Psoriasis is one of the most common chronic dermatoses. Such a pathological process is characterized by damage to the skin, as well as skin appendages. The high urgency of this problem is that it impairs the quality of life of a sick person due to aesthetic disorders.
Often, the first episode of psoriasis occurs between the ages of fifteen and forty-five. According to statistics, the disease is diagnosed in about three percent of the population. Moreover, the number of women and men with such pathology is equal.
There are several theories about the mechanism of development of psoriasis. The main thing is the autoimmune theory, which states that this pathological process is caused by an incorrect immune response to any external factors. Excessive immune response leads to the development of an inflammatory reaction in the layers of the skin, which triggers the mechanisms of division and proliferation of cell structures. In addition, hereditary predisposition and exposure to various infectious agents are thought to play a role in the development of this disease.
It is noted that psoriasis is most common in the following people:
- Presence of any other dermatological diseases;
- have thin and dry skin;
- Smoking and drinking alcohol;
- Systematic contact with irritating chemicals;
- Often they damage the skin by mechanical means;
- Observe extreme hygiene;
- They are subjected to severe stress;
- Lower the level of immunity or use drugs that suppress immunity.
Depending on the symptoms of psoriasis, it is common to classify this pathology into several forms:
- Plaque form. This form is a classic version. It occurs in more than eighty percent of people. In this case, the clinical picture is characterized by typical scaly plaques that tend to grow peripherally;
- Tear form. This form of the disease 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 intensively. As a rule, they do not increase in size, only their number increases;
- Exudative form. It is one of the most inconvenient options. In this case, bubbles and bubbles filled with serous fluid form on the surface of the plates. 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, striped and thickened. In most cases, nails become discolored, peeled and broken. In advanced cases, complete loss of the nail plate is possible;
- Psoriatic arthropathy. In this case, the symptoms of psoriasis are manifested by inflammation of the joints and connective tissue. In some cases, this form develops spontaneously, but in most cases it is accompanied by skin manifestations;
- Psoriatic erythroderma. This form is characterized by a very severe course and is often fatal. Inflammation develops in large areas of the body, accompanied by intense peeling and peeling of the skin.
The main symptoms of psoriasis
We will talk in more detail about the classic form. What does psoriasis look like? First, single pink or red papules appear on the surface of the skin. These papules are covered with silver-white scales and are easily peeled off. Over time, the number of papules increases, they begin to merge into plaques.
The plaques formed during this disease have a hyperemic and edematous appearance. In some cases, there may be a slight itching of the skin. Pathological foci tend to grow very rapidly peripherally and their surface is intensely crusty. Over time, the growth of the plaques stops and their boundaries become clear. A specific sign of such a pathological process is a pseudoatrophic ring localized along the periphery of the foci. In the stationary stage, the appearance of a stagnant cyanotic color is noted on the surface of the plates.
In the regression phase, the symptoms of psoriasis 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 based on its clinical picture. There are three specific events that indicate this pathological process: stearin stain, terminal film and blood clots. The phenomenon of stearic staining is that when the lesion is removed, the peeling becomes more intense. If we continue to squeeze, peeling of a thin layer and the appearance of a moist and hyperemic surface is noted - the phenomenon of terminal film. The phenomenon of hemorrhage implies the presence of punctate hemorrhage with more crumbs.
The following drugs can be used for this disease:
- glucocorticosteroids;
- cytostatics;
- antihistamines;
- Keratolytic and anti-inflammatory ointments.
In addition, various physiotherapeutic 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.