Psoriasis – What kind of disease is it?

Although psoriasis is a common and long-known disease, it has not been well studied.Patients often have no idea that psoriasis is not a bacterial infection or fungus, but a non-standard reaction of the immune system caused by an unknown cause.Information about the causes and symptoms of psoriasis is very useful for patients as it will help in overcoming this disease.

What disease is this?

Lichen scaly is another name for psoriasis, and the name describes the disease perfectly.Psoriasis manifests as the formation of inflammatory plaques of varying sizes on the skin, densely covered with thick skin scales.

Of course, almost everyone has heard of conditions like psoriasis.This is not surprising since scaly lichens are quite common.This disease is diagnosed in 4-10% of the world's population.Furthermore, statisticians who collect information on the prevalence of psoriasis claim that the number of patients is growing steadily.

Scaly lichen has been known to people since ancient times; even ancient Greek healers attempted to treat the disease.The history of modern research into psoriasis dates back approximately 150 years.But during this critical period, researchers didn't know enough about the causes and treatments of psoriasis.

Widespread prevalence, uncertainty about etiology (why it appears), insufficient effective treatments - all make psoriasis one of the most difficult problems in dermatology.

Today, dermatologists consider psoriasis a complex systemic disease associated with immune system dysfunction, failure of metabolic processes and the emergence of nutritional disorders.The result of these failures are specific skin changes.

Therefore, answering the question what is psoriasis, modern dermatologists answer that it is a disturbance in the nutritional and metabolic processes of the skin due to malfunction of the body's systems.Today, two theories about the cause of psoriasis are considered the most likely: the genetic theory and the viral theory.

• The genetic theory has many supporters, as psoriasis often manifests itself as a hereditary or familial skin disease.A thorough examination of the patient's family history confirms that 60-80% of the patient's relatives have some form of psoriasis.However, in some patients, the fact of the genetic origin of psoriasis cannot be proven.This situation is the reason for classifying these cases into a special group in which the main reason is not genetic but phenotypic failure.
• The viral theory, which holds that psoriasis is caused by infection, has its supporters.Information that confirms the origin of the psoriasis virus comes from detecting antibodies in the patient's blood as well as "basic bodies" in epidermal cells.According to this theory, psoriasis occurs not only in the context of viral infection, but also in the presence of certain conditions.

There are other theories to explain the appearance of psoriasis.Such as endocrine, neurogenic, metabolic, etc.Of course, none of these theories are unfounded, and their research has given us more important information about psoriasis disease.However, today it is already certain that the state of the endocrine and nervous systems and the function of the gastrointestinal tract do not cause psoriasis but have a significant impact on the course of this disease.

For example, pathologies affecting the liver cause the quality of blood purification performed by this organ to be significantly reduced.This, in turn, can cause the appearance of various skin lesions, including psoriasis.

Pathologies affecting the liver (hepatitis, primary cirrhosis, etc.) lead to tissue degeneration of this organ, that is, the liver is gradually replaced by connective tissue.As a result, the liver stops processing its cleansing functions.Externally, this manifests as yellowing of the mucous membranes and skin, and may also progress to skin diseases including psoriasis.

There is also an inverse relationship: Psoriasis is often accompanied by steatosis, which affects the liver.Therefore, when treating this skin disease, you must pay attention to your diet to avoid unnecessary burden on the liver.Patients are advised to limit fatty foods and completely abstain from alcohol.

Therefore, despite extensive research, there is still no definite answer to the question of what psoriasis is.However, work continues, so it is possible that the mysteries of this mysterious disease will be unraveled and we will learn a lot about the skin disease psoriasis.

Classification by international system

Psoriasis comes in many forms.To make navigation easier for experts, generally accepted classifications of psoriasis are used.

Psoriasis is also included in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) system.Today, the 10th revision of the International Register of Diseases is in use, which is why the abbreviation ICD 10 is used.The tenth revision of the International Classification of Diseases began in 1983 and was completed in 1987.

Essentially, ICD 10 is a standard assessment tool used in medicine and health care administration.The 10th revision of this tool is used to monitor the prevalence of various diseases and other public health-related issues.

Using ICD version 10, it is possible to compare morbidity and mortality data from different countries, thereby obtaining statistical data and systematizing diagnostic information.ICD 10 is used to assign codes to various diseases in agreement with the members of the World Health Organization.In version 10 of the classifier, an alphanumeric code was adopted, with the help of which information can be stored conveniently in electronic form.

