Psoriasis – symptoms, diagnosis, treatment. Can you catch psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a relatively common disease (in about 2-3% of white people) and its causes are very complex. Apart from the genetic condition, chronic, latent bacterial or viral infections as well as many immunological, cytological and vascular phenomena play a role here.

Psoriasis – what is it and why does it affect us?

Simply put: psoriasis is a skin disease whose causes are not fully known. Some doctors believe that psoriasis is autoimmune (the body attacks and destroys its own tissues), while others believe that it is a genetic condition (children have the same skin problems as their parents).

Psoriasis usually manifests itself between the ages of 10 and 40, but studies have shown that even older people (over 70) develop this disease. This may be because you are taking certain medications, e.g. to treat heart disease or depression. The first symptoms of psoriasis appear most often after infections / infections, e.g. smallpox or angina, also inflammations in the body intensify the psoriasis flare.

Psoriasis – symptoms

The onset of the disease (often at school age) may be preceded by angina or other infectious disease. The first eruptions are red lumps covered with silvery scales, then there are larger and larger eruptions (flat infiltrates), often receding in the middle, which gives rise to festoon forms. The initial changes are characterized by a tendency to occupy upright surfaces, which then disappears with the generalization of eruptions, as well as the hairy face and head (the hair itself is normal).

Zobacz: Itching of the skin – the main causes. Mycosis, psoriasis, intimate diseases

Psoriasis – can I get it?

You can breathe a sigh of relief. Psoriasis cannot be caught in any way, either by using the same cutlery, by shaking hands or sleeping together. Remember that you shouldn’t run away where the pepper grows every time you come into contact with someone who has this condition. It is also less stress and embarrassment for sick people who can avoid uncomfortable questions and biting comments.

Diagnosis of psoriasis

Nail changes can be helpful in psoriasis. Psoriasis also occurs in many atypical forms (e.g. with inverted localization in the folds), with exudative or pustular changes.

Diagnosis of atypical forms sometimes requires a histopathological examination (a skin excision). Psoriasis has a relapsing course, with relapses following variously long periods of remission. From a practical point of view, the so-called Köbner symptom. According to the original description, it consists in the fact that in the relapse phase, it is possible to provoke a linear spread of eruptions by mechanical irritation. Today, this concept has been expanded, virtually any irritant, such as heavy sunbathing or overly strong external medications, can cause seeding. This often happens in “experienced” patients who believe that if they have used higher doses of drugs or longer exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays in previous relapses, they can start treatment at these doses now. Extensive seeding is followed.

Does psoriasis only affect the skin?

In a percentage of cases (20-50%), the nails are affected by psoriasis. The medics call it symptoms of thimblewhich are characterized by small, invisible depressions in the nail plate. In people with this condition, the nails are yellow, brittle and split. Symptoms can be seen in the hands and feet, and sometimes psoriasis spreads to the joints, but this is only about 6% of cases. In addition to the examples mentioned, psoriasis can also have pustular formin which ordinary psoriasis lesions develop into pimples of inflammation. Temperature, burning sensation, and joint pain may occur.

Psoriasis – treatment

Treatment of psoriasis (always under the supervision of a dermatologist) in typical cases comes down to local treatment, sometimes a special type of irradiation with ultraviolet rays. Severe forms require general treatment.

At the beginning, psoriasis is treated topically, but when ointments, creams, gels and radiation do not bring the expected results, the doctor introduces oral medications. The treatment begins with the removal of scales with keratolic preparations containing salicylic acid. You can also use steroid ointments and immunosuppressants (cyclosporin, retinoids) that affect the immune system. Phototherapy and skin irradiation are also good for the treatment of psoriasis.

In fact, treating psoriasis is not a simple task. Newer and newer preparations will appear on the market, but psoriasis is incurable.

Therefore, you can try the cosmetics available on Medonet Market, as well as a mixture of herbs that help minimize itching.

Psoriasis – what should you remember?

1. An appropriate lifestyle and care treatments will help to alleviate the symptoms of the disease and the frequency of relapses.
2. Add omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D to your diet. Eat lots of fish and seafood, citrus, carrots, lettuce and garlic are recommended.
3. Consume cod liver oil and evening primrose oil.
4. Eliminate chocolate, coffee, honey, legumes, hot spices, and pork from your diet.
5. Quit smoking.
6. Give up drinking alcohol.
7. Try to moisturize your skin frequently with various lotions, oils and petroleum jelly.
8. To avoid drying your skin, take a shower instead of a bath (do not use sponges!).
9. Skin irritations are perfectly alleviated by the Dead Sea cosmetic.
10. Take care of the skin, protect it from abrasions and cuts.
11. Use mild washing soaps.
12. Do not use artificial bath preparations (containing artificial flavored dyes).
13. Use the sun in moderation.
14. For scalp psoriasis (use sage and rosemary infusions to rinse your hair).
15. Throw away all cosmetics containing spirit from your make-up bag!
16. Use the perfume on your clothes, not your skin.
17. Use preparations with urea.
18. Do not chill your body, but also do not overheat.
19. Meditate.
20. Do not wear clothing made of wool or raw linen on the naked body.