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Psoriasis

Psoriasis treatment methods

Is psoriasis contagious or not?

When answering the question of whether psoriasis is contagious or not, it must be understood that the disease is not transmitted either sexually, or by airborne droplets, or by contact, or by any other means. It is impossible to get infected with it.

Due to the interruption of the exfoliation process of keratinized skin scales, dry spots appear on the body. You cannot die from them, but patients experience serious psychological distress because of their appearance.

Causes of psoriasis

It has not yet been determined exactly what causes psoriasis. There are different theories about the development of the disease. Experts are inclined to believe that skin and nail damage can be caused by:

  • stress, negative emotional experience;
  • endocrine pathologies;
  • hereditary predisposition;
  • a malfunction of the immune system, due to which the processes of growth and division of epithelial cells are interrupted.

The autoimmune cause of psoriasis is that T-helper immune cells and T-killer cells, normally responsible for protecting the body from tumor cells, pathogenic viruses and bacteria, begin to infiltrate the upper layers of the skin. Here they produce substances that activate the inflammatory process. As a result, skin cells begin to divide and multiply rapidly. Spread is observed.

The development of psoriasis is also possible with the combined action of several factors from the following list:

  • Very thin and poorly hydrated skin (little sebum is produced).
  • Frequent contact with irritating compounds - low-quality cosmetics, alcoholic solutions, household chemicals.
  • Washing your body and hands too often (especially if you use a hard washcloth and antibacterial soap/shower gel).
  • Alcohol abuse.
  • The development of infectious diseases caused by staphylococcus, streptococcus, fungi.
  • Taking antidepressants, lithium carbonate, beta-blockers, antimalarial and anticonvulsant drugs.
  • Change of climatic zone.
  • Mechanical skin injury.
  • Tendency to allergic reactions.
  • HIV infection.

Classification of the disease

If you study different pictures of psoriasis in the initial stage, you will notice differences - there are several types of this dermatological pathology. Depending on the location of the lesion, it occurs:

  • Psoriasis of the head (manifested by itching, cracking and bleeding of the skin).
  • Nail psoriasis (the nail plate gradually separates from the bed and becomes painful, red spots appear on it).
  • Palmoplantar psoriasis (the disease is common only on the soles of the feet and/or palms).
  • Skin psoriasis (dry plaques appear on different parts of the body).
  • Arthropathic psoriasis (joints are affected).
  • Genital psoriasis (disease affecting the skin of the genitals).

Clinical forms of psoriasis:

  • Common or vulgar. It looks like small flat pink-red papules that are slightly raised above healthy skin. The upper part of the papules is covered with light scales, which begin to fall even with a light touch. If treatment for psoriasis is not started at the right time, small lesions merge into large ones.
  • Exudative. It is more common in people with obesity, hypothyroidism and diabetics. The symptoms of psoriasis of this form are as follows: the papules are bright red in color, with yellow-gray scales visible on their tops. Plaques affect skin folds - armpits, the area under the mammary glands in women. Patients complain of itching and burning.
  • Seborrheic. Psoriasis is observed on the head, behind the ear, nasolabial and nasolabial folds, between the shoulder blades and on the chest. The borders of the spots are not clearly defined. Peeling is silver-yellow. If you look at a photo of psoriasis on the head, associations will arise with such a common fungal disease as dandruff.
  • Palmoplantar. The disease occurs in people aged 30 to 50 years, whose work involves heavy physical work. With this form, rashes can also appear on the body.
  • Pustular. Pustular elements form in the body. In medicine, an additional type of pustular form is identified - Tsumbusch psoriasis. It can be idiopathic (primary) - blisters appear on the skin, which turn into pustules. The pustules open and dry. Later, scaly rashes typical of the disease appear on them. And also secondary with a benign course. In this case, pustules appear on the surface of typical psoriatic plaques due to the irritating effect of medications.
    Another type of pustular form is Barber's psoriasis. It affects only the soles and palms. Purulent pustules are visualized on the skin. They do not open and over time turn into dark and dry crusts. Barber's psoriasis is distinguished by the symmetry of the lesion.
  • Arthropathic (articular). Heavy form. Occurs in patients who have a skin rash. It usually occurs five to six years after the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease, if the treatment of psoriasis was insufficient. Pathologies of the articular system can be different, starting from mild arthralgia that does not lead to changes in the articular apparatus, ending with deforming ankylosis (the joint becomes completely immobile).
  • Psoriatic erythroderma. It is a consequence of vulgar or exudative psoriasis. Almost all skin is affected. It becomes red, scattered with a large number of dry scales. Body temperature increases, enlargement of lymph nodes (especially femoral and inguinal) is observed. If the patient does not learn how to treat psoriasis, hair loss and brittle nails are possible.

According to the criterion of seasonal relapses, psoriasis is divided into:

  • summer;
  • winter (most common);
  • uncertain.

Symptoms of psoriasis

The treatment depends on the prevailing symptoms of psoriasis, so at the first appointment the doctor performs a complete examination of the patient and thoroughly examines the location of the psoriatic lesions.

