Elbow psoriasis is an inflammatory process with characteristic skin rashes. Among the factors that provoke the onset of the disease, heredity, various diseases, bad habits, stressful situations and others are distinguished.
The pathology is accompanied by itching, redness, swelling, pain in the affected areas. For diagnosis, tests of urine, blood, stool, biopsy, bakposv for microflora are prescribed. Treatment includes medication, topical remedies, physical therapy, and nutritional modification.
Before starting the treatment of psoriasis on the elbows, it is necessary to rule out other pathologies: eczema, fungal infections.
Only after a complete examination are specific medications prescribed, therefore a preliminary examination with a dermatologist is necessary.
stage
Psoriasis occurs in phases, which alternate in cycles.
Initial
The outer surface of the elbow area is covered with small papules. Outwardly, they resemble acne with a random arrangement. After 14-21 days, the formation turns into large patches covered with scales. The dryness of the skin increases, the surface becomes rough.
progressive
This stage is characterized by the formation of many large plates. The patient complains of flaking and redness in the affected area. The boundaries of the rash are represented by a well-defined rim. At this stage, the transition of the disease to a more severe stage is noted.
Freeze
With an appropriately selected scheme of therapeutic measures, the clinical picture becomes less pronounced and the disease turns to a resting state. The number of psoriatic rashes decreased, there were no new papules.
recession
This stage is accompanied by a decrease in the severity of symptoms, the number of plaques is markedly reduced. The skin, where the rash was earlier, is markedly pigmented, but at the same time there is no characteristic scab in the places of damage, the epidermis does not peel off.
Symptom
The beginning of the development of the pathological process is indicated by the appearance of small red spots of an oval or round shape. As the disease progresses, more numbers form, they spread to the surrounding healthy skin.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that cannot be completely cured. However, modern methods help to quickly get rid of the exacerbation of the disease and achieve long-term remission.
Antihistamines are used; For rashes on the joints, local ointments and creams with corticosteroids, salicylic acid are used.
An important method of treatment is the appointment of a diet and vitamin complex; Positive effects of some homeopathic preparations have been noted.
The early stage is characterized by a small number of rashes. If at this stage promptly seek the help of a specialist, can reduce the possibility of the disease becoming chronic.
The main feature of psoriasis is the formation of pale silvery scales. Under mechanical impact, their integrity is violated, as a result of which a smooth surface with bloody cracks appears.
There are also cases where there is no scale on the psoriatic plaque.
The patient began to complain of intense itching, swelling at the site of injury, and burning. If you palpate the damaged areas, in these places you may notice an increase in temperature and soreness.
Depending on the degree of activity of the protective functions of the body, the pathological process is accompanied by the formation of single or multiple plaques, when the disease affects the entire skin surface of the upper extremities. If appropriate measures are not taken in time, the probability of transferring the pathology to a neglected form increases several times.
The severity of the clinical picture also depends on the stage of the disease. During the period of remission, the symptoms appear to gradually decrease, the patient feels more comfortable. Recurrent conditions are characterized by the appearance of multiple psoriatic plaques, as a result of painful symptoms, a person's general health deteriorates.
Reason
Despite the high prevalence of this disease, it is not possible to fully study and establish the exact factors that cause it. However, experts have identified a number of factors that are thought to contribute to psoriatic lesions on the elbow.
One of the most common factors is genetic predisposition. According to statistics, in 50% of cases, the pathology is diagnosed in a person whose relatives are also susceptible to this disease.
The prerequisites for the development of psoriasis are the lack of resistance of the body to fight infectious diseases, malnutrition, uncontrolled drug intake, negative effects on the immune system, thereby contributing to the development of psoriasis. weaken.
Also among the reasons are:
- endocrine disorders;
- diseases of the digestive system;
- damage to the epidermis;
- frequent stress, neurosis, depression.
Vitamin deficiencies and a lack of trace elements in the body can contribute to the manifestation of psoriasis.
Diagnose
Because the development of psoriasis on the elbow is accompanied by obvious clinical signs, the detection of the pathology is not difficult. First, the dermatologist performs an external examination of the damaged areas of the epidermis and collects the patient's history.
To confirm the preliminary diagnosis, the patient is sent for laboratory testing.
A blood test allows you to identify a possible predisposition to an allergic reaction to certain drugs that may be used in the treatment of psoriasis. In addition, the analysis can help diagnose anemia, which will be accompanied by characteristic deviations of white blood cell and red blood cell levels.
Urinalysis helps to determine the level of water-salt balance, i. e. the amount of salt and water that has entered and removed from the human body.
The study of feces is necessary to identify the worms in it.
When the main methods for the final diagnosis are not enough, the doctor will appoint an additional examination:
- biopsies of epidermal samples taken from the lesion;
- bakposv on the microflora;
- experiment with potassium oxide.
