Psoriasis in adults

Despite the fact that the disease known to medicine for a long time, the exact cause is still not established. There are several theories as prerequisites to the emergence of pathologies, each of which has both supporters and opponents.

What psoriasis appears in adults, and what theories there are about this?

• Some scientists believe that the cause of this disease is hereditary predisposition. It is due to the presence of gene mutations characteristic of all patients with psoriasis. The greatest danger is that psoriasis can manifest itself at 2, 5 and 6 generation.
• According to one theory, psoriasis is due to violation of metabolic processes. In particular, we are talking about failures in the process of metabolism of fats and nitrogen.
• Chronic stress or serious traumatic stressful situation can also cause the development of the disease. There are many cases that confirm the onset of symptoms after the death of a loved one, separation, job loss, etc.
• Hormonal changes can act as a catalyst, which causes the first signs of psoriasis. For example, the development of the disease may coincide with pregnancy, childbirth, early menopause.
• If a person has autoimmune disorders, it may lead to the development of disease. In addition, according to the immune theory of the emergence of this disease, psoriasis is an autoimmune disease.

In recent years, the relationship of psoriasis with obesity, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, cholesterol.

In some cases (especially at existing premises – burdened heredity, etc.), psoriasis may begin as a result of the following factors:

• the constant friction and microtrauma of the skin;
• when the climate changed from warm to cool;
• when malnutrition and General exhaustion of the body;
• the abuse of alcohol and Smoking.

Psoriasis in adults: symptoms and treatment

Depending on the form, severity and localization of the disease, the symptoms of psoriasis can differ.

• When the vulgar (plaque) form of psoriasis on the body appear distinctive rounded lesions, known as plaques. First, they presented a slight redness, accompanied by itching. Later, their surface is covered with a gray tinge externally, which resemble paraffin shavings (for this plaque is called "paraffin lakes"). The skin around them becomes red and scaly, its local temperature can rise. Localization vulgar forms of the disease can be any of: plaque psoriasis appears on the face, head and body.
• The main feature of the inverse forms of the disease consists in lesion of skin folds, outer side of thighs, armpits, skin under the breast glands. The rash presents with red spots, which are accompanied by flaking.
• Guttate psoriasis is characterized by the appearance on the body small pink or red lesions that resemble drops.
• Seborrheic psoriasis localized on the scalp, behind the ears, around the lips and nose, and sometimes on the chest and upper back. At this skin appear silvery-grey, dry scales, resembling dandruff.
• Pustular psoriasis presents education on the patient's body blisters filled with fluid, the skin around them red and swollen. After the pustules burst, and in their place formed a dense crust. In some cases, this form of the disease can be very dangerous not only for health but also for human life – for example, when pustular psoriasis.
• Exudative psoriasis is characterized by the appearance on the skin rashes, saturated with exudate, with the further development of the sores oozing and yellowish crusts. Rash accompanied by severe itching, which can lead to rashes and further ingress of infection in the wound.
• The most dangerous form of psoriasis is psoriatic erythroderma. The rash usually affects a large area of the body(90%) and is accompanied by peeling, itching, pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and in severe cases, detachment of the layers of the skin.
• Psoriatic arthritis manifests itself in the involvement of small and large joints. In most cases it affects the joints of the fingers and toes. The skin over them becomes tense, red and hot to the touch. The main distinguishing feature of this form of the disease is to change the shape of the fingers: they become asymmetric, shorter and thicker, and in appearance resemble sausages. If left untreated, it can progress, leading the person to the disability.
• Psoriasis of the nails the surface thickens, becoming dark, yellow or white shade. In some cases, the nails may appear a point or longitudinal grooves.
• Sometimes psoriatic disorders affect not only the skin and joints, but also on tissues located more deeply. In such cases, the person feels pain and discomfort in the muscles.

