Psoriasis on the elbows: reasons for how to treat ointments at home

Psoriasis is a very common disease. It can affect almost any part of the skin and body. So, there is a defeat of the nails, fingers, face, scalp, as well as bones and joints. But most often it is diagnosed all the same psoriasis on the elbows.

[1], [2], [3]

Epidemiology

• Psoriasis on the elbows is one of the most frequently diagnosed chronic skin diseases. According to different statistical information the frequency of pathology in the population can be about 2%.
• Most often it develops in middle age.
• May be equally amazed, both male part of the population, and female.

[4], [5], [6]

Causes of the psoriasis on the elbows

The defeat of elbows with psoriasis is nothing more than accelerated cell division in the superficial skin layers. Why the division of cells is accelerating - this question does not yet have an exact answer. But experts identify a number of key factors that can affect the development of the disease:

• unfavorable heredity in terms of psoriasis;
• disorders of metabolic processes and endocrine diseases;
• severe infectious diseases;
• frequent or severe stress, prolonged depressive conditions, neuroses;
• immune disorders;
• trauma and damage to various layers of the skin.

[7], [8], [9], [10]

Risk factors

Risk factors do not necessarily predict psoriasis on the elbows, but only remind that a person has a predisposition to this pathology.

By itself, psoriasis on the elbows is a disease of non-infectious genesis, so it is impossible to catch it. The disease proceeds wavy, periodically exacerbating and receding.

[11], [12], [13], [14], [15]

Pathogenesis

Malfunctions in the immune sphere with psoriasis on elbows were found at the cell level and at the humoral level. These failures were manifested in the non-standard level of immunoglobulins, CEC complexes, a pool of T-lymphocytes, leukocytes and phagocytes.

Initial psoriatic pathological changes are observed at the cellular level of the dermis and epidermal layer. Regulatory failures in fibroblasts provoke excessive proliferative changes in the basis of a healthy epidermis. Such changes potentiate the synthesis of cytokines and eicosanoids that cause acute inflammation of the skin.

In the affected areas of the epidermal layer, cellular structures secrete interleukin-1, which is similar to the stimulating factor of epidermal T-lymphocytes. It is interleukin-1 that explains T-lymphocyte chemotaxis: there is a stimulation of the migration of T-lymphocytes into the epidermis layer and epidermal infiltration.

Interferons and interleukins, which are secreted by T-lymphocytes, can play the role of mediators of the inflammatory reaction and contribute to the formation of a vicious circle, which leads to a chronic course of psoriasis on the elbows.

[16], [17], [18], [19], [20]

Symptoms of the psoriasis on the elbows

Signs of psoriasis on the elbows are always characteristic: they are homogeneous eruptions that merge into groups, have a plaque shape and a pinkish-reddish color (depending on the "freshness" of the rash). Groups of rashes are delineated by clear boundaries of irregular shape. Above, elements have a pronounced roughness, caused by the formation of whitish silver flakes.

As a rule, with psoriasis on the elbows, both the left and right elbow are simultaneously affected.

The first signs are the same for any skin psoriasis lesion and look like this:

• if you scrape off the surface of the plaque, then there will appear characteristic scales that resemble stearin-a solid fatty substance;
• if you scrape off the "stearin" scales, you can notice a moistened glossy film;
• if you scrape the film, then on the surface there are tiny drops of blood.

The appearance of symptoms of psoriasis on the elbows is usually not accompanied by general discomfort: body temperature remains normal, there are no pains. Often there is an itch, and quite pronounced: through time and itching, and the rash disappears, as the time of remission comes. Periodicity of exacerbations and relief of the condition in all patients is different, but the most common is the autumn-spring seasonality of psoriasis.

Stages

It is accepted to distinguish several stages during the psoriatic process on the elbows:

• stage of progress;
• stationary stage;
• stage of regression.

The initial stage of psoriasis on the elbows - progressive - is accompanied by the appearance of a large number of small bright bundles, outlined by a red rim, which is called the "crown of peripheral growth."

The stationary stage is a period of calm, when already existing rashes are preserved, but new ones do not appear. The rash becomes brownish-bluish and flat, possibly the appearance of areas with altered pigmentation.

The regressive period is the subsidence of psoriatic processes: the skin is temporarily cleared, and remission occurs.

[21], [22], [23]

Forms

Psoriasis on the elbows is classified as follows:

• ordinary psoriasis;
• exudative form, which is accompanied by a strong exudation with the formation of crusty scales with a yellowish hue over the rash;
• the pustular form differs in the symmetrical formation of intra-epidermal pustules on the reddened and lichenized surface;
• psoriatic erythroderma, acute, generalized, with deterioration of the general condition, joint damage, nails, etc.

[24]

Complications and consequences

Psoriasis on the elbows can be complicated by a more severe course, with the development of psoriatic erythroderma, generalized pustular psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis.

