What is psoriasis: causes, symptoms and treatment

4 September 2018

Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious skin disease accompanied by the appearance of a reddish-pink rash and peeling of the skin.

The term psoriasis comes from the Greek word psoriasis, which means, itching or itching. These symptoms are most clearly characterize this non-infectious dermatological problem. This skin disease, the skin cell division occurs almost thirty times faster. Because they do not have time to ripen fully, the inter-cell connections are lost. This leads to the formation of a characteristic scale. Involved in the pathological process and the immune system of the body: protective factors are targeted to their own cells, which causes chronic inflammation of the lesion. We describe in more detail the question, what is psoriasis, and how to deal with it.

Type psoriasis

There are many classifications of psoriasis based on the severity of the condition, the nature of the damage, localization of damage, etc. most often are the following diseases:

Plaque (vulgaris) is a big part of all kinds of psoriasis. It is characterized by the appearance of the traditional plaques covered with white-gray-scale.
Guttate psoriasis is the second most common, and is diagnosed in one in ten patients. Although there are numerous and relatively small volcanic eruptions of the scale of the whole surface of the body.
Pustular variant is characterized by the formation of pustules.
In the Palms and soles psoriasis elements are located in those parts of the skin.
Exudative variant differs in that the scales are impregnated with a yellowish liquid that drains out of the body. Due to this, they seem to coalesce and change the color.
Erythroderma is a severe form of the disease, because it affects almost the whole surface of the skin and the occurrence of systemic reactions (fever, swollen lymph nodes, breach of the blood).
Psoriatic arthritis is characterized by joint involvement.

The initial stage of the pathological process, there is a distinguish between progressive, stable and recession of psoriasis.

The symptoms of psoriasis

Most often, when the development of psoriasis the skin surface becomes stained, covered with grayish white scales, which are easily distinguished by touch. This symptom is associated with another name for the disease – psoriasis.

The localization of the damage

As a rule, changes in the skin, which is located on the extensor surfaces (elbows, knees) and large joints. The favorite localization is the border of the scalp, and in places that are constantly exposed to trauma or friction. However, this feature can not be considered a diagnostic criterion for atypical lichen scaly affected and other surface skin.

Characteristics of plaques

The total damage may be different. The primary elements is considered to be small pimples, bright red or red-brown color. Over time, their size will increase significantly, they also have a tendency to merge. In 90% of cases the signs of psoriasis are the educational standards of the plaques, which is characterized by the triad:

Stearic spot light radi is characterized by gray-white scales, that resemble the appearance of shavings from a candle.
If you still have scrape the surface of the plaque, removing all the scales look the thin white membrane called the terminal.
Symptoms blood dew can detect when you have removed the terminal covers. Damage to the papillae of the skin does not happen excessive bleeding and drip.

There are some nominal signs of the disease:

Symptoms Kebne, is that psoriasis lesions appear on areas exposed to trauma (rubbing, scratching, etc.). It is characterized by the advanced stages of the disease.
Symptoms Voronova is characterized by the formation of the light ring of the newly formed pimples, not covered with scales. It is a kind of vascular reaction, and shows further progression of the disease.

These symptoms of psoriasis often help to distinguish the disease other similar skin diseases flow.

Other symptoms

In addition to the skin when psoriasis affects the nails, hair and joints and internal organs. Changes in the nail plate starts with the Foundation and is characterized by subungual hyperkeratosis. In the future, the surface has striations, and formed a point (symptoms of a thimble). Psoriatic arthritis begins with the destruction of the small joints, accompanied by pain and inflammation phenomena.

For depriving characterized by scaly itchy skin. Leads to the formation of scratches, surface cracks and the tendency to bleeding. Place in the trauma can multiply pathogenic microbes, which leads to secondary infections and the development of a rash.

Causes of psoriasis

The non-infectious nature of the disease was established in the year 19. century. Since then continuously conducted numerous studies exploring the causes of psoriasis. However, like most of the systemic diseases, to find out one reason still failed. There are several theories, each of which has scientific confirmation:

Immune system the theory that disease is the result of various dysfunctions of the immune system. The anticipated development of the autoimmune response, resulting in thicker skin accumulates a large number of T-lymphocytes. This leads to chronic inflammation and thickening of the affected area. The theory is confirmed by the fact that biopsy of the psoriatic plaques can be detected by the abundance of immune system cells, as well as the fact that the disease is largely affected by using immune drugs.
Hereditary factor associated with congenital disorders of genetic material. Researchers have found several DNA regions, mutations, which can occur in patients with scaly ringworm. These genes are mainly responsible for the maturation of immune system cells (T-lymphocytes). So when they break down the likelihood of psoriasis is significantly increased. If the parents suffer from this skin disease, the risk of skin disease in children is 50% higher.
The genetic theory is similar to inheritance, but in this case, is considered a gene mutation, which can occur at any age.
Endocrine factors is confirmed by the fact that most patients with psoriasis there are any changes, endocrine organs (pituitary, pancreas and thyroid gland). In addition, these patients often present violation of the synthesis and secretion of melatonin. Also, the disease can be level of sex hormones.
Stress and shock can lead to the onset of symptoms or exacerbation of symptoms. Since the release of blood hormones starts a series of biochemical reactions, which lead to a scaly rash on the skin.
Exchange theory is based on the fact that scientists have identified elevated levels of lipids in patients with psoriasis. In addition, during the exacerbation of the disease, altered nitrogen metabolism and increased the overall level of toxins in the body.

