Psoriasis is a chronic, incurable autoimmune disease (it cannot be infected). Immune system dysfunction plays a key role in the pathogenesis of this disease. The basic symptom of psoriasis vulgaris is skin lesions in the form of red lesions covered with silvery-white and accumulating scales. Outbreaks are caused by disruption of the epidermis regeneration process. Psoriasis is a disease:
non-infectious,
genetically determined,
autoimmune,
chronic,
inflammatory,
incurable.
Symptoms accompanying psoriasis include:
reddening,
baking,
itching,
skin cracking
and bleeding,pain.
Many external factors can cause or worsen the symptoms of the disease. Past infections, injuries or chronic stress may cause the disease to appear or recur. The most popular ones include:
chronic diseases and infections,
taking certain medications,
stress,
menopause,
skin damage or irritation,
improper care,
hormonal disorders.
Special features
The main places of eruptions on the body are the joints: elbows and knees. Unfortunately, the most painful and unpleasant places for spots to appear are all areas with thin and delicate skin - the inner bends of knees and elbows, the bikini area. Psoriasis usually affects the pubic mound, genitals, perianal area up to the intergluteal cleft and groin. Psoriasis spots on the face usually appear in the recesses of the epidermis: near the nose, eyelids, visible facial lines and ears. Skin lesions may persist throughout life or occur periodically.
Children's psoriasis
In children, lesions most often appear around the face, and the spread usually occurs as a result of a provoking factor, e.g. upper respiratory tract infection. Unlike adults, children do not have the characteristic scales, but erythematous and edematous spots may appear. Skin lesions may also take the form of single, lumpy lesions - then we are talking about micropapular or guttate psoriasis. This is the most common form of psoriasis in children, usually manifesting itself 2-3 weeks after a streptococcal infection of the throat or tonsils. Psoriasis in children most often occurs in the forms of plaque, plaque and vulgaris.
Psoriatic erythroderma
It is a general inflammation of the skin that occurs in the course of psoriasis. It can cover as much as 90% of the body surface, but it is quite rare. The course of erythroderma resembles extensive skin burns. It leads to thickening of the skin and may cause numerous complications and even death.
Auspitz sign
Auspitz's symptom is typical of psoriasis. It involves the appearance of pinpoint bleeding as a result of damage to the capillaries after scraping the scales.
Koebner's sign
It involves the appearance of psoriatic lesions in places where mechanical trauma has occurred.
Symptom of stearin candle
When the scales fall off, they form flakes that resemble scraped candle pieces. After scratching off a scale or lump, the skin looks as if it were covered with stearin.
Intertriginous eczema
This is inflammatory eczema. It occurs in places of increased friction and sweating. It appears as a result of friction between adjacent skin surfaces.
Nummular eczema
It is a change on the skin that resembles a coin. The outbreak is covered with vesicles and papules, while chronic lesions are covered with peeling epidermis.