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.  Their sizes vary from a pinhead to large areas the size of a palm and more.

 Eruptions are usually accompanied by peeling and painful itching.  In the process of peeling, superficial scales easily slough, remain denser, located in the depth (hence the second name psoriasis - scaly lichen).  Sometimes in the area of ​​the affected areas of the skin there are cracks and suppuration.

 Progressive psoriasis is characterized by the so-called Kebner phenomenon: the development of psoriatic plaques in places of injuries or scratches of the skin.

 Approximately a quarter of patients have nails.  In this case, there are pinpoint depressions and spotting of nail plates.  In addition, the nails can thicken and crumble.

 In summer, under the influence of sunlight, the symptoms of winter psoriasis are weakened, and sometimes even completely disappear.  Patients with the summer form of psoriasis, on the contrary, are advised to avoid exposure to the sun, as it worsens the course of the disease.

 Diagnosis of psoriasis

 Diagnoses psoriasis doctor-dermatologist.  To it it is necessary to address at occurrence on a skin of rashes similar to psoriatic - plaques of the various size, red, itching and shelled.  To clarify the diagnosis, a skin biopsy may be required.

 Treatment of psoriasis

 If the doctor has identified psoriasis at the initial stage, then it is quite possible that you will be assigned mainly prophylactic, and not therapeutic, remedies.When significant manifestations of the disease apply the following methods of treatment of psoriasis:

 cryotherapy - the method of cold exposure;

 plasmapheresis - purification of blood,

 therapy with ultraviolet - treatment consists of short-term procedures similar to a visit to the solarium.  For more effective treatment of psoriasis, this method is often combined with the use of special drugs PUVA-therapy).

 Do not try to treat psoriasis with ultraviolet without the doctor's advice.  In psoriasis, small doses of ultraviolet are therapeutic, and elevated - on the contrary, can spur the development of the disease.  The same applies to solar baths.

 Tablets have a strong effect, so they are used in severe forms of psoriasis, and are prescribed exclusively by a doctor.

 Effective tablets against psoriasis:

 Cathetometer

 Diprospan

 Reamberin

 The best medicines for psoriasis are ointments:

 Berlikort

 Kenalog

 Fluorocort

 Nazakort

 Triacort

 Skin Light

 Momat

 Uniderm

 Lokasalen

 Sinalar

 Lokakorten

 Flucture

 Flucinar

 Treatment of psoriasis is a long and complex process, the most important moments of which are the experience of treatment, long-term monitoring of patients and the correct choice of methods and means of therapy.  Always remember that the most important thing in the treatment of this unpredictable disease is "noli nocere" (do no harm).  In many ways, the treatment of psoriasis depends on the patient himself, on his awareness of this disease, the state of mind, mood, optimism.

 Make sure that this is really psoriasis (if the rash has appeared for the first time).  Remember what circumstances and events preceded the appearance of rashes.  It can be stressful situations, any intoxication - drug, alcohol, food, etc., prolonged hypothermia, infectious diseases and vaccinations, skin trauma (including perm, hair coloring), etc. Then, if possible, eliminate the influence of these factors on  your body.