Psoriasis is a common, chronic, non-communicable disease that affects approximately 100 million people worldwide.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
This is how the disease manifests itself.Skin cells divide 10 times faster than normal, stacking on top of each other and forming raised red patches covered with silvery white scales.Such ulcers can appear anywhere, but most often on the head, elbows, knees and lower back.
Here are a few other signs that appear along with spots:
- itching and burning;
- The nails are thickened and have small pits;
- swollen and painful joints.
There may be other symptoms, depending on the type of psoriasis.
What types of psoriasis are there?
There are seven in total
- Normal, also known as vulgar.Most common type: raised, red, and inflamed skin covered with white scales.
- Water drop shape.Small pink-red spots often appear on the head, thighs, forearms and trunk.
- Nail psoriasis.They become yellow-brown, soft, and may separate from the tooth socket.Indentations or thickening appear.
- pustules.A rare form of the disease, it can be accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, muscle weakness and rapid pulse.Bumps appear on the arms, legs and fingers, surrounded by red skin.
- Opposite.The red spots are smooth and shiny without scales.Usually they appear in the groin, armpits, under the breasts and buttocks.
- Psoriatic arthritis.In addition to plaques on the skin, it also causes joint pain and swelling.
Where does psoriasis come from?
Anyone can get psoriasis, but it occurs more often in adults than in children.
The exact cause of the disease is still unknown.But it is believed to be an autoimmune disease: immune system cells, also known as white blood cells, become overactive and mistakenly attack healthy tissues.
Psoriasis can be caused by one or more factors:
- infection;
- emphasize;
- smoking or drinking alcohol;
- sunburn;
- vitamin D deficiency;
- certain drugs and substances - lithium preparations, beta blockers, antimalarials, iodide.
You cannot get psoriasis.It is not transmitted through contact with a patient's skin.
How is psoriasis treated?
There is no way to get rid of psoriasis, but you can reduce its symptoms.Choosing procedures and medications is quite difficult.What works for one person sometimes doesn't work for another.The dermatologist should create and tailor a treatment plan.
Your doctor may recommend the following.
Creams and ointments for the skin
They are used to soften plaques, reduce itching, and slow skin cell growth.These are external remedies:
- hormonal ointment;
- coal tar shampoos and ointments;
- preparations containing retinoids.
Phototherapy
Irradiation of the skin with natural or artificial ultraviolet rays is performed in a hospital under the supervision of a dermatologist.Phototherapy is often used in conjunction with topical medications.
The simplest form is ordinary sunlight.But even if you decide to sunbathe, you should first discuss this issue with your doctor.This method is not suitable for everyone.
Whole body treatment
This is heavy artillery when all other methods fail.The doctor prescribes a course of drugs or injections that have a systemic effect.
Prescribing medication for yourself or taking medication on the advice of friends is a very bad idea.
Self-treating psoriasis can cause the disease to spread to unaffected body areas and increase the frequency of flare-ups.
Patients do not take into account the side effects of various drugs and harm themselves.
Don't do this, see a doctor!
How to reduce the frequency of psoriasis flare-ups
In addition to prescribed treatment, do the following:
Don't smoke or drink alcohol.Treating bad habits is less effective.
Track your weight.After losing additional weight, many patients find that previously ineffective medications begin to work.
Eat a balanced diet.This will reduce the risk of complications associated with psoriasis - high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, atherosclerosis.
Practice yoga and meditation.They reduce stress and anxiety that can cause flare-ups.
Apply a thick moisturizer to the skin as needed throughout the day to soften the skin.Be sure to do this after showering and before going to bed.
Take an oatmeal or colloidal salt bath every day for 10 minutes.Just make sure the water isn't too hot.And don't use harsh soaps, which dry out your skin too much.