Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a wave-like course. In different types of psoriasis, not only the upper layers of the epidermis, but also the joints and nails can be affected. One of the manifestations of psoriasis is teardrop psoriasis. It occurs in 10% of all cases of this type of dermatological disease. Most often, the disease affects children and adolescents (8-17 years old).
This type of psoriasis can be recognized by the appearance of red or purple sores on the skin surface. They are most often small, less than 1 cm in diameter, and resemble a drop (hence the name of the form of psoriasis). The rashes can be quite large, and are localized mainly on the thighs. Legs, forearms, shoulders, scalp, back and neck are also affected by teardrop psoriasis. Itching that accompanies the appearance and development of new rashes is usually mild or absent. Guttate psoriasis appears suddenly and is sometimes mistaken for an allergy. In some cases, the disease can go away on its own or turn into a severe form – in spotted psoriasis.
Causes of the disease
The reasons provoking the onset of guttate psoriasis include:
– heredity;
– disorders of the nervous system, psychological breakdowns;
– metabolic disease;
– virus:
– cold climate.
A postponed infection (viral or bacterial) is the main reason for the appearance of such a form of chronic dermatosis as teardrop psoriasis . Usually the first symptoms appear after 2-3 weeks. In children, the disease can occur after they have suffered severe tonsillitis (tonsillitis), provoked by a streptococcal infection. If an adult is sick with teardrop-shaped psoriasis, then it is a sign of an exacerbation of psoriasis of the usual form.
Basics of treating teardrop psoriasis
People with guttate psoriasis require long-term, carefully selected treatments. To begin with, the doctor must find out the reasons that gave rise to its development and prescribe adequate treatment to eliminate them. Such therapies are necessary in order for the symptomatic external treatment of psoriasis to have the desired effect in the future.
The basis for the treatment of psoriasis today is PUVA therapy and plasmapheresis . PUVA therapy is the effect of ultraviolet radiation on the affected skin areas in combination with the use of topical preparations. Only small doses of radiation will be curative, so the procedures are carried out exclusively under the supervision of a specialist.
Thanks to plasmapheresis, the blood is cleansed of harmful substances. This procedure helps to relieve the exacerbation of the disease for a long time and significantly reduce the risk of recurrence in the future. The method is based on the use of drugs-immunomodulators. Under their action, skin cells lose their ability to divide, which ultimately leads to a decrease in the size of psoriatic plaques. The course of plasmapheresis is also carried out under the guidance of a doctor.
The funds that are used in the fight against guttate psoriasis have different degrees of effectiveness, different directions, different methods of application. Some of them are forbidden to use for a long time in order to avoid side effects, some are safer and have no special contraindications. A dermatologist will help you decide on the right remedy and method of treatment. It is not recommended to use the same method of treatment all the time, since the likelihood of developing an addiction of the body to this or that drug is high. Ideally, the treatment of the disease should be comprehensive, using several therapies at the same time. Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to completely cure guttate psoriasis .