If a complex course of the pathological process is suspected, an X-ray examination is performed, which allows to evaluate the disease involvement of the joint.
If psoriasis develops in a woman during childbirth, she will be referred for a prolactin test.
In addition, you may need to consult an orthopedist, rheumatologist, physician venerealist, or mammologist.
Treatments
Psoriasis cannot be cured, but it is possible to prevent flare-ups and prolong remission. Therapy in this case should be complex. It includes the use of the following treatments:
- useMedicalmedicine inside;
- usefundlocal action;
- vitamin therapy;
- nursing-resorttreatment;
- applicationhomeopathydrugs.
In addition, it is important to follow a special diet. It includes foods in the diet that contain substances that contribute to remission and limits the use of harmful foods for psoriasis.
Medicines for psoriasis
In the treatment of diseases, it is important to use drugs taken internally in the form of capsules, tablets, tablets.
Antihistamines can be used to relieve itching.
It is important to remember that only an experienced specialist can prescribe such drugs, taking into account the severity of the disease, the age criteria, as well as the individual characteristics of the patient's body.
Ointment for rashes on elbows and shins
Elbow psoriasis drugs are widely used for external use.
Experts say that the treatment of psoriasis needs to be comprehensive, so just applying a layer of creams is not enough, because they only help eliminate the symptoms of the disease on our skin.
vitamin
In psoriasis, vitamin therapy is considered an important method of complex treatment. In case of damaged facial skin, vitamins of groups B, E, D, A and ascorbic acid should be used.
To do this, you need to eat right: increase your intake of foods containing these substances. Alternatively, vitamins can be purchased at drug stores. Vitamin solution can be used to lubricate problem areas.
Some ointments contain necessary substances, so specialists often prescribe these drugs for external use.
Vitamin and mineral complexes may be prescribed.
Also indicated for severe degrees of psoriasis for intramuscular injection.
They are taken daily or every other day.
homeopathic remedies
Combined agents are considered the most effective.
The dosage of these drugs is determined by a qualified specialist, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient's body and the severity of the pathology.
Diet
In a medical condition, it is important to adhere to the nutritional regimen. So, in the diet for psoriasis should include the following products:
- Lean fish;
- dairy products;
- vegetable oil;
- Fruits and vegetables;
- cereals;
- green trees.
These components enrich the body with useful substances and reduce acidity. In case of illness, it is helpful to establish an oral regimen. Daily water consumption should be at least 1. 5 liters.
The following products are contraindicated for use in pathology:
- Bacon;
- spices and spicy seasonings;
- pickles;
- sweet products;
- meat;
- acoholic drink;
- sausage;
- the coffee;
- citrus;
- chocolate;
- candy.
Avoid eating fried, greasy, and salty foods.
In addition, small meals are recommended for psoriasis: it is recommended to divide the portions and increase the number of meals per day up to six times.
Spa treatment
With psoriasis, you should go to resorts located in areas with hot and dry climates.
Also desirable is an annual stay in sanatoriums, where radon or sulfide baths are available. In such places, patients can undergo physical therapy procedures that help eliminate signs of disease and prolong remission. These include applications with paraffin or ozocerides, UV radiation, phototherapy, cryotherapy.
These procedures are carried out for 21-29 days daily.
Treatment of psoriasis on the elbow is carried out with an integrated approach. Drug treatment includes the use of funds for internal and external use. It is also important to take vitamin supplements and diet during treatment. It is recommended to stay in a sanatorium and use homeopathic medicines.
Result
With a long time without treatment measures, the course of pathology on the elbow is complicated by the appearance of a number of diseases.
Psoriasis may begin. In most cases, it occurs in the context of abrupt discontinuation or complete absence of treatment, frequent stressful situations, diseases of infectious origin occurring in a serious form, alcohol abuse.
Purulent systemic psoriasis is a more serious health threat. Such a pathological process is characterized by a mass association of papules, as a result of which large foci are formed, at the site of localization of sloughed skin, areas of pustules are formed.
Another complication is psoriatic arthritis. This is a pathological process that affects the joints, accompanied by swelling, severe pain and limited mobility.
Prevent
Because the epidermis in this area is quite dry, it is necessary to take care of the elbow skin regularly. To do this, you need to use a special cream with moisturizing properties.
You should also stop smoking and drinking too much alcohol. Strengthening the immune system plays an equally important role. Therefore, experts recommend taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement, playing sports and spending more time walking in the fresh air.
It is important to protect the skin from mechanical damage, not to let the body suffer from constant stress and psychological disorders.
At the first symptoms of the development of an infectious disease, it is not advisable to postpone the visit to the doctor for timely medical care.