Flake. How can a sick person be helped?

Psoriasis is a long-term, chronic skin disease reflecting a disorder of the immune system, which manifests itself in various symptoms. It is associated with accelerated growth of skin cells, which causes characteristic skin lesions – red patches covered with grey scales. These patches usually appear on the knees or elbows, scalp, back and abdomen. Psoriasis is caused by both genetic and environmental factors and can affect people of all ages.

The activity of the immune system plays an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. T-lymphocytes, part of the immune system, become activated for unknown reasons and start attacking healthy skin cells. This triggers an inflammatory response that causes skin cells to divide and grow much faster than normal, leading to the formation of psoriatic plaques.

Psoriasis can have not only physical but also psychological effects, including depression and low self-esteem. Reduced quality of life and social isolation are also common consequences of psoriasis. The disease can be treated in various ways, depending on its severity and type. These include topical agents (for example, corticosteroid creams, vitamin D analogues), light therapy (for example, ultraviolet B radiation), systemic medications (immunosuppressants, methotrexate, ciclosporin) and biologics used to treat more severe forms of psoriasis. It is important to emphasize that psoriasis is not only a skin disease – it can also be associated with joint damage called psoriatic arthritis and other health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus.

Types of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, often periodically flaring skin disease that manifests itself in various clinical forms that differ in appearance, location and symptoms.

Plaque psoriasis. This is the most common form of psoriasis, accounting for about 80–90% of all cases. A characteristic feature is thick, red patches of skin covered with grey scales. Most often these scales appear on the knees and elbows and the scalp, and they can also appear on the torso and back. Symptoms of this form may include itching and cracking of the skin.

Guttate psoriasis. This form usually occurs in childhood or adolescence and can be triggered by an infection, such as strep throat. It is characterized by small, drop-shaped, red or pink rashes, which usually appear on somewhat different skin areas than plaque psoriasis.

Inverse psoriasis. This form appears as areas of red skin in the armpits, under the breasts, on the lower back or around the genitals. Inverse psoriasis is more prone to irritation from friction and sweating.

Pustular psoriasis. This is a rarer form of psoriasis characterized by pus-filled, inflamed skin lesions. Pustular psoriasis can be localized (for example, only on the hands or feet) or generalized, with pustules appearing all over the body.

Erythrodermic psoriasis. This is a very severe, rare and life-threatening form of psoriasis. It covers large areas of the skin and causes severe redness and a burning sensation. Erythrodermic psoriasis can cause thermoregulation disorders and be life-threatening.

Each type of psoriasis requires an individual treatment and management plan. Treatment may include topical agents, light therapy, systemic medications and biologics, as well as lifestyle changes such as dietary changes, stress management and regular medical check-ups. It is important to note that psoriasis, regardless of its form, can have a significant impact on the patient's quality of life, so psychological and social support are important aspects of disease management.

What are the causes of psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a complex chronic skin disease whose causes and triggers are complicated and involve both genetic and environmental factors.

1. Genetics plays an important role in the development of psoriasis. Studies have shown that people with a family history of psoriasis are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Scientists have identified several genes that may increase the risk of psoriasis, but no single gene directly causes the disease.
2. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body cells. T-lymphocytes are of particular importance: when activated, they stimulate inflammatory processes in skin cells, accelerating their growth and causing the characteristic symptoms of psoriasis.
3. Inflammation in psoriasis is associated with increased activity of certain substances in the body that help regulate inflammation. These substances, such as interleukins and certain other factors important in inflammatory reactions, stimulate the inflammatory process and accelerate the growth of skin cells.
4. Various external factors can trigger the onset or flare-up of psoriasis in individuals with a genetic predisposition. These include:

• Infections: especially streptococcal infections, which can trigger guttate psoriasis.
• Certain medications: some medications, including lithium, beta blockers and antimalarials, can cause psoriasis flare-ups.
• Mechanical skin injury: known as the Koebner phenomenon, when skin injury causes new psoriatic lesions to appear at the injured site.
• Psychological stress: this can trigger or aggravate the symptoms of the disease.
• Climatic factors: cold, dry weather often worsens symptoms, while warm, humid weather can relieve them.