All types of psoriasis are included in ICD 10, and each type has a specific code.In dermatology, psoriasis is divided into the following forms and types:

• Common psoriasis(Synonyms: vulgar, simple, patchy).The disease is assigned a code based on ICD 10 – L-40.0.This is the most common form, observed in 80-90% of patients.The main symptom is the formation of patches above the unaltered skin surface, covered with whitish-gray skin fragments.This form is characterized by slight flaking of the scales.When removed, it will reveal inflamed, red skin that can easily become injured and start to bleed.As the inflammatory process progresses, the size of the plaques increases significantly.
• reverse psoriasis.This is a disease that affects the folds (curved surfaces) of the skin.The ICD 10 code for this disorder is L83-4.The dermatosis appears as smooth or minimally flaky wrinkles on the skin.The condition worsens when the skin is injured by friction.The disease is often complicated by an associated streptococcal infection or fungus.
• guttate psoriasis.This form of psoriasis is characterized by the formation of large numbers of small red or purple spots on the skin that are shaped like water droplets.According to the 10th edition of the International Classifier, the code for this disease is L4.Most commonly, guttate psoriasis affects the skin on the legs, but the rash can also appear on other parts of the body.At the same time, it is well known that guttate psoriasis is a complication of streptococcal infection - pharyngitis, tonsillitis, etc.
• Pustular or exudative psoriasis– This is a severe cutaneous form and according to ICD 10 it is assigned codes L1-3 and L 40.82.It is characterized by the formation of blisters or pustules.The skin at the lesion is swollen, red, inflamed, and easy to peel off.If fungi or bacteria invade a pustule, the contents of the pustule turn into pus.Pustular psoriasis most commonly affects distal parts of the extremities, but in the most severe cases, a systemic course may occur as the rash spreads throughout the body.
• Arthritic psoriasis or arthropathic psoriasis.According to ICD version 10, pathology is coded L5.Manifested as joint inflammation.Arthropathic psoriasis can affect all types of joints, but in most cases, the toes and phalangeal joints of the hands become inflamed.The knee, hip or shoulder joints may be affected.The lesions can be so severe that they cause the patient to become disabled.Therefore, you should not think of psoriasis as just a skin disease.Severe forms of psoriasis can cause systemic disease, disability, and even death.

• Erythrodermic psoriasis.A rare but serious form of psoriasis, the disease has the code L85 according to ICD 10.Erythrodermic psoriasis usually manifests itself in a systemic manner.The affected area may include the entire or nearly entire skin surface.The disease is accompanied by severe itching, swelling and pain.
• Psoriatic nail dystrophy or nail psoriasis.According to the 10th edition of the ICD, the disease is coded as L86.The pathology manifests itself as changes in the appearance of the nails on the toes and fingers.Nails may become discolored, thicken, and begin to break down.The nail may fall off completely.

In psoriasis, the classification of the disease takes into account not only the type of disease, but also the severity of symptoms:

• Localized psoriasis is a disease that affects less than 20% of the skin;
• Extensive psoriasis affects more than 20% of the body surface;
• When almost the entire skin surface is affected, we are talking about generalized psoriasis.

If we consider all types of the disease, widespread psoriasis is more common than other forms.

flow stage

Limited or extensive psoriasis goes through three stages in its course: progression, stability, and resolution.

Progressive stages of psoriasis have the following characteristics:

• New rash appears;
• growth of existing plaque;
• The appearance of new rash components in areas of skin injury (scratches, abrasions);
• Excessive flaking of existing plaque.

The following symptoms are characteristic of the quiescent phase of psoriasis:

• Lack of emergence of new elements;

• Moderate flaking of components;
• There is no sign of elemental growth.

The appearance of wrinkles in the cuticle around the elements is a sign of the transition from the resting phase to the declining phase.

The regression phase is characterized by the following types of symptoms:

• Reduce peel strength;
• Element resolution.

After psoriasis spots fade, hypopigmented or hyperpigmented spots remain in place.

Lichen scaly is characterized by a long course and cyclical exacerbations.Psoriasis can be divided into the following types:

• Winter (aggravated in autumn and winter);
• summer (intensified during warm periods);
• Non-seasonal psoriasis is the most severe type because there is no clear link between relapses and the season of the year, so there may not actually be periods of remission.

Diagnostic function

Diagnosis is less difficult if psoriasis has typical clinical manifestations.However, the disease often masquerades as other conditions.

For example, nail psoriasis is often mistaken for nail fungus because the early external manifestations of these diseases are very similar.But onychomycosis and psoriasis are completely different in nature, so the treatments should be different too.

Non-professionals may mistake it for fungus and skin psoriasis.Since dermatomycoses (dermatophytes) show similar symptoms - the formation of flaky plaques.Therefore, if you notice suspicious symptoms on your body or nails, there is no need to diagnose yourself and start treating the fungus with medications or folk remedies.

If the diagnosis is incorrect and the cause of the symptoms is not fungus but psoriasis, then treatment will not be helpful but may worsen the symptoms.

When a dermatologist is contacted, a fungus test will be performed and scraped from the nail or skin.The resulting material is then placed in a nutrient medium.If fungi are present in the material, a large colony will grow in the test sample after a few days.The appearance of the material can tell you something about the type of fungus causing the infection.