Any person who is faced with the above symptoms, asks whether psoriasis is curable in adults? Unfortunately, the answer to it. This disease is chronic and at the moment medicine is not to provide a tool that can completely relieve the patient of psoriatic lesions.

Remember: diagnosis and treatment – it is the prerogative of the doctor. To self-medicate, as it can lead to deterioration and transition of psoriasis in a more severe form. To get an accurate diagnosis and to receive recommendations for therapy, you must consult a dermatologist who will conduct the examination, collect a medical history and order laboratory studies.

The essence of treatment of psoriasis is to reduce the intensity of symptoms, overall strengthening of the body and prolong periods of remission. To achieve this, commonly used an integrated approach that includes medications inside, external application of ointments and creams, diet and regime, the use of physiotherapeutic methods, etc.

Drug treatment of psoriasis in adults involves the use of topical treatments – hormonal and non-hormonal ointments, gels, creams that help to reduce the redness, itching and peeling. In the appointment of hormonal methods the doctor evaluates the ratio of benefits from their use and possible damage. This is because drugs in this category affect not only the skin but also other organs and systems, and long-term irrational use can be fraught with health problems. The benefits of hormonal methods is their performance.

After stabilization of the patient's condition hormones usually cancel, appointing instead a non-steroidal tools. It can be ointments and creams that are composed of birch or pine tar, grease, herbal extracts, zinc, vitamin D, oil of salicylic acid. An important role in the treatment of psoriatic lesions retinoids play – outside of drugs that have vitamin A.

As for medications for oral administration, the patient can be prescribed antihistamines, hepatoprotectors, vitamin and mineral supplements, sedatives, immunomodulators, chelators, anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics (if infection abrasions that appeared on the site of the rash). In severe psoriasis is assigned to the systemic therapy.

In addition to the medical treatment you need to pay attention to nutrition. Daily diet should be rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, fiber, legumes, cereals, lean meats and poultry, fish and seafood. From the menu, you should eliminate simple carbohydrates, refined sugar, sodas, bread from wheat flour and butter pastry, alcohol, artificial colors, preservatives, TRANS fats, emulsifiers, flavors, smoked and pickled food.

Well proven physical therapy methods such as PUVA-therapy, electrophoresis, phonophoresis, cryotherapy, laser therapy, magnetotherapy, electric. Positive results can be achieved by applying the methods of therapy and hirudotherapy. To achieve a noticeable effect is also possible due to climate change: many patients notice a reduction of symptoms of psoriasis after a long stay at sea.

Psoriasis treatment adults at home

Prescribed therapy can be supplemented with the use of traditional medicine. However, you need to understand that psoriasis is a serious chronic disease whose treatment may not be limited to grandma's methods. In addition, before using traditional medicine need to consult with a specialist.

As effective treatment of psoriasis at home is to provide a bath with sea salt, baking soda, starch, decoction of herbs or oats. We should also note the possibility of self-cooking at home ointments and balms based on the tar, eggs, plants and other ingredients.

For the treatment of plaques and lesions widely used vegetable oils, olive, burdock, linseed, sea buckthorn. They all have rich vitamin composition, have a soothing effect, help fight itching and flaking.

How to care for your skin in psoriasis?

To reduce symptoms and prolong remission, it is important to provide the skin proper care:

• For washing, bathing and showering you need to use water whose temperature is 36-38 degrees. Too hot water can enhance the skin peeling.
• Avoid washcloths and replace them with soft jaws. Dry preferably with a soft towel.
• When lesions are localized on the exposed parts of the body, not to mask them with makeup, as this can lead to the strengthening of the rash.
• In the presence of plaques on the feet it is advisable to wear special orthopedic insoles that reduce pressure on the foot.
• It is necessary to abandon the close of synthetic and woolen clothes, replacing it with a more spacious, made of natural materials.

If you follow the advice of a doctor, eat right and take care of the skin, can significantly reduce symptoms and prolong periods of remission of psoriasis in the elderly.