Psoriasis is a non infectious diseases of the skin is expressed by the formation of scaly red patches covered with itchy, silvery scales. Normally the psoriasis develops in young people of 20 to 30 years. The disease is not a threat to human life, but cause him grave psychological suffering of the nature, until social exclusion.
The causes of the disease
The causes of psoriasis, to date, not fully understood. There are some factors that are associated with the appearance of psoriasis. However, by themselves, these factors are not able to cause psoriasis, only in combination with the other may serve as the impetus for the development of this disease:
- the genetic predisposition;
- the reduction of the protective properties of the organism;
- psycho-emotional disorders;
- pathology of the endocrine system.
It is assumed that psoriasis can be the consequence of an imbalance in the immune system. In the skin, accumulates a large number of T-lymphocytes, which leads to the chronic inflammation of the affected areas. Histological examination of psoriatic material confirms the presence of the high concentration of immune cells in the affected areas that allows you to confirm the immunological factor in the development of psoriasis.
Genetic predisposition to psoriasis confirmed the presence of mutations in multiple DNA sites. These areas are responsible for the development of immune cells T-lymphocytes. The failure of these sites may cause the development of psoriasis. Therefore, if the parents suffer from psoriasis, the risk of developing this disease in the child is equal to 50% and even higher. Scientists also attribute the development of psoriasis, as, in adults with mutations of specific genes.
Also cause the development of psoriasis can be stress, which leads to the worsening of the symptoms. Emotional upset can trigger the release of hormones in the blood, which leads to a series of biochemical reactions that, in turn, contribute to the appearance of various skin rashes.
The study of the etiology of psoriasis has shown that in many patients there are disorders of the endocrine system and the reproductive system, in addition, they have observed a violation of the process of formation of the pigmentation.
You can also mention the ancillary factors that contribute to the development of psoriasis: ecology, injury, unbalanced diet, poor living conditions, violations of basic hygiene.
We can say that psoriasis is hereditary to a specific disease, its development involves a complex of the above reasons.
The symptoms of the disease and its types
Psoriasis has some of the specific symptoms to accurately diagnose this disease. When psoriasis develops three characteristic States:
- "paraffin" spots that if you try scraping the nail, the skin, and its similar consistency to the wax and stearin;
- bright red surface, which was formed after the separation of scales and plates. This is commonly called the terminal film;
- a very characteristic symptom of psoriasis is a symptom of "blood dew". If you get all the flakes and plaques on the surface of the skin will make small bloody points similar to the drops of dew.
Most often, psoriatic lesions are localized in the area of flexure of the large joints, in the armpit, scalp, groin, under the Breasts, in the nail. The disease begins with the appearance of small itchy symmetrical rash on the skin, then melt in a large cluster, occupying large areas of the skin. Itching becomes intolerable, and the separation of scales causing the appearance of "blood dew".
Diagnosis of psoriasis, causes a certain difficulty, since there are many types of this disease. Psoriasis has the following form:
- vulgaris (common psoriasis);
- the psoriasis plaques;
- pustular psoriasis;
- psoriasis flexor surfaces;
- point of psoriasis or in the form of drops.
Each type of psoriasis has its own international code in the title of diseases (icd-10). Each type of disease, its signs, symptoms and causes.
The treatment of psoriasis
Treatment of psoriasis is more difficult, because the disease has a chronic course, with temporary referring. However, nowadays it is possible to significantly improve the condition of the patient through the reduction of the clinical manifestations. Treatment of psoriasis is a complete application of the common drug therapy, local drug therapy, the application of the techniques of physical therapy and immunomodulators.
Is mainly used in the topical preparations for external use. The composition of these preparations include substances that contains:
- Glucocorticosteroid hormones which can prevent the active division of the cells of the skin and reduce the inflammation, itching, and depression of the immune system.
- Drugs based on vitamin D, the efficiency of which is manifested in the compartment with ultraviolet radiation.
- Drugs with active zinc, which can quickly eliminate the itching and redness of the skin.
For the system (common) treatment of psoriasis:
- Corticosteroids, which eliminate the symptoms of inflammation and regulate the metabolism.
- Cytostatics inhibit cell division out of control.
- Immunomodulators eliminate dysfunction in the immune system.
- Non-steroidal drugs that treat the symptoms of the disease: the inflammation and itching, without prejudice of the causes of the disease.
Physiotherapy treatment encompasses a series of procedures:
- PUVA-therapy. This method is the use of photoactive chemical that is used in combination with long-wave ultraviolet radiation.
- Hirudotherapy. The use of leeches for the treatment of psoriasis, which improve the output of blood.
- Cryotherapy. The method consists in immersing the patient for a few minutes in the chamber with very low temperature of the air. This method helps to eliminate the manifestation of the focus of inflammation and reduce itching.
Treatment of psoriasis with traditional methods sometimes gives good results. Before starting treatment you need to consult a dermatologist. The doctor should be informed of the methods of treatment and fully endorse them.
The complication and the prevention of psoriasis
Complications of psoriasis appears severe diseases that are very difficult to treat: psoriatic arthritis, pustular psoriasis and psoriatic erythroderma. Prevention of the disease includes restorative measures:
- sanatorium-resort therapy;
- balanced diet;
- healthy sleep;
- rehabilitation of chronic foci of infection;
- compliance with the hygiene;
- moderate sports.