Psoriasis of the elbow is an inflammatory process characterized by a skin rash. Among the factors that trigger the onset of the disease, heredity, various diseases, bad habits, stressful situations and others are distinguished.
Pathology is accompanied by itching, redness, swelling, pain in the affected area. To make a diagnosis, tests of urine, blood, feces, biopsy, bakposev for microflora are prescribed. Treatment includes the use of medications, local remedies, physiotherapy, dietary adjustments.
Before starting treatment of psoriasis on the elbow, it is necessary to exclude other pathologies: eczema, fungal infections.
Only after a full examination, certain medications are prescribed, therefore, an initial consultation with a dermatologist is required.
ranking
Psoriasis occurs in several stages, periodically replacing each other.
The beginning
The outer surface of the elbow area is covered with small papules. Externally, they resemble pimples with a random arrangement. After 14-21 days, the formation turns into large plaques covered with scales. Skin dryness increases, the surface becomes rough.
progressive
This stage is characterized by the formation of various large plaques. The patient complains of flaking, redness in the affected area. The border of the rash is represented by a clear rim. At this stage, the transition of the disease into a period of exacerbation is observed.
Still
With a properly chosen scheme of therapeutic measures, the clinical picture becomes less clear, and the disease enters a state of rest. The number of psoriatic rashes is reduced, new papules are not present.
regressive
This stage is accompanied by a decrease in the severity of symptoms, the number of plaques is significantly reduced. The skin, where the rash was previously localized, appears pigmented, but at the same time, there are no characteristic scales at the lesion sites, the epidermis does not peel off.
symptoms
The beginning of the development of pathological processes is indicated by the appearance of small red spots of oval or round shape. As the disease progresses, the number of formations increases, they spread to areas around healthy skin.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that cannot be completely cured. However, modern methods help to quickly eliminate the exacerbation of the disease and achieve long -term remission.
Antihistamines are used; for rashes on the joints, local ointments and creams with corticosteroids, salicylic acid are used.
An important method of treatment is the appointment of diet and vitamin complexes; the positive effects of some homeopathic preparations have been observed.
The early stages are characterized by a small number of rashes. If at this stage it is time to seek help from a specialist, it is possible to reduce the chances of the disease becoming chronic.
The main feature of psoriasis is the formation of light silvery color scales. Under mechanical action, their integrity is violated, as a result of which smooth surfaces with bloody cracks appear.
There are also cases where there are no scales on the psoriatic plaque.
The patient began to complain of severe itching, swelling at the site of the lesion, burning. If you feel the damaged area, in these places you can see an increase in temperature and pain.
Depending on how well the body’s protective function works, the pathological process is accompanied by the formation of single or multiple plaques, when the disease affects the entire skin surface of the upper limbs. If appropriate measures are not taken in time, the probability of pathological transition to the neglected form increases several times.
The severity of the clinical picture also depends on the stage of the disease course. During the remission period, the symptoms significantly decrease, the patient feels better. The recurrent condition is characterized by the appearance of various psoriatic plaques, caused by painful symptoms, the general well -being of a person worsens.
cause
Despite the high prevalence of the disease, it is not possible to fully study and determine the exact factors that provoke it. However, experts have identified several causes that allegedly can contribute to the occurrence of psoriatic lesions on the elbow.
One of the most common factors is genetic predisposition. According to statistics, in 50% of cases, the pathology is diagnosed in a person whose relatives are also susceptible to the disease.
Prerequisites for the development of psoriasis are a lack of immunity to infectious diseases, lack of nutrients, uncontrolled intake of drugs, which have a negative effect on the immune system, thus contributing to its weakness.
Also among the reasons are:
- endocrine disorders;
- diseases of the digestive system;
- injury to the epidermis;
- frequent stress, neurosis, depression.
Vitamin deficiencies and trace element deficiencies in the body can contribute to the manifestations of psoriasis.
Diagnostics
Since the development of psoriasis on the elbow is accompanied by obvious clinical signs, pathological detection is not difficult. First, the dermatologist performs an external examination of the damaged area of the epidermis and collects the patient’s history.
To confirm the initial diagnosis, the patient is sent for laboratory testing.
Blood tests allow you to determine the possible predisposition for allergic reactions to certain medications that can be used in the treatment of psoriasis. In addition, the analysis can help in the diagnosis of anemia, which will be accompanied by characteristic deviations in the levels of leukocytes and erythrocytes.
Urinalysis makes it possible to determine the level of water-salt balance, that is, how much salt and water have entered and been removed from the human body.
Fecal studies are necessary to identify helminths in them.
When the main method of making a final diagnosis is not enough, the doctor will prescribe additional examinations:
- biopsy of epidermal samples taken from lesions;
- bakposev on the microflora;
- test with potassium oxide.
