In most cases, the characteristic manifestations of common plaque psoriasis, the photo of which is below, are considered to be inflammatory scarlet spots slightly raised above the skin. Inflamed areas are covered with a gray peeling layer, which is freely separated from the surface. Under this layer, skin areas are freely injured and can bleed. These areas are called psoriatic plaques.
Causes
The most common cause of vulgar plaque psoriasis is a hereditary predisposition. The risk of the disease increases if there are relatives in the family who suffer from psoriasis. But a genetic predisposition does not mean an automatic manifestation of the disease. For it to appear, the presence of trigger factors is necessary:
- acute or chronic infections (SARS, tonsillitis);
- chronic diseases (diabetes, digestive system diseases);
- skin irritation (mechanical), trauma, sunburn or friction (Koebner phenomenon, isomorphic irritant effect);
- medication, such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, antimalarials, antibiotics and analgesics;
- weakening of immunity, vitamin deficiency;
- bacterial infections;
- metabolic disorder;
- stress state of the body, severe emotional disorders;
- strong hormonal changes (pregnancy, puberty);
- the use of unsuitable cosmetics that dry or irritate the skin (products that include alcohol, hair sprays);
- improper diet, poor diet, excessive drinking.
Symptoms
Symptoms of plaque psoriasis differ from person to person and depend on its type. The area of infection can vary from the degree of the disease to small areas of the body or to cover most of the body. The most common symptoms of plaque psoriasis are:
- small rashes on the skin in the early stages;
- redness of infected areas in the form of spots or inflammation;
- the formation of thick gray flakes and / or plaques;
- Association of plaques in groups;
- an outbreak of psoriasis on the scalp, which can lead to hair loss;
- excessive dryness of the skin, which can lead to wounds;
- pain around the inflamed skin;
- itching and burning of spots and plaques; pain in joints and muscles;
- pain in the spine;
- visual impairment;
- disturbances in the growth of nails on the limbs: a change in the shape of the nail plate, loosening of the nails, brittleness and foliation of nails;
- complete destruction of the nail.
Psoriasis occurs in temporary cycles, and the outbreak of the disease may become less noticeable or worsen depending on the state of health. May occur over and over again. The stage of remission can last from several weeks to several years.
Diagnostics
Diagnosed with psoriasis is plaque or ordinary, vulgar due to the professionalism of a dermatologist. Examining the affected areas, the patient is asked questions about the general state of health and the timing of the appearance of pathological changes on the skin. Usually this type of disease is characterized by an acute onset with small rashes of red hues. Papules tend to increase, merging into plaques. These focal lesions are an important diagnostic factor.
Scraping
The diagnosis is made in those cases if, after scraping:
- peeling is found under the removed initial layer (it has a brilliant white color);
- flakes a smooth surface, called the "symptom of thermal film";
- bloody discharge occurs, usually they appear in the lower layer.
Laboratory studies of skin biopsies are performed . It is necessary that the diagnosis is confirmed, and treatment is prescribed correctly.
If the disease has passed into a progressive stage, a biochemical change in blood occurs. Leukocytosis manifests itself, erythrocyte sedimentation occurs more intensely. Therefore, a blood test is so important for diagnosis . Changes can warn that the endocrine system is malfunctioning. An X-ray is needed if the patient complains of joint pain.
Kinds
Plaque psoriasis is perhaps the most frequently diagnosed form of psoriasis, as a rule, it proceeds in a chronic form. For the right choice of drug therapy for psoriasis, it is necessary to correctly and in a timely manner determine the type of pathology manifested in a person, the stage of development, the area of damage to the skin. According to generally accepted medical symptoms, plaque psoriasis is divided into the following types:
- Common plaque psoriasis is diagnosed when more than ten percent of the skin surface is covered by the disease. This species is considered leaking in acute form and requiring immediate medical treatment. The danger of this type of psoriasis is that it spreads rapidly throughout the body and can affect the scalp and lower limbs (in particular, the soles of the feet, fingers). And this, in turn, (for example, due to combing the head, rubbing the feet with uncomfortable shoes) can lead to skin injury, resulting in fungal and microbial infections.
