The cause of skin lesions with psoriatic plaques has not been fully established. Most doctors consider genetic predisposition as a fundamental factor in the development of pathology. Psoriasis is a systemic, non-infectious, chronic, relapsing disease that primarily affects the skin, nails, and joints.
The main symptoms and causes of psoriasis
Psoriatic disease is characterized by increased proliferation of epidermal cells. Normally, cell division, maturation and death occur within 3-4 weeks. With psoriasis, this process takes no more than 5 days.
Externally, this is shown by the formation on the skin of dense areas of red or pink color, covered with small white scales of dead cells. If it is carefully scraped off, a thin shiny film (terminal) with a clearly visible capillary network will be exposed. After a slight friction, drops of blood appeared on it.
This feature is called the "psoriatic triad" and is the main difference between psoriasis and other skin diseases. To confirm the diagnosis, a histological examination of skin particles from the affected area is performed.
The main factors that provoke the appearance of psoriasis are considered to be:
- Exogenous (external causes). This includes various injuries to the skin of a physical or chemical nature.
- Endogenous (internal cause). They may consist of the presence of immune diseases, endocrine system, HIV infection. Smoking, alcohol, unhealthy diet also trigger psoriatic skin lesions.
- Psychogenic. In most cases, the first manifestation of psoriasis appears after experiencing a nervous shock or prolonged emotional tension.
Skin rashes are often the result of infectious and inflammatory diseases. Many doctors attribute this to a weak immune system. People with a genetic predisposition to psoriasis are advised to avoid factors that trigger it.
A form of psoriatic disease
The form of this or that disease depends on the type of rash and their localization. During pregnancy, due to changes in the hormonal background, psoriatic manifestations may disappear or, on the contrary, appear with greater strength.
psoriasis vulgaris
The most common form of pathology. The first sign is a papular rash. They can be single, clustered in different parts or all over the body. With the progression of the disease, psoriatic plaques increase and gradually merge with each other.
Depending on the form of the rash, common psoriasis is divided into:
- dotted (papule in the form of a point the size of a matchhead);
- drop-shaped (an oval spot the size of a needle head);
- coin-shaped (a round plaque the size of a pea).
Rashes can be in the form of arcs, circles, spirals, wreaths. Sometimes it resembles the outline of a continent on a geographic map. If the disease is localized on the scalp, then they talk about seborrheic type psoriasis. Sometimes the neck, nose, forehead, and chest are affected. Diagnosis is difficult because of the pathological similarity with seborrhea.
A distinctive feature is the clarity of the boundaries of the affected area, the presence of the "psoriatic triad", the silvery color of the scales. Often there is itching, hair does not fall out.
Clusters of plaques on the feet and hands have given the name to palmoplantar psoriasis. It is characterized by the formation of areas of polished skin, resembling corns. Psoriasis nails change their color, shape and structure. They loosen, become covered with small indentations and take the shape of a thimble.
The separation of exudate from the papule causes a burning sensation. The scales stick together and form a crust that adheres firmly to the skin. In this case, they are talking about the exudative form of psoriasis.
In severe cases, the entire surface of the body is affected. The skin becomes hot to the touch, acquires a red color, swells, there is severe itching, burning and tightness. This form of the disease is classified as psoriatic erythroderma.
Pustular psoriasis
It happens quite rarely. It develops on an abusive background or appears on completely healthy skin. In this case, an inflamed area first appears, where blisters form during the day, quickly turning into pustules. The contents are sterile and, when dried, dry and crust.
There are several types of diseases. All of them are characterized by chills, fever, fever, sometimes diarrhea, vomiting. The condition worsens when the pustules merge and occupy large areas of the skin. If pustular psoriasis occurs on the background of psoriasis vulgaris, then no combination is observed.
Psoriasis arthropathy
It affects the joints, usually small (phalanges of the fingers and toes). Sometimes the pathological process affects the spine. This form of psoriasis often leads to disability.
The first signs of the disease are pain, aggravated by movement, and swelling in the joints. Afternoon fever, gastrointestinal disturbances, loss of appetite are features of disease exacerbation.
Over time, there is a deformity in the joints and loss of mobility. Pathology can develop independently or in parallel with the skin manifestations of psoriasis vulgaris.
All forms of pathology can develop gradually, over years, or quickly over several days and even hours. The treatment regimen depends on the form and extent of the disease and should be compiled by a specialist dermatologist.
Often, external agents are prescribed in the form of ointments and gels and physiotherapy. In some cases, drug therapy is required. Self-medication can lead to an exacerbation of the disease.