Psoriasis diagnosis and treatment methods in Ukraine
Psoriasis (scaly lichen planus) is a chronic multisystemic disease with predominant skin damage, affecting approximately 2% of the population. Pathology occurs at any age, but two peaks of disease onset are noted: in 20–30 and 50–60 years. Is psoriasis contagious? No, not contagious. The disease has a serious impact on the health and quality of life of patients, but it is completely safe for the environment.
Causes and symptoms of psoriasis on the skin
The cause of the disease remains unclear. Despite a sufficient number of proposed hypotheses, none is universally accepted. The role of the genetic component is clearly established: about 30% of patients with psoriasis have relatives suffering from this disease. The family rate of lichen scaly patients is several times higher than the population rate. There are data on the connection of psoriasis with antigens of the HLA system. Increased mitotic activity and accelerated proliferation of epidermal cells are recognized as the main pathogenetic link responsible for the phenomenon of skin rash. At the same time, the cells of the lower layers seem to push out the cells located above. The described process is called parakeratosis and is accompanied by significant peeling of the skin.
Psoriasis can be caused by infections. The initial stage of pustular psoriasis on the hands and massive skin impressions on the trunk in young people is preceded by streptococcal pharyngitis. Immunopathological processes play an important role in the development and progression of psoriatic lesions. Stress is a common cause of psoriasis. Other triggers include skin injuries, taking certain medications.
The main symptoms of lichen planus
Psoriasis is a chronic recurrent pathology. Spontaneous remissions are observed in chronic diseases. Periods of exacerbation most often occur in autumn/winter.
The main symptom of the disease is peeling psoriatic plaques of a reddish color. The main localization of spots is knee and elbow bends, lower back, skin folds. There is damage to the skin of the hairy part of the head. The first signs of seborrheic psoriasis are also peeling of the skin, so patients often mistake the onset of scaly lichen for ordinary seborrhea and try to get rid of "dandruff" with the help of advertised shampoos. 25% of patients have lesions of the nail plates.
What causes genital psoriasis? When the process spreads, the rash can spread to the external genitalia. In women, this manifestation of the disease is often associated with sudden hormonal changes (climax, pregnancy).
The causes and symptoms of psoriasis on the skin depend on the type of disease. Classification is based on the nature of the lesions.
Classification of psoriasis
The main types of scaly lichen:
- Vulgar (ordinary). Flat papules of pinkish-red color are separated from healthy skin and covered with loose white scales. What psoriasis vulgaris on the elbows looks like depends on the stage of the disease: at the beginning of the disease, these are separate peeling plaques. How plaque psoriasis begins: psoriatic papules grow and coalesce into plaques of various sizes and shapes. With progression and lack of rational treatment, plaques coalesce, psoriatic erythroderma develops - a severe form of psoriasis. At the same time, the skin becomes swollen, acquires a bright red color, and peels off a lot. Patients suffer from severe itching.
- Pustulous (exudative) psoriasis is manifested by rashes (pustules) filled with non-infected exudate. The main localization is the skin of the palms and soles. How to treat patients with palmar-plantar psoriasis depends on the stage of the disease. They usually start with prescribing local drugs. In terms of effectiveness, they are, of course, inferior to systemic therapy, but they rarely cause side effects.
- Dropiform psoriasis usually develops in children and is manifested by sudden rashes. Red spots of drop-shaped psoriasis on the body in children are small papular elements (1-10 mm) in the shape of drops.
- Inverse, or psoriasis of flexural surfaces: red spots are located in skin folds.
- Nail psoriasis. It is characterized by various changes in the nail plate: spots, point depressions (thimble type), thickening, yellowing, fragility.
Effective drugs for the treatment of psoriasis on the face and other parts of the body
Scaly lichen requires a differential approach to treatment: psoriasis therapy is prescribed taking into account the stage of the disease, its form, and the degree of prevalence of the rash. The general condition of the body plays an important role.
How to get rid of psoriasis on the legs? The treatment is complex, involving a combination of systemic drugs and drugs for external use. Creams, lotions, gels, shampoos, non-hormonal ointments for psoriasis are used at the initial stage of the disease. Naftalan oil, tambukan mud, and xamiol gel have proven themselves well.
The best drug against nail psoriasis is difficult to determine. The choice of drug depends on the stage of the disease. At the first signs of nail psoriasis, drugs for local use are prescribed: glucocorticosteroids, salicylic acid, retinoids for external use, vitamin D preparations.
Hormonal ointments are considered to be effective drugs for the treatment of psoriasis on the face. Irradiation of the skin with ultraviolet rays is indicated: UV therapy and PUVA therapy (combination of ultraviolet irradiation with the appointment of photosensitizers). Diet and vitamins for psoriasis of the scalp are recommended as a supplement to drug therapy prescribed by a doctor. This approach allows you to extend the period of remission.
Psoriasis diagnosis and treatment methods in Ukraine are based on international standards. In the "Dobrobut" clinic, special equipment is successfully used - a camera for the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis. Read more about it on our website https://dobrobut.com/
How dangerous is self-medication
About 20% of patients with psoriasis suffer from psoriatic arthritis, which can lead to joint destruction. Patients with a diagnosis of "scaly lichen" have an increased risk of cardiovascular pathologies. This should be remembered. Therefore, we answer the question of what to do in case of exacerbation of psoriasis: contact a doctor who will conduct an examination and prescribe complex therapy.
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Dermatovenerology
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