Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic non-infectious disease, which most often manifests itself in the form of skin rashes and scaling.
If the skin appears rash, resembling psoriasis - should consult a dermatologist. Psoriatic rashes are scaly, itchy plaques of various sizes. In this case, plaques in psoriasis can be located on the elbows, knees, scalp or other parts of the body. The doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and, depending on his form, prescribe treatment.
Causes of psoriasis
Psoriasis is an abnormal reaction of the body to external stimuli, in which the upper layer of the skin dies at certain parts of the body much faster than in the norm. If usually the cycle of division and maturation of skin cells occurs in 3-4 weeks, then in psoriasis this process takes place in just 4-5 days.
Currently, psoriasis is considered a hereditary multifactorial disease: the basis of the disease is not one but a whole range of causes - immunological changes, metabolic disorders, concomitant endocrine and neurological disorders. At the same time, we can say for sure: psoriasis is not an infectious disease, which means that it is not a contagious disease.
The causes of the appearance of psoriasis have not been finally found. On this account, there are various theories.
According to one theory, there are two types of psoriasis:
Psoriasis type I is caused by hereditary breakdowns of the immune system. About 65% of people suffer from this form of psoriasis, and the disease manifests itself at a young age, from 18 to 25 years.
Psoriasis type II occurs in people older than 40 years. In this type of psoriasis is not inherited and is not associated with breakage in cells by the immune system. And unlike psoriasis type I, which prefers the skin, psoriasis type II often affects the nails and joints.
Symptoms of psoriasis
Symptoms of psoriasis are inflamed, flaky spots of red, accompanied by severe itching. Such spots (plaques) are more often located on the skin of the scalp, knees and elbows, in the lower back and in the skin folds. Approximately a quarter of patients have nails.
Depending on the seasonality of relapses (exacerbation of the disease), there are three types of psoriasis: winter, summer, indeterminate. The most common winter type of psoriasis.
During the exacerbation of psoriasis on the hands, on the knees, on the head, as well as in the lower back and in the skin folds, they appear as reddish-colored plaques.