
It is noticed that psoriasis most often appears in those people who:
- Do you have any other dermatological condition;
- You have thin and dry skin;
- Smoke and alcohol;
- Interacts systematically with irritating chemicals;
- Often they damage the skin from mechanical impacts;
- Observe excessive hygiene;
- subject to severe stress;
- Have a reduced level of immune protection or use immunosuppressive drugs.
Depending on the symptoms of psoriasis, it is common for this pathology to be classified into several forms:
- Plate shape. This form is the classic version. Occurs in more than eighty percent of people. The clinical picture in this case is characterized by typical scaly plaques, which tend to grow peripherally;
- The shape of the tear. The disease that persists in this form is accompanied by the appearance of numerous small foci on the surface of the skin. Such lesions can have a very different color, rise above the surface of the skin and peel intensely. As a rule, they do not increase in size, only their number increases;
- Exudative form. It is one of the most disadvantaged options. In this case, bubbles and bubbles filled with serous fluid form on the surface of the tiles. Very often, such elements are subject to secondary infection with the subsequent appearance of pus in them;
- Psoriatic onychodystrophy. It is characterized by the involvement of nail plates in the pathological process, which become striated and thickened. In most cases, the nails are bleached, decorated and broken. In advanced cases, complete loss of the nail plate is possible;
- Psoriatic arthropathy. The symptoms of psoriasis in this case are manifested by inflammation of the joints and connective tissue. In some cases, this form develops on its own, but is most often accompanied by skin manifestations;
- Psoriatic erythroderma. This form is characterized by a very severe course and is often fatal. The development of inflammation in large areas of the body is observed, which is accompanied by skin and intense skin detachment.
The main symptoms of psoriasis
We will talk in more detail about the classic form. What does psoriasis look like? First of all, on the surface of the skin appear single papules that have a pink or red color. These papules are covered with white silvery scales that are easily scratched. Over time, the number of papules increases more and more, they begin to clump into plaques.
Plaques formed during this disease have a hyperemic and edematous appearance. In some cases, there may be slight itching of the skin. Pathological foci have a tendency for a fairly rapid peripheral growth and their surface is intensely smooth. Over time, the growth of the tiles stops and their boundaries become clear. A specific sign of such a pathological process is a pseudoatrophic edge, located along the periphery of the foci. In the stationary phase, the appearance of a stagnant cyanotic color on the surface of the tiles is observed.
Symptoms of psoriasis in the regression phase are characterized by the gradual disappearance of desquamation, starting from the central part. After that, the skin acquires a normal color, after which the tissue infiltration disappears.
Diagnosis and treatment of this disease
First of all, psoriasis is created based on its clinical appearance. There are a trio of specific phenomena that indicate this pathological process: stearin drops, terminal film and blood dew. The phenomenon of a stearic stain is that when the lesion is scratched, the peeling becomes more intense. If we continue to scratch, then a thin layer is observed and the appearance of a wet and hyperemic surface - the phenomenon of a terminal film. Blood dew phenomenon implies the presence of spot bleeding with further scratching.
Of the medicines for this disease, the following can be used:
- Glucocorticosteroids;
- Cytostatics;
- Antihistamines;
- Keratolytic and anti-inflammatory ointments.
In addition, various physiotherapy treatments are widely used.
Prevention of exacerbations in psoriasis
To prevent aggravation, it is recommended to avoid stressful situations, give up bad habits and eat well. In addition, you should limit any irritating effects on the skin and avoid contact with substances to which you are allergic.