In fact, all the causes of psoriasis can be classified into two groups:

violation of the division of skin cells;
change the immune system.

All the external factors (environment, stress, injuries) only aggravate the disease, but can not act as one single cause.

The quality of life in patients with psoriasis

Along with other chronic diseases, psoriasis can significantly impair quality of life of patients, who can experience both physical and psychological discomfort. There is often difficulties with employment and social adaptation. So, sometimes intense itching interferes with normal rest, and plaques on the hands can limit the performance.

It is particularly difficult to be transferred to scaly rash on the scalp. This is due to the fact that these boards cause rejection, so that patients become reclusive, it can even be a social anxiety.

Stress due to dissatisfaction with their appearance, persistent pain or itching, and immune system disorders often lead to the development of mental disorders (increased anxiety, depression, social isolation). Only a quarter of patients with psoriasis does not feel psychological discomfort in the rest of the patients the disease is a serious obstacle to normal life.

Among the symptoms of psoriasis, which worsen the quality of life, itching, secondly, – the joint pain of psoriatic arthritis.

Methods for the treatment of psoriasis

Understand what is psoriasis, you have a better idea of the possible treatment methods. As a chronic disease, then to cure it. However, you can significantly alleviate the condition of patients, reduce the clinical manifestations. As part of an integrated approach to the treatment of exfoliative dermatitis is the use of drugs and physiotherapy techniques. There are also people advice to help deal with the problem.

Drugs and psoriasis

This disease of the most popular products for external use. Their composition can include multiple components, which prevent the excessive division of skin cells and soften and reduce itching. The names of drugs are different, but they often contain the following substances:

Glucocorticosteroid hormones, which reduce inflammation and prevent the reactivity of the immune system. Local application of hormones is less pronounced systemic effects. Part of Elocom In advantan.
Vitamin D is part of a large number of drugs for local use. The maximum power of the treatment of psoriasis is shown, together with UV irradiation.
Tar is used mainly for the treatment of ulcers located in the area of the scalp.
Activated zinc quickly reduces redness and itching. This part is almost harmless to the body.

Among the drugs in the systemic treatment of psoriasis are:

corticosteroids, such as they regulate the metabolism and eliminate inflammation, but they are a separate syndrome;
cytostatics inhibit cell division in the skin, but together, that weakens the immune system and slow down the regeneration of other tissues;
immunomodulators contribute to the normalization of immune system reactions, but their effectiveness is not fully understood;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines just to relieve the itching and inflammation, but no effect on actual change.

Vitamins and anti-allergic drugs are used in addition to the main treatment. Because there is no really effective drugs to combat psoriasis, it is prescribed along with physical therapy.

Physiotherapy

One of the most frequently used procedures for the treatment of systemic disease is psoriasis, divided as follows:

Leech therapy where leeches are used. It improves blood circulation and normalizes the immune system response.
Fish-doctor, multiplicanda thermal springs, to help the patient, remove the skin lesions. During the ichthyotherapy these fish literally eat the surface layer of the plaques on the skin, immersed in the water.
Cold therapy, during which the patient is placed for several minutes in the chamber, where the temperature -130⁰C. After the procedure, significantly reduce the itching and to remove the phenomena of inflammation and swelling.
PUVA-therapy combined with light therapy and chemotherapy. After the introduction of the drug, which accumulates in cells that have high ability to regenerate, the patient is irradiated with light. The latter has a certain wave length and helps to activate the light. This can be achieved by selectivity effects.

Sometimes psoriasis is an effective use of homeopathic medicines or folk remedies.

Folk remedies for the treatment of psoriasis

In folk medicine there are many recipes for funds, both for local use and for use inside.

You can cook the ointment and put it on top of the plaques. The most popular are the following recipes:

Mix the infusion and adipo (1:5), we obtain an effective remedy.
Grind the flowers of Filipendula viscosa and mix with vaseline (1:1). Then heated to 90⁰C and cooled. Keep the ointment is not a long time, so it is best to cook in small portions.
Common lard, pine resin and beeswax, heat it on the fire, stirring all the time. Then add the vitamin at the pharmacy.
The usual birch tar (25 g), vaseline (10 g), boric acid (5 g), honey (15 g), protein eggs, fish oil (5 g) very good mix and put in a dark container. Spread this cream should be only once a day.
Ointment of elecampane to help an exacerbation of the disease.

Traditional medicines for ingestion are usually the aim is to maintain immunity and reduce the inflammation and itching:

Kvass from oats prepared with 700 g of grain, three liters of water and five large spoonfuls of sugar. All this should infuse for two days.
The infusion of bay leaf is taken orally in 100 ml.
To prepare the tincture of the buds of Sophora, it is necessary to take 500 ml of vodka and 50 g of dry raw material, set the month in a dark place. Take a teaspoon.
Decoction of fennel seeds helps to remove acute symptoms, and is also a mild sedative and calming effect.

Baths with the addition of copper sulfate is also used in the treatment of psoriasis.