With psoriatic erythroderma, the process from the ulnar zone extends to all skin integuments. Usually, this form is the result of a sharp cessation or disregard for systemic drug treatment, as well as alcohol abuse, stressful situations and severe infectious pathologies.

The generalized form is considered to be the most severe and complex form of psoriasis. This complication occurs with a massive fusion of pustules and the formation of large foci of lesions, on the site of which there is an abruption of the epithelium and the formation of purulent lakes.

Psoriatic arthritis is the defeat of joints with the development of edema in them, with the appearance of pain and impairment of mobility.

[25]

Diagnostics of the psoriasis on the elbows

Recognize psoriasis on the elbows is usually not difficult, because the disease has its typical signs. In this case, the diagnosis of pathology is not distinguished by any specific types of research or analysis. Only in the active phase of exacerbation, as well as with complicated started psoriasis on the elbows, you can find some changes in the study of blood. In this case, the analysis indicates the presence of a marked inflammatory reaction, an autoimmune reaction and rheumatic processes: an increase in rheumatoid titers, acute proteins, and general signs of inflammation such as leukocytosis, accelerated ESR,

Instrumental diagnostics for suspicion of psoriasis on the elbows is rarely used: sometimes a skin biopsy is performed, in order to exclude other dermatological pathologies, or to histologically confirm psoriasis.

Biopsy indicates the presence of specific Retae bodies, the keratinocyte layer consolidation, the histological immaturity of keratinocytes, the extensive infiltration of skin integuments by T lymphocytes, phagocytes. In addition, areas of excessive proliferation of keratinocytes and immunocompetent cellular structures are found, increased angiogenesis in thick layers directly under the rashes.

[26], [27], [28]

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics can be performed with eczema, red flat and pink lichen, mycoses, syphilitic skin lesions, neurodermatitis.

In some cases, additional consultation of such specialists as rheumatologist, physiotherapist, neuropathologist may be required.

[29], [30], [31], [32], [33], [34]

Treatment of the psoriasis on the elbows

Psoriasis on elbows can not be completely cured, but the disease can be transferred to a stable stage of symptomatic remission, when old rashes disappear, and new ones do not appear. For this purpose, the patient is assigned complex treatment, which includes a number of approaches and procedures. Consider this treatment in more detail.

• Dietary food

Patients with psoriasis on the elbows are prescribed special food. The diet excludes the use of all kinds of spices, spicy foods, alcoholic beverages, coffee, chocolate, restricts the use of salt. The diet includes vegetable products, cereals, white meat, greens, as well as a large number of clean drinking water.

• Spa treatment

The patient with psoriasis on the elbows is preferably more likely to be in areas with a dry hot climate, in sanatoriums where there is the possibility of taking sulfide or radon baths. However, this type of treatment has its contraindications: this is the so-called "summer" psoriasis, as well as common pustular eruptions.

• Medications

Medication is prescribed for localized psoriasis on the elbows, which is accompanied by itching. Most often used antihistamines, hyposensitizing treatment and vitamins.

	Dose and method of administration	Side effects	Special instructions
Suprastin	Take 25 mg to 4 times a day.	Usually, the reception is accompanied by increased fatigue, drowsiness, dry mucous membranes.	Suprastin is not compatible with alcoholic beverages.
Fenistil	Take 30 drops three times a day.	Possible dizziness, nausea, thirst.	Fenistil can not be heated and exposed to sunlight.
Sodium thiosulfate	Take inside for 2-3 g per reception in the form of a 10% solution on water or saline solution.	Dyspeptic symptoms are possible.	The drug is taken only under the supervision of a doctor.
Fenkarol	Take 50 mg from one to four times a day.	Sometimes there is a headache and vomiting.	Fenicall can cause an allergic reaction.
Diazoline	Take 200 mg daily.	Dizziness, drowsiness, trembling in the hands, dyspepsia may appear.	Diazoline is not prescribed for kidney and liver diseases.

• Ointments for psoriasis on the elbows

With psoriasis on the elbows, ointments and other external agents are used twice a day. In the initial stage of psoriasis on elbows, the use of such drugs is appropriate:

• salicylic ointment 1-2%;
• ointment based on birch tar 2-3%;
• cream with naphthalan oil 2-5%;
• ointment Daivobet;
• Ointment Belosalik;
• ointment Diprosalic;
• Lorinden A (flumethasone and salicylic acid);
• ointment Elokom S (mometazon and salicylic acid).

In a stationary period, such external means are used:

• salicylic ointment 2-5%;
• ointment based on birch tar 3-10%;
• ointment with naphthalan oil 5-10%;
• Daivonex ointment;
• ointment Zignoderm.

• Vitamins

Vitamin preparations are prescribed only in the stationary and regressing stage of psoriasis on the elbows, avoiding their use in the initial stage of the appearance of rashes.

