The causes of skin lesions with psoriatic plaques have not been fully established. The vast majority of doctors consider genetic predisposition as a fundamental factor in the development of pathology. Psoriasis is a systemic, non-infectious, chronic, recurrent disease that mainly affects the skin, nails and joints.
The main signs and causes of psoriasis
Psoriatic disease is characterized by increased reproduction of epidermal cells. Normally, cell division, maturation and death occur within 3-4 weeks. With psoriasis, this process lasts no more than 5 days.
Externally, this is manifested by the formation of dense red or pink areas on the skin, covered with small white scales of dead cells. If they are carefully scraped off, a thin glossy film (terminal) with a network of visible capillaries will be exposed. After a light rub, drops of blood appear on it.
This feature is called the "psoriatic triad" and is the main difference between psoriasis and other skin diseases. To confirm the diagnosis, a histological examination of skin particles from the affected areas is performed.
The main factors that provoke the appearance of psoriasis are considered to be:
- Exogenous (external causes). These include various physical or chemical skin injuries.
- Endogenous (internal causes). They can consist in the presence of diseases of the immune system, endocrine system, HIV infection. Smoking, alcohol, unhealthy food also provoke psoriatic skin lesions.
- Psychogenic. In most cases, the first manifestations of psoriasis appear after nervous shocks or prolonged emotional stress.
Skin rashes are often the result of infectious and inflammatory diseases. Many doctors attribute this to a weakened immune system. People with a genetic predisposition to psoriasis are advised to avoid factors that provoke it.
Forms of psoriatic disease
This or that form of the disease depends on the type of rash and their location. During pregnancy, due to changes in the hormonal background, psoriatic manifestations may disappear or, on the contrary, appear with greater force.
psoriasis vulgaris
The most common form of pathology. The first signs are papular rashes. They can be single, grouped in different parts or all over the body. As the disease progresses, psoriatic plaques grow and gradually merge with each other.
Depending on the form of rashes, common psoriasis is divided into:
- dotted (papules in the form of a dot the size of a match head);
- point-shaped (elongated spots the size of a pinhead);
- coin-shaped (round plates the size of a pea).
Reds can be in the form of an arc, circle, spiral, crown. Sometimes they resemble outlines of continents on a geographical map. If the disease is localized on the scalp, then they talk about psoriasis of the seborrheic type. Sometimes the neck, nose, forehead and chest are affected. The diagnosis is difficult due to the similarity of the pathology with seborrhea.
Distinctive features are the clarity of the borders of the affected areas, the presence of the "psoriatic triad", the silver color of the scales. Often there is itching, hair does not fall.
The accumulation of plaques on the feet and hands has given the name palmoplantar psoriasis. It is characterized by the formation of smooth areas of the skin, similar to corns. Psoriasis of the nails changes their color, shape and structure. They are loosened, covered with small pits and take the form of a sheath.
Isolation of the exudate from the papules causes a burning sensation. The scales stick together and form a crust that adheres tightly to the skin. In this case, they talk about the exudative form of psoriasis.
In severe cases, the entire body surface is affected. The skin becomes hot to the touch, takes on a red hue, swells, has severe itching, burning and a feeling of tightness. This form of the disease is classified as psoriatic erythroderma.
Pustular psoriasis
It happens quite rarely. It develops against the background of vulgarity or appears on absolutely healthy skin. In this case, initially inflamed areas appear, on which blisters form during the day, quickly turning into pustules. Their contents are sterile and when drained, dry and crust.
There are several types of the disease. All of them are characterized by chills, fever, fever, sometimes diarrhea, vomiting. The condition worsens when the pustules merge and occupy large areas of the skin. If pustular psoriasis occurs against the background of psoriasis vulgaris, then fusion is not observed.
Arthropathic psoriasis
It affects the joints, most often the small ones (phalanges of the fingers and toes). Sometimes the pathological process affects the spine. This form of psoriasis often leads to disability.
The first signs of the disease are pain, aggravated by movement and swelling in the joints. Evening fever, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, loss of appetite are characteristic of an exacerbation of the disease.
Over time, there is joint deformation and loss of mobility. The pathology can develop independently or in parallel with the skin manifestations of psoriasis vulgaris.
All forms of pathology can develop gradually, over years or rapidly over several days and even hours. The treatment regimen depends on the form and degree of the disease and should be designed by a specialist dermatologist.
Most often, external agents are prescribed in the form of ointments and gels and physiotherapy. In some cases, drug therapy is required. Self-medication can lead to an aggravation of the disease.