Psoriasis: Questions and Answers

 

What is this disease?

 

Psoriasis - a skin disease of a chronic nature, manifested in the form of appearance on the skin rash and desquamation. Typically, psoriatic lesions look like a little protruding areas of skin with scales of gray. In fact, this is an abnormal skin condition. in which cells die much more quickly put. In the normal state of life of cells takes 24-25 days, whereas in psoriasis, they die in 4-5 days. Most often, the primary lesions occur on the outside bends of the elbows and knees. However, they can appear on any other parts of the body, often on the head (her scalp).

In the ancient period, psoriasis was considered kind of leprosy. Scientists have identified only in the late nineteenth century, when completely divided the disease. Science recently has determined that for the appearance of psoriasis is responsible not just one cause but a combination of factors. However, to determine what factors have failed. One of the main places occupied by external factors and genetics.


Is psoriasis threatens life?

 

No, psoriasis is not life-threatening. The main manifestation is the appearance of psoriasis lesions on the skin. As a rule, in this part. For death can only result in the presence of severe disease, provided the total absence of treatment.

 

How many people suffer from psoriasis?

 

Psoriasis occurs in 7-8 percent of the people. But the real number could be higher, since the presence of a small number of lesions, many prefer not to go to hospital and treated on their own or no treatment. The facts known about psoriasis may indicate a wide geographic spread of the disease. Psoriasis occurs in women before age than men, other differences by gender for psoriasis not.

 

At what age can become ill?

 

In general, psoriasis may appear in absolutely any age. But in most cases ill at an early age, 70 percent of cases at the time of onset of symptoms was 20 years.

 

Psoriasis is contagious?

 

No, it is not contagious.

 

In psoriasis, scalp hair loss can begin?

 

Almost none of the patients did not suffer from hair loss.

 

Can psoriasis sick my descendants?

 

If you are suffering from psoriasis, the risk of disease in your children is increased. If both parents are ill, then the probability is doubled.


Can psoriatic lesions located on the face?

 

The plaques on the face are extremely rare, most often in patients with neglected. The rash on her face removed with ointments on steroids.

 

Is there a cure for psoriasis?

 

The cure - it's getting rid of the symptoms of the disease permanently. Talking about psoriasis, then it can not be achieved. All methods and treatments are aimed at getting rid of the rash. After the treatment is always a chance of their return. However, the fact that treatments that exist at the moment, perform better, offer hope.

 

What often causes psoriasis?

 

First of all, it's an infection. This may be a sore throat and other respiratory diseases can increase the risk of onset of symptoms. Often this happens in children with chronic illnesses such as chronic tonsillitis, diseases of the digestive system and so on.

Injury. These include surgery, injections, burns from the sun, friction. All this may be the beginning of plaques in humans, in whom risk of developing elevated.

Stress. This factor is not very well understood, but it becomes a trigger for psoriasis in many cases.

The climate. Patients who live in cold conditions, indicate a significant improvement after the holiday in the south. The sun's rays in most cases, a beneficial effect on disease course, but sometimes may become exacerbated. Deterioration occurs in a very small number of patients.

Diets. Has not been fully elucidated influence dietary restrictions on disease progression. However, there is no doubt that alcohol may adversely affect the patient's condition. Especially it is limited to beer, champagne and spirits. It is also bad for the patient's chocolate, hot spices. They may cause aggravation.

What types of psoriasis?

 

The most common plaque psoriasis. Externally it is manifested through the appearance of skin blemishes, protruding from the rest of the skin. The plaques are covered with gray scales. They are located at the elbow and knee creases, on the head.

Another form of the disease - it is guttate psoriasis. At the same time across the skin appear rash with scales. Very often, the appearance of guttate psoriasis is associated with respiratory disease. The most vulnerable young people to him.

Psoriasis skin folds arise, respectively, in places where there are folds - armpits, groin, genitals.

Pustular psoriasis carries more difficult due to the fact that is accompanied by fever. In this form of psoriasis, redness of the skin and the formation of pustules. Pustular psoriasis is not contagious and is very rare.

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. In most cases, psoriatic arthritis, subject to the small joints such as joints, feet and hands. Psoriasis most often goes to the joints after the skin lesions, but there are times when initially affects the joints. Not seldom seen without psoriatic arthritis, skin inflammation, so to speak, in isolation.

Pustular psoriasis of hands and feet - is the same pustular psoriasis, only limited distribution. It manifests itself in middle age.

Psoriatic erythroderma - a very severe form of psoriasis, because the disease covers the whole body is affected skin in all parts of the body - the head, face, torso, legs.

 

As a treatment for psoriasis?

 

To date, there are so many techniques and tools to combat psoriasis. They vary depending on the shape, location, lesions, presence or absence of other chronic diseases, gender and age.

Medicines are used outside of the - this ointment to be plotted directly on the affected skin, as well as drugs used orally or as injections.

Continue to find favor on the basis of tar ointment and salicylic acid. They make the skin to the inflamed areas of gentler exfoliation becomes smaller.

For external use only the best choice ointment, as a cream usually are used to moisturize the skin. Preparations in the form of gel or lotion is more convenient to use in psoriasis of the scalp. But sometimes in the latter case, also prescribe an ointment.

Does steroids in the treatment of psoriasis?


Typically, therapy for the developing psoriasis begins with weaker steroid that will have minimal side effects with prolonged use. For example, a hydrocortisone ointment. When exacerbation starts again, this ointment is not effective and will have to resort to a stronger steroid, which is more harmful. Strong drugs can lead to atrophy of the skin and absorbed into the bloodstream, affecting thus the whole body.

Currently, there are creams on the basis of a new generation of corticosteroids. They lack the components with chlorine and fluorine, which reduces the likelihood of side effects. Negative aspect in the treatment of drugs of this group is the return of all symptoms at the termination of treatment.

Lotions based on steroid use in the treatment of psoriasis of the scalp. Inside use steroids are not recommended. Early treatment can help them fine, but if you cancel the strongest start of an exacerbation.