5. Smoking, alcohol consumption and obesity are associated with a higher risk of psoriasis and can worsen the course of the disease.

Understanding the causes and triggers of psoriasis is important for understanding the disease and developing effective treatments.

Symptoms

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by various symptoms that may vary depending on the form and severity of the disease. Symptoms can range from mild to very severe, affecting not only the skin but also the patient's quality of life.

• Skin lesions. The main sign of psoriasis is red, inflamed patches of skin covered with grey scales. These scales can appear anywhere on the body, but most commonly appear on the knees and elbows, scalp, back and abdomen.
• Itching and pain. A common symptom of psoriasis is itching, which can sometimes be very severe. Pain may also occur, especially if the scales are cracked or inflamed.
• Flaking skin. Psoriasis can cause intense flaking of the skin, which can be both a cosmetic and a hygiene problem.
• Cracked skin. Dry, thick scales can crack and bleed, especially when the skin is very dry or when the patient tries to scrub the scales away.
• Nail changes. Many people with psoriasis experience nail changes, including nail thickening, curving, changes in the nail bed and separation of the nail from the nail bed.
• Psoriatic arthritis. Approximately 30% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, which manifests as joint pain and swelling.
• Emotional and psychological impact. Because of its visible appearance and unclear etiology, psoriasis can cause embarrassment, self-esteem issues and depression.

The severity of symptoms and the location of psoriasis can vary, and not all patients experience all of the symptoms listed. Psoriasis symptoms may flare up and subside periodically. Although psoriasis is incurable, there are many treatments available to help control symptoms and improve quality of life.

How to help a person with psoriasis?

Helping people with psoriasis is not only about applying treatment strategies, but also about providing emotional and psychological support. Psoriasis is a chronic, often relapsing disease whose management requires an integrated approach involving both medical treatment and lifestyle changes.

1. Medical treatment: treatment of psoriasis depends on the severity and type of the disease. It includes:

• Topical preparations: steroid ointments, coal tar products, vitamin D analogues and other topical therapies can be used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis.
• Light therapy: ultraviolet light therapy (UVB) may be effective for some patients.
• Systemic drugs: such as methotrexate, ciclosporin and retinoids, for more severe cases.
• Biologics: these modern drugs, such as TNF inhibitors, IL-12/23 and IL-17 inhibitors, are intended for moderate to severe psoriasis, especially if it has not responded to other treatments.

1. Lifestyle changes: a healthy diet, regular physical activity and weight management can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
2. Psychological support: psoriasis can have a profound effect on emotional well-being. Psychological counselling, therapy groups or support groups can help people cope with stress, depression and self-esteem issues.
3. Education and awareness: understanding the disease, its causes, treatments and possible complications is important for patients and their families. This helps manage the disease better and reduces fears and misconceptions.
4. Skin care: regular moisturizing, avoiding irritants and gentle cleansing are important aspects of skin care.
5. Avoiding triggers: some factors, such as certain foods, alcohol and stress, can trigger or worsen symptoms. Identifying and avoiding these triggers can help reduce flare-ups.
6. Social support: support from family, friends and colleagues is important for emotional well-being. Increasing public understanding and awareness also helps reduce the stigma associated with the disease.
7. Regular health check-ups: since psoriasis can be associated with other health problems such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus, regular health check-ups are important.

These aspects are important for effectively helping people with psoriasis – not only to control the physical side of the disease, but also to ensure emotional and psychological well-being.

Our recommendation. For daily care of very dry, flaky and itchy skin, choose Eubos Urea 10% body lotion. It can be used as a complementary body care product alongside treatment prescribed by your doctor.

Information sources:

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI): Overview of psoriasis and its different forms.
2. Mayo Clinic: Psoriasis – symptoms and causes.
3. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf: Characteristics and effects of psoriasis.
4. Cleveland Clinic: Psoriasis – overview, symptoms, causes, types and treatment.
5. American Academy of Dermatology: Guidelines for the management and treatment of psoriasis.