Sometimes, psoriasis is complicated by a secondary infection, which may be bacterial or fungal.Therefore, patients with changes in clinical manifestations (appearance of purulent secretions, changes in plaque color, etc.)You must be tested regularly for fungi and other infectious agents.

During the diagnostic process, a group of phenomena called the psoriasis triad is given a role.These phenomena appear in sequence when part of the rash is scratched.

The manifestations of the psoriasis triad are as follows:

• When part of the rash is scratched, the scales are removed in "shards";
• When the debris is removed, a clear film similar to polyethylene is revealed;
• When the film is damaged, needle bleeding occurs.

Dermatologists diagnose psoriasis, but if necessary, the doctor can refer the patient to other specialists (rheumatologists, gastroenterologists, surgeons, etc.) for consultation.

Interesting facts about psoriasis

People have known about psoriasis since ancient times.Even the name of the disease entered our language from ancient Greek.In the prosperous days of ancient Greece, the word "psora" referred to all skin diseases characterized by peeling and itching.

The first person to write a detailed treatise on psoriasis was the Roman Cornelius Celsus.In the fifth volume of his work De medicina, a chapter is devoted to this disease.

They knew about psoriasis, but the disease was not clearly evaluated because it was called an "imperial" disease or a "devil's" disease.

Of course, ancient healers knew very little about psoriasis.Until the 19th century, the disease was often confused with other skin diseases.Psoriasis was first identified as a disease in its own right in 1799.This was done by British dermatologist Robert Willan, who identified psoriasis from a large group of skin diseases characterized by itching and flaking.

Not only ordinary people, but even famous politicians have first-hand knowledge of psoriasis.For example, Winston Churchill, who suffered from this disease, promised to erect a solid gold monument to a man who could understand everything about psoriasis and provide effective treatment for this disease.

Modern ideas about the disease

It must be said that modern science does not know much about this mysterious disease.There are many theories about the origin, course, and treatment of psoriasis.

Here are some facts about psoriasis that experts have no doubt about:

• Although the cause of the disease is unknown, we have managed to understand the nature of psoriasis.This disease is an autoimmune disorder, which is caused by a malfunction of the immune system;
• Another established fact about psoriasis: the disease can be inherited.However, this is not always the case.Even if both parents have the disease, the child's risk is 65 percent.At the same time, some patients developed psoriasis even though none of their relatives had the disease;
• An interesting fact about psoriasis is that this disease is characterized by Kobner's phenomenon.This phenomenon manifests itself in the formation of components of the rash at the site of skin damage - scratches, burns, frostbite.Sometimes, psoriasis appears in scarred areas over time;
• An important observation that allows us to gain more information about psoriasis is the association of this disease with climatic factors.The timing of exacerbations and relapses often coincides with seasonal changes;
• Patients may have noticed a link between exacerbations and stress in their practice.All patients should be well aware that relapses or exacerbations of the disease can occur against a background of nervousness and anxiety.
• A new fact about psoriasis is that the disease can appear at any age, although previously it was thought that pityriasis versicolor appeared after the age of 30;
• It is important for everyone to know that psoriasis is not a contagious disease.There is no risk of infection even in close contact with a patient;
• Almost everyone has heard that there is no cure for psoriasis, and this is true because no treatment has been found that guarantees victory over this disease.But patients should know that psoriasis can be controlled.Adequate, timely treatment can give you long-term relief.

modern treatment methods

Speaking of the common disease psoriasis, we must talk about the treatment of this common disease.It must be said that it is not possible to cure psoriasis with pills or ointments alone.

In order to forget the manifestations of psoriasis in the long term, patients need to make efforts in close cooperation with their doctor.It is necessary to arrange food properly.Some experts say that you can forget about psoriasis forever only with the help of a properly formulated diet and regular cleansing of the body.

The doctor will develop an initial treatment plan and treat according to that treatment plan.Topical (ointments, creams) and systemic (tablets, injections) treatments are commonly used.In addition, physical therapy methods will be used and treatment at the resort is recommended.Healing mud, mineral and thermal waters are recommended for the treatment of psoriasis.

The resort can also offer non-traditional treatments.For example, with the help of fish that live in hot springs.These little therapists effectively remove dead skin debris and disinfect the skin, promoting faster healing.

The resort may offer other treatments for lichen planus.For example, leech therapy, therapeutic baths and applications, sun therapy, etc.

You need to be prepared for the fact that your treatment plan will change periodically.Because not all methods are suitable for specific patients.If the chosen treatment is not effective, it will need to be replaced.

Traditional methods of treating psoriasis are also widely publicized.In fact, some of them can help achieve relief.However, when choosing a method, you need to remember common sense to avoid damaging your health.If in doubt about any recipe or suggestion, it's best not to use it.Consult your doctor before using any treatment.

You need to understand that it is possible to forget about psoriasis forever only if the patient himself and his surroundings are in a positive mood.Only belief in success and an optimistic attitude can help defeat this mysterious and insidious disease.