- Chronic plaque psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that occurs if special treatment is not started on time. The chronic form of psoriasis proceeds, as a rule, in waves - periods of remission are replaced by acute periods. If a patient suffering from chronic psoriasis does not undergo appropriate therapy, then in this case, the disease can develop into psoriatic arthritis with damage to internal organs.
- Papular-plaque psoriasis is a form of the disease in which, in addition to red scaly plaques (spots), so-called "papules" appear on the skin. They are superficial convex vesicles localized throughout the body in the form of peculiar rings.
Depending on the shape and appearance of psoriatic plaques, psoriasis is as follows:
- if the plaque has a concave center, then they say about the oyster;
- Rupioid psoriasis is characterized by cone-shaped rashes;
- with elephant psoriasis, large plaques are covered with dense scales;
- if plaques are arranged on the body in a spiral, then this kind is called gyrata;
- if the location of papules and plaques visually resembles a map, then this form of psoriasis is usually called geographical.
Drug treatment
Drug treatment of plaque psoriasis should be comprehensive and aimed at restoring the person’s own immune system and removing external symptoms that cause a lot of discomfort and discomfort. Due to the fact that the disease is a chronic disease, the administration of drugs must be carried out taking into account other diseases in the general history of a person in order to prevent their aggravation and side effects.
Depending on the stage of psoriasis and the degree of damage to the skin, the use of the following drugs is recommended.
Cytostatics
In the acute stage, preparations of the group of cytostatics in the form of tablets are prescribed:
- Cyclosporin;
- "Methotrexate".
In combination with the above drugs, it is necessary to use external agents, for example, such as lanolin cream and naphthalan ointment.
Hormonal ointment
If this therapy in the acute stage did not give positive dynamics, then a short course of hormonal drugs (both in tablet form and in the form of hormonal ointments) is recommended:
- "Hydrocortisone";
- Prednisolone
- Cyclosporin.
To improve the general condition of the patient with an acute form of plaque psoriasis, it is necessary to obtain a vitamin B group course.
Non-hormonal drugs
With a mild form of the disease, with a single localization of small psoriatic plaques, the following non-hormonal drugs are recommended:
- Calcipotriol ointment is suitable for long courses (one or two months), is not used for plaques on the face and is not combined with salicylic acid;
- "Methotrexate" in tablet form, dosage and duration of the course is determined solely by the attending physician;
- Lorinden A ointment is suitable for short courses, otherwise addiction will occur and effectiveness will be lost.
Alternative treatment
In folk medicine, there are many recipes against plaque psoriasis. The most popular are:
Daily treatment of affected areas with cabbage brine. The brine itself is not required to be washed off. He processes the same site. The result is already visible after 6-8 days: plaques exfoliate, prominent clean skin.
Preparation of a special ointment. Its ingredients are as follows:
- birch tar (150 g);
- medical alcohol (150 g);
- raw egg yolks (3 pieces);
- camphor oil (teaspoon).
All components are mixed. Such an ointment needs to lubricate the affected areas. After this procedure, no need to wash for 3 days. Frequency of use of this product: three times a week, until the skin condition improves. A mixture of such components:
- aloe juice (1 part);
- natural honey (1 part);
- eucalyptus juice (3 parts).
The mixture must be kept for three days, always in a dark place. Her diseased areas should be treated 2-3 times a day.
Means of the following components:
- vinegar (200 ml);
- butter (200 ml);
- a raw egg.
All of them are thoroughly mixed and aged in a cool place, protected from light. The exposure time is 7-8 days. The intensity of use is 3-4 times a day.
Herbal composition. Its components (in the form of powder):
- dry celandine;
- sorrel root;
- a string of grass.
They are filled with birch tar. The exposure period is 4 weeks. This remedy treats the affected areas before bedtime. Its effect can be enhanced by alternating with Vishnevsky ointment.
Tincture based on two flowers of the Crimean sophora. They need to pour 100 g of vodka. The exposure period is 4 weeks in a dark place. Intensity of use: one teaspoon before meals, 3-4 times a day. The treatment period is 2 months. Therapeutic baths from infusion of sage, celandine and thyme. They need to be taken 15-20 minutes.