What is psoriasis?: how to recognize and effectively treat the disease?
Psoriasis is a disease that affects 4-7% of the world’s population, its mechanisms are not fully understood. The pathology occurs during puberty, but can manifest itself at an early age, even in infancy. The disease proceeds unevenly: it progresses, then subsides and the time of remission comes. The acute state of the disease worsens the quality of life. Let’s find out what psoriasis is and what methods can effectively suppress it.
Table of Contents
What causes the disease?
To start treating psoriasis, you need to understand the cause of this pathology in a particular person. Experts identify several factors that provoke the development of the disease:
- Autoimmune diseases. The immune system overreacts to skin irritations and triggers the suppression of the body’s own cells. Inflammation of the skin becomes a consequence of the activation of T-lymphocytes.
- Genetic data. Predisposition to the disease is hereditary and can be passed down from generation to generation. Scientists have identified individual genes responsible for this process. Under the influence of provoking factors, they are activated.
- Endocrine systems. Scientists have established a relationship between disorders in the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and pituitary gland with manifestations of psoriasis. The mechanism of such influence is still not clearly defined.
- Exchange rates. In patients with psoriasis, disorders in the course of metabolic processes (fat, carbohydrate, protein) begin. Due to the acceleration of metabolic processes, the content of toxic compounds in tissues that support inflammation increases.
- Psychosomatic. Under the influence of stress, increased mental and physical exertion, the body forms a protective response. In this case, the immune, endocrine and metabolic mechanisms are immediately activated.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
On the Internet, you can find photos of psoriasis, which shows the condition of the skin in this pathology. The main symptoms of the disease include:
- the appearance of papules and plaques on the skin, over time they become covered with a dense yellowish-white crust
- peeling and dryness of the skin
- severe itching
What are the signs of psoriasis?
Before starting treatment for psoriasis, get confirmation of the diagnosis by your doctor. External manifestations on the skin can not be confused by a specialist with other pathologies.
A characteristic feature of psoriasis is seasonality, with symptoms appearing in summer and autumn or winter and spring. Often rashes on the skin appear after severe stressful situations, nervous shocks. The disease can develop against the background of mechanical damage to the skin, and errors in food (too much smoked meat, pickles, spicy dishes, citrus fruits, flour).
Foci of inflammatory processes are located in specific areas of the body: most often there is psoriasis on the head, in the elbows, chest, and legs.
What are the stages of the disease?
- Progressive. It is characterized by the formation of inflammatory elements on the skin in the form of papules or plaques. Over time, there are more of them, they merge with each other, occupy new areas.
- Stationary. The area of lesions on the skin does not increase, previously appeared elements are in a calm state.
- Regressing. The rash becomes paler, the crusts become thinner, the inflammation shifts to the center, characteristic rings form on previously affected areas, and the skin discolors.
Psoriasis refers to incurable diseases. The disease is non-communicable, so it is impossible to get infected by touching a person in a domestic way. The main task of therapy is to stop acute conditions and prevent relapses. If you suspect signs of psoriasis, contact your dermatologist.
The treatment of pathology in children is based on the use of non-hormonal drugs: creams, ointments, specialized shampoos and shower gels. Their main task is to moisturize and soften the skin, prevent infection. When choosing products, it is important to pay attention to the composition: they should not contain artificial fragrances and synthetic components that can provoke an allergic reaction.
Nonsteroidal drugs for external use that contain zinc pyrithione have a good effect. A specific drug for a child should be prescribed by a doctor.
How to treat the disease in adults?
To prolong remission and prevent relapses, it is recommended to:
- avoid frequent contact with moisture (it is allowed to bathe no longer than 15 minutes in warm water)
- after a bath or shower, be sure to lubricate the body with a moisturizing or nourishing cream
- beware of direct sunlight, use protective equipment with an SPF of at least 30 units
- control your diet, cook steamed dishes, cook or stew (frying is prohibited during the hot period)
- review your diet and focus on foods rich in fiber: legumes, fruits (except strawberries and strawberries), pumpkin, cabbage, bran, corn; meat – lean fish (cod, pollock), chicken, rabbit, turkey
Do climate and folk remedies work?
If you have been diagnosed with psoriasis, treatment with folk remedies is acceptable as an addition to the main course and should not replace it. A good therapeutic effect is provided by:
- climatotherapy — spa treatment on the Black or Dead Sea coast
- application of therapeutic baths with the addition of herbal infusions of aloe, St. John’s wort, calendula, chamomile, celandine, pine cones
- use of applications based on natural clay, soda, sea buckthorn oil
Apply any of the methods described in this article only after consulting with a dermatologist.
