Why does psoriasis appear on the elbows and how to recognize it. The main strategies for the treatment of elbow psoriasis and drugs that are prescribed most often. How to speed up recovery and prolong the period of remission with the help of preventive measures.
Psoriasis on the elbows is an inflammatory skin disease that is non-infectious in nature and difficult to treat. Also called scaly lichen. The disease manifests itself as a red rash in the form of raised papules and plaques covered with white scales. As the disease progresses, the plaques may coalesce to form larger lesions. The rash can appear anywhere on the skin. In most cases, psoriasis of the elbows occurs in people over 35 years of age.
Further on how psoriasis on the elbows appears and develops, photo pathology at various stages and key principles of treatment.
Causes of psoriasis on the elbows
The main causes of psoriasis on the elbows:
genetic predisposition. Psoriasis can be passed down through several generations. So even if one of the distant relatives suffered from it, the probability of finding it in oneself is still high.
Congenital or acquired disorders of the immune system are considered one of the key causes of psoriasis.
endocrine disorders. The impetus for the onset of psoriasis can be obesity, diabetes, thyroid disease, hormonal imbalance and other diseases.
Stress. Prolonged exposure to stress or a serious emotional upheaval greatly affects the functioning of the immune system and the nervous system.
Also, the onset of the disease can be provoked by adverse climatic conditions or bad habits such as smoking and alcohol abuse.
Symptoms of psoriasis on the elbows
The onset of the pathology is indicated by reddening of the skin and the appearance of rounded spots.
In general, the symptoms of elbow psoriasis are as follows:
On the skin, single and isolated from each other rashes are formed – papules or plaques. As the disease progresses, there are more of them. Also, over time, the elements of the rash increase in size and begin to combine into larger foci. Visually demonstrate the signs of psoriasis on the elbows of the initial stage of the photo.
On top of the rash, silvery scales are clearly visible. They are very easy to remove. However, after that, the skin begins to bleed. And the peeling will soon appear again.
Under the peeling is the so-called “terminal film”. It is a smooth skin surface of red color. If it is removed, small spotting (blood dew) will appear on the skin.
The rash can affect both very small areas and quite large areas, extending beyond the elbows.
Formations tend to spread along the periphery. With psoriasis on the elbows of the initial stage, the spots are arranged randomly. If you go to the hospital in a timely manner, their growth and spread can be prevented, preventing the disease from moving into the second stage.
The course of psoriasis is cyclical. Periods of exacerbations are replaced by periods of remission, in which all symptoms of the disease completely disappear. Remission can last from several weeks to several years. Its duration depends on the literacy of the treatment, its timeliness, as well as on the patient’s lifestyle.
Treatment of psoriasis on the elbows
It is impossible to completely cure the disease. From time to time it will still make itself felt. In the form of a rash. Therefore, the key goal of therapy is to delay its onset by extending the period of remission for as long as possible. And also – to ease the symptoms and reduce all stages of the pathology to a minimum.
How to treat psoriasis on the elbows, the dermatologist decides. He analyzes the symptoms, features of the course of the disease and the patient’s condition. Based on these data, an individual therapy program is compiled. In the case of the location of psoriasis on the elbows, as a rule, only external therapy is prescribed.
It includes:
moisturizing preparations containing salicylic acid and urea. These products will not only cope with peeling, but also make the skin smooth and pleasant to the touch.
non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs containing naftalan , tar, D- panthenol , zinc, vitamin D3 analogues. The advantage of this group of drugs is the possibility of long-term use of drugs with virtually no risk of side effects. They are designed to reduce inflammation and maintain a period of remission.
hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs ( glucocorticosteroids ). Allow to cope with the symptoms of the disease in the shortest possible time. They are most often used in short courses of 14-21 days under the supervision of a dermatologist. With longer use, they can lead to undesirable local and side effects.
The patient should be prepared from the very beginning for the fact that the course of treatment will be long. If you do not carry out treatment, the disease will go into an old form. In such cases, therapy becomes even more difficult. Medicines for psoriasis on the elbows should be selected only by a doctor. Otherwise, therapy may be ineffective.
Treatment of psoriasis on the elbows with folk remedies
With psoriasis on the elbows, home treatment can only be an additional measure. It is impossible to replace them with drug therapy. Not only will this not help get rid of the rash, but it can also make the situation worse.
The effectiveness of folk methods has not been proven. They are believed to relieve minor symptoms such as itching and redness. However, they will not completely eliminate the manifestations of the disease. Moreover, many natural ingredients, on the contrary, are strong allergens and additionally irritate the skin. Therefore, before using home remedies, you should consult with your treating dermatologist.
Prevention of psoriasis on the elbows
Prevention is a whole range of methods that help relieve symptoms, speed up treatment and increase the duration of remission. These measures should be observed throughout life: both during periods of exacerbations and during asymptomatic times.
You must adhere to the following rules:
Avoid stress. Even a slight emotional or physical overstrain can provoke a disease. To make it easier to cope with stressful situations, you can work out with a psychologist or psychotherapist. Also, treatment in the resort and sanatorium conditions will benefit. It has a beneficial effect on the state of the nervous system and the health of the body as a whole.
Stick to a diet. It is exclusive. Potential provocateurs and junk food (sweet and pastries, salty and spicy, smoked meats, fried and too fatty) are removed from the menu. Food must be regular. Food is taken 4-5 times a day in small portions and at the same time.
Drink vitamins. Vitamin complexes improve the state of immunity. Preferably they should be prescribed by a doctor.
Give up smoking and alcohol. This is bad for all body systems.
Sleep at least 8 hours a day. At the same time, it is advisable to go to bed before 12 o’clock at night.
Avoid any skin damage. Wounds, scratches, bruises – all this can provoke a rash.
Wear loose clothing. It shouldn’t irritate the skin too much. It is also desirable that things be made from natural materials. For example, linen, cotton or silk.
Moisturize the skin. Moisturizers and emollients must be applied every day.
It is also important to regularly be examined by a doctor and follow all his recommendations. Then the presence of the disease in life will be minimal.