If a complicated course of pathological processes is suspected, X-ray examination is performed, which allows to assess the involvement in joint disease.
If psoriasis develops in women during the childbearing period, they are referred for prolactin testing.
Additionally, you may need to consult an orthopedist, rheumatologist, venereologist or mammologist.
Methods of Treatment
Psoriasis cannot be cured, but flare-ups can be prevented and the remission phase extended. Therapy in this case should be complex. It consists of the use of such treatment methods:
- gunamedicinedrugs inside;
- usedaylocal action;
- vitamin therapy;
- sanatorium-resorttreatment;
- applicationhomeopathymedicines.
In addition, it is important to follow a special diet. It includes foods in the diet that contain substances that contribute to the onset of remission, and limits the consumption of foods harmful to psoriasis.
Medications used for psoriasis
In the treatment of diseases, it is important to use drugs for internal administration in the form of capsules, tablets, plates.
Antihistamines can be used to relieve itching.
It is important to remember that only an experienced specialist can prescribe such drugs, taking into account the severity of the disease, age criteria, as well as individual characteristics of the patient's body.
Ointment for rashes on the elbows and dry bones
Psoriasis on the elbow is widely used for external use.
Experts say that the treatment of psoriasis should be comprehensive, so one swipe of the cream will not be enough, because they only eliminate the symptoms of the disease on our skin.
vitamin
In psoriasis, vitamin therapy is considered an important method in complex treatment. In case of damage to the skin of the flexor surface, it is recommended to use vitamins of groups B, E, D, A and ascorbic acid.
To do this, you need to eat properly: increase consumption of foods containing this ingredient. In addition, vitamins can be purchased from pharmaceutical establishments. Vitamin solutions can be used to lubricate problem skin.
Some ointments contain the necessary ingredients, so often specialists prescribe the drug for external use.
Vitamin and mineral complexes can be prescribed.
Also prescribed for severe levels of psoriasis medication for intramuscular injection.
They are made every day or every day.
homeopathic medicine
Combination agents are considered the most effective.
The dose of these drugs is determined by a qualified specialist, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient's body and the severity of the pathology.
Diet
In pathological conditions, it is important to adhere to a nutritional diet. Therefore, in the diet for psoriasis should be the following products:
- skinny fish;
- dairy product;
- vegetable oil;
- fruits and vegetables;
- grain;
- greenery.
These ingredients enrich the body with useful substances and reduce acidity. In case of illness, it is useful to prescribe a drinking regimen. The daily amount of water used should be at least 1. 5 liters.
The following products are contraindicated for use in pathology:
- smoked meat;
- spicy seasonings and spices;
- orange;
- sweet products;
- fatty meats;
- alcoholic beverages;
- sausage;
- coffee;
- citrus;
- chocolate;
- cakes.
It is necessary to limit the consumption of fried, fatty and salty foods.
In addition, fractional meals are recommended for psoriasis: portions should be small, and the number of meals a day should be increased up to six times.
Spa treatments
With psoriasis, it is recommended to visit resorts located in areas with a predominance of hot and dry climatic conditions.
Also desirable is an annual stay in a sanatorium where there are radon or sulfide baths. In such places, patients can undergo physiotherapy procedures that help eliminate the symptoms of the disease and prolong the remission stage. These include applications with paraffin or ozocerite, UV radiation, phototherapy, cryotherapy.
This procedure is performed for 21-29 days every day.
Treatment of psoriasis of the elbow is carried out with an integrated approach. Drug therapy includes the use of funds for internal and external use. It is also important to take vitamins and diet during treatment. It is recommended to stay in a sanatorium and use homeopathic remedies.
As a result
In the absence of long -term therapeutic measures, the pathological course of the elbow is complicated by the emergence of several diseases.
Psoriatic erythroderma may begin. In most cases, it occurs against the background of abrupt cessation or lack of complete treatment, frequent stressful situations, original infectious diseases occurring in severe form, alcohol abuse.
Generalized pustular psoriasis is a more serious health threat. The course of such pathology is characterized by the association of papular masses, as a result of which large foci are formed, at the site of localization where the skin peels off, pustular areas are formed.
Another complication is psoriatic arthritis. This is a pathological process that affects the joints, which is accompanied by swelling, severe pain and limited mobility.
prevention
Since the epidermis in this area is relatively dry, frequent care of the elbow area is required. To do this, you need to use a special cream with moisturizing properties.
You should also stop smoking and drinking too much alcohol. Strengthening the immune system plays an equally important role. For this purpose, experts recommend taking vitamin and mineral complexes, playing sports, and spending more time walking in the fresh air.
It is important to protect the skin from mechanical damage, not to expose the body to stress and frequent psychological disturbances.
At the first symptoms of the development of an infectious disease, a visit to the doctor should not be delayed to provide timely medical treatment.