Psoriasis is one of the most common chronic skin diseases. It almost always takes a chronic course. 2 to 3 out of every 100 people in Germany alone are affected by psoriasis. Women and men suffer from the disease to roughly the same extent.
Its typical characteristics include red, sharply defined areas of skin covered with silvery-white scales. It is not uncommon for those affected to suffer from itching in these areas.
In medicine, a distinction is made between different forms of psoriasis. The most common form is clearly psoriasis vulgaris (common psoriasis). The distinction is made according to the location of the affected skin areas and their appearance. The three main forms are
Common psoriasis occurs with a frequency of around 80 percent. The inflammatory foci initially appear small, but later reach the size of the palm of a hand. The main areas of the body affected are
Typical of the affected areas of skin is that they constantly flake and often itch.
The course of psoriasis vulgaris varies. While some people only experience mild symptoms, others are affected by intense symptoms. In extreme cases, the plaques cover large areas of the body. If almost the entire body is affected by psoriasis, this is referred to as psoriatic erythroderma.
In 50 percent of all cases of the disease, psoriasis also spreads to the nails . The disease can be limited to slight indentations, but can also lead to complete destruction of the nail.
Doctors divide common psoriasis into type I and type II.
Pustular psoriasis is a much rarer form of psoriasis. Its characteristics include the formation of aseptic pustules. It often occurs following bacterial infections. The formation of pustules is caused by the accumulation of leukocytes (white blood cells) within the uppermost layer of the skin. In extreme cases, pustular psoriasis spreads over the entire body.
Psoriatic arthritis, also known as psoriasis arthropathica, is a rheumatic form of psoriasis. This also affects the joints. It is usually associated with common type I psoriasis.
Psoriatic arthritis, in which the joints swell, occurs in one in five patients. Those affected also suffer from restricted mobility.
Special forms of psoriasis are:
+ Psoriasis guttata, which occurs after tonsil infections
+ Psoriasis capitis (infestation of the scalp with psoriasis)
+ Psoriasis inversa, which appears on the armpits and back of the knees
+ exudative psoriasis
+ eruptive-exanthematic psoriasis
+ nail psoriasis
A genetic predisposition is usually responsible for the development of psoriasis. However, the disease only breaks out if other risk factors are added. If both parents suffer from psoriasis, the child's risk of also developing psoriasis is 60 to 70 percent. However, if only one parent is affected, the probability of developing the disease is reduced to around 30 percent.
Risk factors that contribute to the onset or worsening of psoriasis include
Psoriasis is caused by an autoimmune reaction of the organism. The body's defense system is directed against its own body structures. The cause of the autoimmune reaction has not yet been clarified.
The typical symptoms of psoriasis are reddish, slightly raised patches on the skin that are sharply defined. In addition, silver-white scales appear on the affected areas of skin. In most cases, the spots are dot-shaped and small. However, they can also enlarge and cause itching. While the superficial scales can be easily scraped off, the deeper scales adhere to the thin layer of skin. When the scales are scraped off, punctiform skin bleeding is possible.
Psoriasis is not contagious. However, due to the clearly recognizable skin changes, those affected often suffer from psychological problems.
Common psoriasis is diagnosed on the basis of the characteristic skin changes. For this purpose, the doctor examines particularly frequently affected areas of the body such as the knees, elbows, head or gluteal folds. Also of interest are punctiform skin bleedings that occur after removal of the affected skin layer. Changes in the nails are also an indication of psoriasis.
In some cases, it may be useful to take a skin sample. This is then examined in a laboratory. In this way, it can be differentiated from other diseases whose symptoms are similar to psoriasis, such as skin lichen, fungal diseases or syphilis
According to current medical knowledge, psoriasis cannot be cured. Nevertheless, the symptoms can be effectively alleviated with medical treatment. If it is a mild form of psoriasis, the symptoms are usually treated externally. This involves the use of substances that have a slowing effect on the formation of scales. They also have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Lotions, gels, creams or special shampoos are mainly used. Their ingredients usually include
If the psoriasis appears between the fingers, on the face or on the buttocks, calcineurin inhibitors such as primecrolimus or tacrolimus can also be used.
In order to treat moderate or severe psoriasis, medication is administered that has the ability to suppress the immune system. Common active ingredients include methotrexate, ciclosporin and fumaric acid esters. Etanercept is also often prescribed. Patients can inject themselves with this active ingredient. Uteskinumab, infliximab or adalimumab can also be administered in cases of severe psoriasis symptoms.
Basic skin care plays an important role in the treatment of psoriasis. The following are recommended
They have the ability to improve the skin's natural protective function. External applications with salicylic acid and urea also have a positive effect on the skin. This basic care is also useful if there are no acute symptoms.
Photo therapy has a positive effect on psoriasis symptoms in many patients. In this procedure, the skin is treated with optical rays. In addition to natural sunlight, photo therapy also uses special lamps. Light rays with a wavelength of 311 nanometers have proven to be particularly effective. Photo treatment is often combined with balneotherapy (bath therapy) to improve the effect of the light. It is also possible to administer medicinal psoralen (PUVA therapy). Both procedures can enhance the effect of light on the patient's skin.
As part of balneo-photo-therapy, the patient first takes a bath in salt water. This is followed by irradiation. In PUVA therapy, the skin is rubbed with a cream containing psoralen.
There is currently no cure for psoriasis. However, if patients eat healthily, do not smoke and keep fit, they strengthen their immune system and are less susceptible to psoriasis flare-ups.
The Leading Medicine Guide's quality assurance is ensured by the following acceptance prerequisites.