Most often the disease manifests itself in winter. In summer, under the influence of solar radiation, the signs of psoriasis can disappear completely. However, with the "summer" form of the pathology, exposure to the sun, on the contrary, should be avoided. During an exacerbation, the patient complains of very severe itching. Damage to the nail plates is observed in only 25% of patients.

When there is a disease of the head, the hair is not involved in the pathological process. First, the skin begins to peel. Over time, areas of rash can "spread" to the neck area, behind the ears. The inflammatory process is caused by the very rapid division of keratinocytes.

With psoriasis of the palms and feet, the stratum corneum thickens and is covered with deep cracks. A photo of psoriasis in the initial stage shows pustules with transparent contents. Later they turn white and turn into dark scars.
As for nail plates, the most common types of damage are:

  • The nail is covered with pits that look like puncture marks ("finger type").
  • The nail changes color and begins to peel, which resembles a fungal disease. A psoriatic papule surrounded by a red rim can be seen through the nail plate.

Stages of psoriasis

Despite the fact that there are still debates about what psoriasis is and what exactly can cause its appearance, the stages of the disease are already well studied. There are three of them:

  • Progressive (beginner). New growths appear on the surface of the skin in the form of a rash, which tend to grow along the periphery. They spread on healthy skin and form oval or round plaques. The spots are pink or red. There is still no crusty crust on them - just white scales. The edges of the lesions are slightly compressed. As a result of scratches, new rashes appear.
  • Stationary. It occurs one to four weeks after the first symptoms of psoriasis. The plates become lighter. New rashes do not appear, old ones slowly dissolve. Papules heal in the direction from the center to the edges, which is why their shape becomes ring-shaped. The entire surface of the healing lesions is covered with white scales.
  • Regressive (faded). The color of psoriatic plaques becomes almost indistinguishable from healthy skin. Itching is minimized. Around the lesions, a "Voronov collar" is formed, which is a ring of dense keratinized skin layers. If the patient uses a high-quality ointment for psoriasis, the regression phase lasts about a month. Otherwise, the "fading" process can take up to six months.

The task of a patient who has been diagnosed with psoriasis is to keep the disease in remission at all times.

    If you notice similar symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. It is easier to prevent a disease than to deal with the consequences.

    How is psoriasis diagnosed?

    A dermatologist diagnoses psoriasis. The procedure is based on an external examination, assessment of the condition of the skin and nails and the study of the location of the lesions. No additional tests are prescribed for obvious symptoms. If difficulties arise with establishing the diagnosis, a skin sample is taken from the inflamed area (biopsy), which is studied in the laboratory.

    If there are complaints of joint pain, an X-ray is taken. A blood test is also ordered to make sure there are no other types of arthritis. To rule out a fungal infection, a test using potassium hydroxide is performed.

    How to cure psoriasis

    Treatment of psoriasis is complex. It includes:

    • general therapy;
    • local therapy;
    • physiotherapy.

    Before determining how to treat psoriasis, a dermatologist determines the stage of the disease, its clinical form and the extent of the process. When prescribing medications, the age of the patient and the presence of concomitant diseases are taken into account. Usually, the safest drugs for health, characterized by the minimum number of side effects, are chosen first. If they do not ensure the transition of psoriasis to the stage of regression, the treatment is adjusted.

    Systemic medications for psoriasis

    Oral medications help moderate to severe stages of psoriasis. This includes:

    • Vitamin A derivatives (retinoids). Decreased keratinocyte maturation rate. Normalizes cell differentiation and maturation.
    • Immunosuppressants. They reduce the activity of T lymphocytes, which provoke an increase in the division of epidermal cells.
    • Medicines for the treatment of malignant tumors. It inhibits the reproduction and growth of atypical skin cells.

    Physiotherapy for psoriasis

    Physiotherapy procedures significantly improve the well-being of patients with psoriasis. In some cases, they allow you to stop taking the medication completely. Most used:

    • Selective phototherapy. The affected skin is irradiated with UV rays with a wavelength of 280-320 nm. Between 15 and 35 procedures are described.
    • Photochemotherapy (PUVA therapy). The method involves the combined use of a photosensitizer internally and long-wave UV radiation externally. Ultraviolet rays penetrate deep into the skin, and the photosensitizer blocks the process of DNA synthesis of skin cells and reduces the rate of their division. The duration of the course is from 20 to 30 procedures.
    • Laser therapy. Laser radiation with different wavelengths is used. The laser provides accelerated resorption of plaques and eliminates the formation of scars in their place.
    • Using monochromatic ultraviolet radiation. Each lesion is treated in turn with a UV lamp/laser source. Healthy skin is not affected. The method is optimal if less than 10% of the skin is affected. The duration of the treatment is from 15 to 30 sessions.
    • Electrosleep. It has a gentle effect of electrical impulses on the brain for 20-60 minutes. As a result, the patient calms down, the functioning of the central nervous system normalizes, and the psoriatic plaques begin to resolve.
      Ultrasound therapy. It is decongestant, antipruritic and analgesic. Accelerates wound resorption. If necessary, it can be combined with phonophoresis. To achieve a therapeutic effect, 7 to 14 sessions are needed.
    • Magnetic therapy (Betatron device). It has a general healing effect on the body. It relieves inflammation, reduces itching and burning, helps relieve joint pain.
    • Treatment with bee venom. Using an electrophoresis or ultrasound machine, bee venom is injected into the body. It is characterized by a resolving and anti-inflammatory effect, normalizes metabolic processes.
    • Hyperthermia. Tissues affected by psoriasis are heated with pads containing a thermal mixture at a temperature of 40 degrees. The treatment helps to improve the functioning of the immune system and reduce the negative impact of the disease on the skin.

