Psoriasis affects about 5% of the total population. It can appear both in extreme old age and from birth. Most often occurs in young people and adolescents. It is believed that this is a genetic disease, but it is not at all necessary that the relationship be close. No one is immune from the occurrence of pathology, such famous people as Winston Churchill, Henry Ford, Vladimir Nabokov were ill. Now the disease psoriasis cannot be cured, but it is possible to significantly alleviate the condition. The main thing is to consult a doctor in time and follow his recommendations.
What is psoriasis
This is a severe pathology that does not have a mortal danger to a person, but can cause a lot of trouble to a sick person. It manifests itself in the form of scaly plaques, intolerable itching and redness.
- If these psoriatic rashes are on the face and neck, and the profession of the sick person is quite public, then ignorant people may not understand that there is no threat to their health, get scared or point the finger. These are all rather unpleasant manifestations that can cause stress in the patient.
- If the plaques are located on the scalp, they are visually invisible, but the falling scales, the occurrence of which is inevitable, fall on the clothes. They are especially noticeable on a wardrobe of dark colors – this gives the impression of a sloppy person who does not look after himself.
- Psoriasis of the palms and soles impairs the ability to move normally, stand or do something with your hands – all this significantly reduces the quality of life.
For the first time, psoriasis as an independent disease was discussed at the end of the 18th century, before that it was often confused with other manifestations of skin pathologies. Unlike ordinary dermatoses, the disease affects a number of other systems – immune, endocrine and nervous.
At-risk groups
If someone, even a distant relative, falls ill, then there is a possibility that each of you is a carrier, but not a single doctor will tell you what exactly will serve as a trigger that will start the manifestation of the disease. The disease psoriasis will make itself felt – if not even in this generation, then in the next.
For example, let’s take two identical twins – genetically they are both carriers. But one of them lives without manifestations, but the second one has them in the most difficult form.
There are no gender advantages – both women and men get sick. It usually manifests itself by the age of 15-20, but if the danger has passed, do not rush to rejoice – symptoms may also occur at a more mature age. The only thing that can be encouraging is that the severity will no longer be so acute.
IMPORTANT: People with thin, fair skin prone to dryness need to be extremely attentive to their state of health – they are at risk.
Causes and prevention
In psoriasis, cells divide several times faster than they should. Until now, the causes of psoriasis have not been studied, or rather, the mechanism of its development has not been understood – otherwise it would be easier to create a medicine and find ways to cure the disease. It is believed that the occurrence of scaly plaques is associated with vascular disease, but most likely several factors lead to the development of pathology at once:
- heredity – the error is written in the DNA;
- autoimmune error – the body begins to perceive its skin as an aggressor, due to an increased concentration of T-lymphocytes;
- endocrine problems – due to malfunctions of the pituitary gland and thyroid gland;
- metabolic disorders – patients have problems with nitrogen and lipid metabolism, there is a high content of toxins in the body.
Scientists have been trying to solve this riddle for several years, none of the theories has been proven – modern treatment of psoriasis is aimed at reducing the severity of symptoms and improving the quality of life.
What can cause exacerbation and frequency
Psoriasis is cyclical – at the first stage, red spots appear, which eventually turn into one large one. The next few weeks, silvery scales appear, plaque growth stops. The final stage – the plaques are reduced. Remission is coming.
IMPORTANT: If psoriasis is not treated, everything will repeat from the beginning, but the stages will begin to change each other faster – exacerbations will be monthly.
Remember what exactly served as a precursor to the appearance of red itchy plaques, and try to prevent a recurrence:
- cold – get treated on time, do not start;
- alcoholism and smoking – try to get rid of addictions;
- fasting and cleansing the body are fashion trends, but they are not for you;
- the sun is your enemy, it drives psoriasis deep inside, and from there it comes with a vengeance, so try not to overheat;
- stress;
- endocrine diseases.
Types of psoriasis
Depending on the location and appearance of the plaques, there are:
Plaque -like – pink-red spots appear on the skin, raised above the skin. They are prone to peeling and merging with each other. In places where they have already been removed, a red focus remains, which is easy to damage.
