Which doctor treats psoriasis? This is a very relevant question when red rashes appear on the skin with a white flaky crust, which, moreover, are very itchy. Many people think that this disease is treated by a dermatologist, but this is partially not the case - psoriasis develops against the background of systemic disorders that can affect the patient's kidneys, liver, heart, joints and psyche, therefore, along with a dermatologist, profile physicians should also take part in the treatment of scaly lichen .
Psoriasis is a dangerous disease that can lead to death due to some serious complications, if you do not start treating it on time or self-medicating.
Specificity of the disease
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease of a non-infectious nature, the development of which can be affected by such factors:
- Disruption of metabolism.
- Inadequate response of the body to external stimuli, which is expressed by excessive proliferation and rapid cell division. So, on average, normal cell division should occur in 21-25 days. With psoriasis, the process is greatly accelerated, as a result of which the renewal and division of cells occurs in five or six days. As a result, new cells are layered on the old ones, which do not have time to exfoliate, as a result, inflamed foci appear, covered with tubercles, nodules and scales of an exfoliated epithelium. After some time, these tubercles and nodules begin to merge, and ultimately form one red spot. Psoriasis is a non-communicable disease, which means it is not contagious, that is, it cannot be transmitted in any way.
- Impaired functioning of the immune system, poor nutrition, frequent stresses, and a climate not suitable for the human body.
There are two types of psoriasis:
- In most cases, it develops as a result of genetic disorders of the immune system. This type of psoriasis affects about 65% of the population aged 15 to 35 years. It should be noted that this type of psoriasis affects only the skin.
- The development of the disease develops in people who have stepped over a 50-year milestone. Pathology affects the nails and joints.
Symptoms
The main manifestations of psoriasis of the first type are red plaques with a white crust, which occur mainly on the head, hands and face. Exfoliating dead cells on the head is similar to dandruff, so a person for some time may not even suspect that he has psoriasis.
Large blisters and cracks may appear on the feet and palms of psoriasis, which cause severe discomfort and pain.
With the second type of psoriasis, the patient often has a deformation of the nails, which gradually begin to exfoliate. In this regard, the question often arises: which doctor treats nail psoriasis. The joints may be constrained, twisted and take an unnatural posture, causing severe pain to the patient. Thus, psoriatic arthritis develops.
Which doctor should I contact for psoriasis?
Many people ask questions about which doctor treats psoriasis, and who to contact first. If you suspect the development of such a disease, a dermatologist is the first specialist to be consulted immediately when signs of pathology appear.
Again, if you return to the question of who to contact with psoriasis, you should consider all those complications and consequences, as well as the reasons why the disease began to develop. In therapy, a dermatologist takes a direct part, and then, if necessary, such specialized specialists as an immunologist, gastroenterologist, nephrologist, cardiologist, rheumatologist, and psychologist can also join.
If the disease is complicated, for example, by psoriatic arthropathy or arthritis, then in addition to the dermatologist, a rheumatologist is also connected to the therapy. It is worth noting the fact that psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis of nails can develop not only as a complication of psoriasis, but also as completely independent pathologies.
Often the question arises, which doctor treats psoriasis on the head. Often, a neuropathologist also connects to therapeutic measures against psoriasis on the head, which helps the patient get rid of increased anxiety, depression, and also increase resistance to stressful situations.
The main diagnostic method
The main method for diagnosing a disease such as psoriasis is a visual examination, as well as complaints from the patient and his lifestyle. The doctor must necessarily conduct a survey of the patient to determine whether there are psoriasis patients in the family, since the disease can be of a genetic nature.
However, in order to clarify the diagnosis and not confuse it with any other disease due to the similarity of symptoms, other examinations should be taken, for which the doctor gives a referral.
Laboratory examination
Laboratory research includes a general analysis of blood and urine. You will also need a study of feces for worm eggs.
Instrumental diagnostics
This diagnostic method takes place if the disease is in an advanced stage. With instrumental diagnostics, you need to take an analysis for psoriasis, namely a test with potassium oxide. It is necessary to pass the culture for determination of microflora and check the level of prolactin.
Additional examination
As an additional study, a biopsy is used. A small piece of the epidermis is plucked from the affected area using special forceps, and then examined under a microscope. In the presence of such indicators, the result can be considered positive:
- lack of a protective layer of the epidermis;
- puffiness of the epidermal layer;
- increased number of capillaries in the affected area.
Analysis Preparation
For an accurate diagnosis, it is important that all indicators are within normal limits and not distort the true picture of the pathology.
In this regard, it is necessary to follow some recommendations before setting off for testing:
- If you need to donate blood during diagnosis, then you need to go for analysis on an empty stomach - you can eat 8-10 hours before the procedure.
- Do not take any medications within 10 days before the upcoming examination.
- Do not use ointments or creams for psoriasis before biopsy.
- A few days before the examination, stop smoking and do not drink alcohol.
- You can not overstrain the body with any emotional stress and stressful situations.
Psoriasis Treatments
Which doctor treats psoriasis on the elbows and other parts of the body? There are no universal methods of treatment for psoriasis, treatment is selected individually for each patient, based on the general state of health and the lesion sites. In most cases, a complex treatment of psoriasis is prescribed, which includes local and systemic therapy, as well as phototherapy.
Local therapy
This method of therapy is carried out using ointments, gels and creams.
The following tools are used:
- Salicylic ointment. Softens and removes flakes, while promoting the absorption of other drugs into the epithelium. Apply the product to the affected area at least three times a day.
- Anthralin. Such an ointment helps to reduce peeling of the epithelium and stop cell division.
- Sulfur-tar ointment. It reduces the inflammatory process, but it is not recommended to use it for therapy on the front of the head.
Systemic treatment
Such therapy includes medications and injections. The main drugs that effectively fight psoriasis are Cyclosporin, Isotretinoin, and Methotrexate. Treatment with these drugs is recommended in courses. Duration of use and dosage can only be prescribed by the attending physician.
Phototherapy
This method of therapy is one of the most effective in the treatment of psoriasis. During therapy, the affected areas of the patient's skin are exposed to ultraviolet rays.
In addition to the main methods of treating psoriasis, specialized doctors should also be involved in the treatment of the disease.
So, with the development of changes in the central nervous system, the dermatologist must refer the patient for a consultation with a psychologist or neurologist who will prescribe their appropriate treatment.
In case of violations in the cardiovascular system, consultation and compulsory monitoring by a cardiologist is required. If the gastrointestinal tract and liver are not functioning properly, such doctors as a gastroenterologist and nephrologist should be involved, respectively.
Since the disease is autoimmune in nature, an immunologist treats psoriasis along with a dermatologist. It is impossible to recover from the disease forever, but you can alleviate the symptoms by visiting the necessary specialists on time and following all the recommendations of the doctors.