Psoriasis is one of the most common skin diseases. In fact, it is a chronic and recurrent dermatosis, which is characterized by pathological division of the main cells of the epidermis. This provokes an inflammatory response in the dermis, leading to immune disorders. In addition to the skin, nails, joints and even internal organs are often affected.
Types of the disease
Depending on the etiology, two types of the disease are distinguished:
- Psoriasis type 1 occurs in 70-75% of patients. It is directly related to the HLA-antigen system. Most often, signs of pathology are manifested in early childhood, with frequent relapses in the future.
- Psoriasis type 2 is not associated with the HLA-antigen system. It begins in adulthood, characterized by fewer relapses and a milder course.
Another classification of the disease is associated with the localization of skin lesions. Distinguish ordinary (vulgar) and reverse psoriasis. The first is more widespread, occurring in 85% of patients. The main lesions are localized on the head and visible places. Scaly reddenings appear, which flake, cause serious discomfort, sometimes bleed.
Reversible psoriatic disease is characterized by the appearance of plaques in places that are difficult to reach and invisible to others. This can be skin folds under the breasts, in the axillae or on the external genitalia.
Symptoms of psoriasis
The clinical picture with the disease can have a different intensity. Inflammatory elements are localized on the head, back, elbow and knee bends, in the folds of the skin. The main symptoms of psoriasis are as follows:
- redness;
- severe burning, itching;
- cracked skin;
- tightness of the skin;
- swelling, painful joints.
At any time, the exacerbation of the disease can end, as a result of which the plaques become pale, smaller, the constant itching disappears. The clinical picture may vary depending on the type of disease present.
Prevention
Prevention of exacerbation – a list of very simple rules, the fulfillment of which can significantly prolong remission.
Skin care
- Psoriasis is characterized by the Kebner phenomenon – the appearance of rashes in place of abrasions, abrasions, cuts, scratches.
- To avoid traumatization of the skin, during bathing you should use only soft sponges. From hard washcloths, brushes should be abandoned. Wet body should not be rubbed, but gently blotted with a towel.
- To eliminate dryness, it is necessary to apply daily moisturizers to the skin: balms, lotions, creams.
- It is important to maintain a humidity level of 40-60% in the room. Conditioners dry out the skin, increasing the risk of dermatologic diseases.
- When using detergents, gloves should be worn.
- Keep fingernails trimmed short.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes made of natural materials: linen, cotton.
Proper nutrition
Many patients with psoriasis are overweight, suffer from metabolic syndrome (characteristic signs: excess fat in the abdomen, elevated glucose levels, arterial hypertension). Specialists of the National Psoriasis Foundation of the United States on the basis of a meta-analysis revealed that reducing body weight reduces the risk of developing exacerbations and complications. Although there is no definitive evidence regarding the effectiveness of a strict diet and dietary intake in general, doctors recommend consuming hypocaloric food to minimize psoriatic attacks.
- To avoid the development of fatty liver degeneration, patients should exclude fatty meats (pork, mutton) and fish, as well as fried, spicy, spicy food. No to smoked meats, convenience foods, flour. Highly allergenic products are forbidden: citrus fruits, chocolate, whole cow’s milk.
- The basis of the diet should be sour-milk products (kefir, cottage cheese, yogurt), plant foods and cereals (buckwheat, oatmeal, pearl). You can eat turkey meat, rabbit meat, and veal.
- It is obligatory to drink at least 2 liters of fluid daily. Coffee and strong tea should be avoided.
Stress management
Psycho-emotional stress is a powerful provocateur of psoriasis. It is with stress that most patients associate the onset of the disease.
Stress reduces the production of immune T-cells, contributes to hormonal imbalance, and causes GI problems. As a result, the risk of inflammatory reactions, allergic and autoimmune diseases increases.
To date, psoriasis is considered a dermatologic disease with an autoimmune mechanism of development. To achieve a lasting remission, you need to learn how to manage your body during nervous tension. For this purpose, you can practice various relaxation programs: yoga, meditation.
The best remedy for stress is physical activity. Herbs such as valerian and motherwort have a calming effect.
Abandonment of bad habits
Although alcohol is not the cause of the disease, alcohol consumption leads to the generalization of the uncomplicated form of the disease. Smoking worsens the course of psoriasis, reduces the sensitivity to the current therapy.
In the mid-1980s, Norwegian researchers found that men who smoke are more susceptible to developing psoriasis. A US study demonstrated that there were many more smokers than non-smokers among women first diagnosed with psoriasis.
Nicotine causes oxidative damage, inflammatory changes and increases the expression of genes with links to psoriasis.
Insolation
In regions with a cool climate, the incidence of psoriasis is higher. In the winter season, exacerbation of the disease is more common. During remission periods, preventive sunbathing is indicated, which is prescribed by a doctor. From procedure to procedure, for the entire course of irradiation with UV rays, gradually increase the duration of the procedure.
If you decide to sunbathe in the sun, it is recommended to go to the beach before 11.00 and after 17.00 hours, during the period when UV rays are the least aggressive. In this case, the use of sunscreen is mandatory. Sunburns should be avoided as a provoking factor in the development of exacerbation of the disease.
Both at the stage of prevention and in the process of treatment, climatotherapy for psoriasis is also important. During an exacerbation, when new rashes appear on the skin, trips to the sea are contraindicated.
Associated diseases
Exacerbation of concomitant chronic disease, as well as uncontrolled use of medications for its treatment can lead to exacerbation of the skin process.
Most often hypothermia and chronic pathology of ENT – organs leads to exacerbation of psoriasis: sore throat, chronic tonsillitis, pharyngitis, maxillary sinusitis, as well as seasonal acute viral diseases with high fever (ARVI, influenza). The presence of infection in the oral cavity can support inflammation in the skin.
Patients should regularly, once every 6 months, visit the dentist, be observed by an otorhinolaryngologist. If necessary, the specialist will sanitize foci of chronic infection in time.
