Psoriasis is a common chronic non-communicable disease affecting 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 cells, layering on top of each other and forming raised red patches covered with silvery-white scales.This ulcer can appear anywhere, but is most common on the head, elbows, knees, and lower back.
Here are some other signs that appear with these attractions:
- itching and burning sensation;
- Nail thickening and pitting;
- Swelling and pain in the joints.
Depending on the type of psoriasis, there may be other symptoms.
What types of psoriasis are there?
There are seven in total
- Ordinary, also known as vulgar.The most common type: raised, red, inflamed skin covered in white scales.
- Teardrop shape.Small pink spots usually appear on the head, thighs, forearms, and trunk.
- Nail psoriasis.They become yellowish-brown, soft, and may separate from the socket.Dents or thickening appear.
- Pustules.This is a rare illness that may be accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, muscle weakness, and a rapid pulse.Purulent bumps surrounded by red skin appear on arms, legs, and fingers.
- inverse.Smooth and shiny red spots, no scales.They most commonly appear in the groin, armpits, under the breasts, and buttocks.
- Psoriatic arthritis.In addition to patches on the skin, it can cause joint pain and swelling.
Where does psoriasis come from?
Anyone can get psoriasis, but it's more common in adults than in children.
The exact cause of the disease is unknown.But it's considered an autoimmune disease: immune system cells (also called white blood cells) become overactive and mistakenly attack healthy tissue.
Psoriasis can be caused by one or more factors:
- Infect;
- pressure;
- Smoking or drinking alcohol;
- sunburn;
- Vitamin D deficiency;
- Some drugs and substances - lithium preparations, beta-blockers, antimalarials, iodides.
You cannot get psoriasis.It is not spread through contact with a sick person's skin.
How is psoriasis treated?
There is no way to get rid of psoriasis, but you can relieve its symptoms.Choosing between surgery and medication can be quite difficult.What works for one person sometimes doesn't work for someone else.A dermatologist should develop and adjust a treatment plan.
Your doctor may recommend the following measures.
Skin creams and ointments
They are used to soften plaque, reduce itching, and slow the growth of skin cells.These are external remedies:
- Hormone ointment;
- Shampoos and ointments containing coal tar;
- 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 along with external medications.
The simplest form is ordinary sunlight.But even if you decide to sunbathe, you should discuss it with your doctor first.This approach is not suitable for everyone.
systemic treatment
This is the heavy artillery when all else fails.Your doctor will prescribe a course of pills or injections that affect your entire body.
Prescribing medication to yourself or taking medication based on the advice of a friend is a very bad idea.
Self-treatment of psoriasis may cause the disease to spread to untouched areas of the body and increase the frequency of outbreaks.
Patients fail to consider the side effects of various medications and harm themselves.
Don't do this, go see a doctor!
How to Reduce the Frequency of Psoriasis Attacks
In addition to prescribed treatment, the following should be performed:
Don't smoke or drink alcohol.Bad habits are less effective as treatments.
Watch your weight.After losing excess weight, many patients find that medications that didn't work before begin to work.
Eat a balanced diet.This will reduce the risk of complications associated with psoriasis - high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, atherosclerosis.
Do yoga and meditation.They can reduce stress and anxiety that can lead to flare-ups.
Apply a thick moisturizer to your skin as needed throughout the day to soften it.Be sure to do this after showering and before going to bed.
Take a colloidal oatmeal or salt bath for 10 minutes every day.Just make sure the water isn't too hot.And don't use harsh soaps, which can make the skin too dry.