Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease, when increases keratinocyte proliferation and impairs differentiation. Psoriasis is genetically inherited; in case of identical twins can be affected on 60%. The disease should be stimulated to start: either appears a topical stimulus that promotes proliferation or oligoclonic T cells activated. About 2/3 of the patients are affected by the type I psoriasis (positive in the point of view of the family history), a severe form develops from the age of 20 years. It is also there is a tendency of developing a serious disease and arthritis. 90% of these patients are affected by the disease for the first time after a streptococcal infection. 1/3 of patients are affected by the type II psoriasis – it starts from the age of 40 years, it is not in the family history, it is usually more localized. Psoriasis now is considered an integral part of the metabolic syndrome, it is associated with hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease.

Areas in which psoriasis occurs, its severity and frequency of renewal – all this allows to determine the nature of psoriasis. Patients are worried about a hairy part of the scalp, face, hands or nails, thus in these areas psoriasis or pustules are particularly spread. There are little diseases, which worsen the patient’s quality of life as much as psoriasis. It caused so much troubles and ailments, as much as coronary artery disease or chronic lung disease.

Distinguishing feature of psoriasis – eritemic lamellas having clear limits with silver shade furfures. Blebs never form, thus because of neutrophils exocytosis can form pustules. They form in eritemic skin or affected places. On the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet in the thicker stratum corneum pustules are formed, which join together into larger derivatives.

Guttate psoriasis. Almost always it is caused by streptococcus, this form distinguishes by papules and small furfures, which are typically smaller than 3 cm, but covers the whole body. Diagnosed for children. It may be accompanied by pityriasis rosea or pityriasis lichenoides and varioliformis acuta. For treatment of the areas damaged are suitable analogues of vitamin D, anthralin and ultraviolet rays (UVB).

Chronic plaque psoriasis. The most commonly affected areas: knees, elbows, sacral area – place of trauma. Usually you can see the plaques. This form is not easily affected by analogues of vitamin D and UVB, more successful treatment is a combination of vitamin D analogues with corticosteroids, anthralin (possibly in conjunction with phytotherapy) and PUVA therapy.