    Ointment for the treatment of psoriasis

    According to reviews, the treatment of psoriasis with ointments can achieve excellent results if the drug is chosen correctly. At the first symptoms, non-hormonal formulations are prescribed:

    • salicylic ointment (makes the skin soft, relieves inflammation, removes dead epidermal cells);
    • anthralin (slows down DNA synthesis, reduces the activity of cellular enzymes, slows down the process of cell division);
    • sulfur ointment (disinfects, softens, removes white plaque from lesions);
    • naphthalene ointment (relieves itching, relieves pain, normalizes immune reactions).

    If the treatment of psoriasis with non-hormonal ointments does not give the expected effect, hormonal drugs or strong ointments containing the following glucocorticosteroids are prescribed:

    • Hydrocortisone. Removes the feeling of tightness and itching. It suppresses the increased activity of leukocytes, prevents their movement in the skin.
    • Flumethasone. Helps with the exudative form of psoriasis. It is characterized by pronounced antiallergic, antiinflammatory and antipruritic effects.
    • Triamcinolone acetonide. It has antipruritic and anti-inflammatory effects. It is indicated during periods of deterioration.

    Scalp psoriasis occurs in 50% of patients and causes the most severe discomfort. If you are sick, you should avoid hair dryers, gels and sprays. It is important that the hair bands and comb do not scratch the skin. Otherwise, outbreaks will begin to spread.

    Scalp psoriasis is treated using:

    • UV comb (promotes the formation of skin profile cells from keratinocytes, due to which existing plates are reabsorbed).
    • Photochemotherapy (UVR combined with Beroxan, Puvalen and Psoralen).
    • Medicated shampoo (Tana, Nizoral, Friederm tar). It is advisable to buy several different products and alternate them. This will avoid addiction.
    • Salicylic ointment (apply to the parting, cover the head with cellophane and leave for two hours).
    • Hormonal creams (Belosalik, Elokom, Diprosalik). Contains steroid hormones. It is easily applied to the scalp and effectively eliminates redness and itching.
    • Kirkazon decoction (normalizes the process of skin cell division, cleans).

    The effect of each scalp treatment is noticeable after a few weeks, so there is no need to stop the treatment course after a few sessions.

    Treatment of psoriasis at home with folk remedies

    To cure psoriasis permanently at home, if we are talking about a mild form of the disease, folk remedies help:

    • Herbal tea made from dandelion roots, St. John's wort, or stinging nettle leaves.
    • Therapeutic baths with the addition of a decoction of string, soap or yarrow.
    • Wipe the affected areas with cabbage brine, celandine juice and birch tar.
      Compresses based on garlic infusion.

    Also, according to reviews, treating psoriasis with hydrogen peroxide can achieve good results. It is necessary to lubricate psoriatic plaques twice a day with a cotton swab soaked in a three percent solution. The duration of the course depends on the severity of the symptoms and can last up to two months.

    Diet for psoriasis

    Allowed products for worsening psoriasis are:

    • fruits (apples, apricots, peaches);
    • fruit juice;
    • vegetables (beetroot, potato, radish, watermelon, pumpkin);
    • greenery;
    • berries (all but red);
    • lean meat (beef, veal, turkey, rabbit) - up to 200 grams per day;
    • any nuts;
    • lean fish;
    • fermented milk products, cottage cheese and cheese;
    • black bread;
    • seaweed.

    People with psoriasis should not eat:

    • smoked dishes;
    • red fish;
    • animal fats;
    • eggs;
    • pork and duck;
    • baked goods.

    It is forbidden to drink coffee, carbonated and alcoholic beverages. It is recommended that you limit your sugar intake. To cleanse the body, it is recommended to perform fasting days twice a week - vegetables, apples or kefir.

    Is psoriasis dangerous?

    Psoriasis is a serious but not fatal disease. It reduces the quality of life because it is unsightly in appearance. Plaques on the body prevent patients from working as a team or resting. They often lead to limited movement and difficulty performing simple physical tasks. Premature treatment of psoriasis can lead to damage to the organs of vision and joints.

    It is impossible to completely cure psoriasis. This is a chronic dermatological disease that must always be kept in a "dormant" state.

      Risk group

      The risk group includes people who have:

      • chronic skin diseases;
      • skin injuries;
      • central nervous system and autonomic system disorders.

      Preventing

      To prevent the disease, doctors recommend:

      • moisturize the skin;
      • avoid long stays in cold and dry rooms;
      • do not take beta blockers and lithium (except in extreme cases), because they cause psoriasis.

      This article is posted for educational purposes only and does not constitute scientific material or professional medical advice.