Vitamin complexes, such as Vitrum Q10 +, Aevit, Unevit take 1 tablet (pills) once a day, for a month.

In addition, with psoriasis of elbows, intramuscular administration of vitamin preparations is often prescribed:

• pyridoxine solution 5%, 2 ml daily or every other day;
• solution of thiamine bromide 6% 2 ml daily or every other day.

In addition, it is recommended to take vitamins E, A, ascorbic acid and B vitamins.

• Physiotherapeutic treatment

Physiotherapy with psoriasis on the elbows consists of such useful procedures:

• UFO general or zonal, with an optimal wavelength of 311-313 nm (using narrow-band medium-wave irradiation);
• SFT - selective phototherapy is one of the variants of UFD, with an optimal wavelength of 310-340 nm. CFT helps achieve a more sustainable remission - up to two years;
• fingering ozokerite or paraffin application on the rash area;
• cryotherapy - eliminates itching, improves local metabolism. The temperature of the mass is usually -160 ° C, and each procedure lasts 2-3 minutes. The procedures are carried out every day, for 20-25 days.

• Operative treatment

Operative treatment for psoriasis on the elbows is not carried out.

• Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies are always prescribed to patients individually, after diagnostic confirmation of the disease. The most qualitative results are observed after treatment with complex preparations: for example, Psoriaten's external remedy and Psorinochele drops can be bought from pharmacists without a prescription.

Psoriaten is used three times a day in affected areas, it is possible for a long time.

Psorinochelyus take 10 drops three times a day for 15 minutes before meals, for 1-1.5 months.

Patients with irritated reddened elbows, as well as in cases where the course of psoriasis deteriorates under the influence of high humidity, doctors advise to use Acidum formicum, in an individual dosage.

Patients in old age, as well as with general weakness and poor immunity, are recommended to use Arsenicum iodate.

Alternative treatment

Patients with psoriasis on the elbows are advised to treat the skin with such alternative means:

• pine needles extract;
• propolis tincture;
• ointment Naftalan;
• decoction of bay leaf;
• pure birch tar;
• infusions of chamomile color, celandine, succession.

Accelerates the recovery and cleansing of the skin sea buckthorn oil: they lubricate the affected areas 3 times a day. In addition to it, you can apply peach, apricot, olive, and avocado oils to soften the coarsened areas.

In addition to external treatment, it is useful to regularly use inside preparations such as a pharmacy tincture of ginseng or Echinacea, 20 drops in 100 ml of water, in the first half of the day.

A good effect is the addition to tea of medicinal plants such as elderberries, herb grass, sage leaves, dill seeds, St. John's wort, dandelion roots.

In winter, outside the stage of exacerbation of psoriasis on the elbows, it is recommended to support the body with hot drinks based on currant leaves, raspberry branches, rose hips and mountain ash.

[35], [36]

Herbal Treatment

Among the herbal remedies for psoriasis on the elbows, the most effective are aloe, purgative, sea-buckthorn berries, valerian root, St. John's wort, calendula and chamomile flowers, sage, lewse, young shoots of pine.

In the progressing period it is recommended to take medicinal baths and baths with decoction, celandine, pine and fir extracts - daily or once in two days.

On the ulnar zone immediately after taking a bath, you should apply vegetable oil (olive, sea-buckthorn or even sunflower oil).

Based on the sequence and Vaseline, a medicinal ointment is prepared - the content of the sequence in it should be 2-3%.

Herb infusion alternate 1/3 cup three times a day before meals, for 2-3 weeks. At the same time, the elbows should be lubricated with extract of string or fresh celandine juice.

At night many successfully use lotions from the sage: for the preparation of infusion 1 tbsp. L. Sage pour 1 cup of boiling water and insist under the lid until it cools. Cooled infusion filter, dampen in it gauze or linen napkin, put to the affected places until the morning.

Prevention

Experience shows that exacerbation of psoriasis on the elbows can be avoided if simple preventive recommendations are followed.

• Clothes should be free, from natural fabrics, letting air in.
• It is necessary to avoid contact of hands with alkalis, chemicals, and when forced contact, it is necessary to wear protective gloves.
• Do not forget about special care cosmetics for the skin of elbows: such a tool should moisturize and maintain the pH balance.
• It is necessary to protect the nervous system and beware of stressful situations.
• It is important to lead an active life: play sports, walk, move.
• Sunbathing can, but in moderation: sunburn can cause exacerbation of psoriasis on the elbows.
• It is necessary to establish a healthy and healthy diet.
• It is necessary to treat any diseases in the body in a timely manner.

[37], [38], [39]

Forecast

• Prognosis for health: psoriasis on the elbows is a relapsing disease with chronic course, but there are descriptions of sufficiently long periods of remission (up to 20 years).
• The prognosis for life is relatively favorable: if psoriasis on the elbows is complicated by the development of psoriatic arthritis, the patient may become disabled.

[40], [41], [42]