Teardrop-shaped – in large areas there are point plaques resembling drops. A characteristic feature of this species is the absence of damage to the nail plates and extremely rare – the palms and feet. It occurs as a result of past infections: tonsillitis, pharyngitis, etc.
Postulose – inside the bubbles on the surface of the skin there is a clear liquid, they seem to be inside a red hoop that peels off, and the scales easily fall off. If you allow the plaque to spread to your hands, you can be left without nails.
Psoriarthritic – the knees are most often affected, but the arms and spine are also not protected. Edema, deformation of the joints and nails occur. Early diagnosis will prevent irreversible damage in the affected areas.
Diagnostic methods
If you suspect that you or your loved ones have atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or notice suspicious signs, you need to urgently make an appointment with a doctor. The dermatologist will subject you to a visual examination and, if in doubt about the diagnosis, will prescribe additional examinations, such as a biopsy.
Treatment of psoriasis: methods and effectiveness
The treatment regimen depends on the severity of the disease. Before using any medication, be sure to consult your doctor. Improper treatment will lead to disastrous consequences – the disease will become chronic.
During therapy, hormonal ointments and creams are used – it is dangerous to use them on your own initiative. Doctors often say that if patients did not self-medicate, it would be easier and easier to get rid of the scourge.
Another effective remedy is acupuncture. This is a fast and effective treatment method that does not cause side effects. With a competent approach, positive dynamics is observed in 80% of cases, it is possible to increase this figure and achieve a long-term remission if several courses are taken.
Acupuncture contributes to a faster completion of pathological skin processes – puffiness, peeling disappear, plaques decrease, itching subsides. Against this background, the psychophysical state normalizes – mood improves, irritability goes away and sleep normalizes.
And most importantly, it will increase the period of remission. Exacerbations will come back to you less and less. Statistics show that those who come to us and undergo complex treatment forget about the appearance of papules for a very long time – from 6 months to 10-12 years.
How to take care of your skin
- You will have to forget about taking a bath, give preference to the shower. But if you still want to soak up, do it rarely and watch the temperature of the water – it should not be hot.
- Use a neutral, fragrance-free detergent.
- After showering, moisturize your skin with an emollient.
- Keep your nails short so that you don’t get hurt if you feel like scratching yourself.
- Choose light and airy clothing made from natural materials in light colors.
Do you need a diet
It is very important to follow a dietary regimen and remove all possible allergens from your diet. In the course of many years of observation, it was possible to notice that the following foods act as triggers for exacerbation of psoriasis in adults – sugar, alcohol, flavor enhancers, citrus fruits and chocolate. To avoid allergic manifestations, give up fast food and carbonated drinks. Apples, pineapples, spinach, seafood, legumes and nuts have a positive effect.
Tips and advice from a psoriasis specialist
Psormak Healthy Skin Institute , which treats dermatological diseases in adults and children, will do everything possible to make your life more comfortable, and relapses occur much less frequently. Do not despair, talk to experts – you can call, contact the online support service, through social networks or come in person. They will always listen to you and tell you what to do next and how to slow down the pathological processes.
More than three dozen medicinal herbs are included in the author’s ointments developed by the chief physician of the clinic, academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Vladimir Fedorovich Mak – they relieve irritation, itching and other unpleasant moments. Much attention is paid to the overall strengthening of the body – metabolic processes are normalized and its own resources are activated.
One of the most important points in the success of the treatment of psoriasis and symptoms is the psychological component. In the PsorMak clinic, patients are offered professional psychotherapeutic treatment that will help them cope with the disease. In the course of psychotherapy, mental balance is stabilized, and there is an adjustment to a positive result.
Conclusion
Fighting psoriasis alone is scary, we understand how painful and hard it is. That is why we are ready to offer you to take advantage of our experience and experience gained in the course of 25 years of successful clinical experience. Come, together we will definitely cope with the disease!