Features of the development and symptoms of psoriasis affecting the elbows

Psoriasis with changes primarily localized to the elbow area occurs in about 5% of patients with this disease. The formation of psoriatic lesions on the elbows can occur at any age, but according to statistics, this form of the disease is mainly characteristic of older people.In most cases, the pathology can be successfully treated if promptly consulted by a doctor, but in severe cases it can be complicated by psoriatic arthritis.

Causes and symptoms

Elbow psoriasis has the same development causes as other forms of the disease. These are genetics, metabolic disorders, endocrine disorders, reduced function of the immune system, mechanical damage to the skin and traumatic situations. The provoking factor for the appearance of psoriatic lesions in the elbow area is considered dyshidrosis - chronic dehydration of the skin.

The disease begins with the appearance of one or more red spots that protrude slightly above the skin. At first they are red, then covered with a white film and gradually form a scale on the surface, giving the patches a silvery color.

In addition to these changes, elbow psoriasis can be identified by the following symptoms:

• The individual spots that form fuse together over time, leading to the appearance of large lesions;
• The scales are easily removed from the surface, leaving a thin layer of skin on which drops of blood may appear;
• Pustule formation is characterized by the appearance of a clear red border separating healthy skin from affected tissue;
• The appearance of the rash is accompanied by severe itching in 80% of cases;
• Regression, that is, the disappearance of the plaque begins from the center, and in its place after the process subsides, a bright spot remains.

In mild cases, the pathology will disappear within one and a half to two months. In more severe diseases, the spots may not disappear completely - during the remission period, one or several small patches remain on the skin.

If left untreated, elbow psoriasis can cause psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory arthritis. A complication is manifested by swelling in the affected joint area, a local increase in temperature and pain when moving.

Characteristics of elbow psoriasis

Elbow psoriasis has certain development and progression characteristics, including:

1. Age of disease onset. Most elderly people consult a doctor about this form of the disease; in children and adolescents, damage in this area is very rare;
2. Only in 30% of cases is the symmetry of the lesion determined - plaques form on both the right and left elbow. In other cases, the inflammation covers only one area of the elbow;
3. The psoriatic lesions in psoriasis, unlike eczema and dermatitis, are localized only to the outer, extensor surfaces of the joints;
4. The disease has seasonal characteristics - exacerbations most often occur in the cold months of the year, that is, when the skin is more dehydrated;
5. The rash may be dry or wet;
6. Lesions spread mainly toward the forearm;
7. Over time, elbow psoriasis will thicken the skin in the affected area. The skin becomes dense, dry and quickly cracks, accompanied by bleeding, pain and itching.

Elbow psoriasis must be treated and this must be done under the supervision of a dermatologist. The lack of therapy leads to the impossibility of completely eliminating all changes in the affected area, which causes internal discomfort and can cause depression.

Treatment methods for elbow psoriasis

Comprehensive treatment of psoriasis on the right elbow. It includes the use of external agents, systemic medications, physiotherapy and traditional therapeutic methods.

Ointment

In the early stages of the disease, when only a few small patches form and there is no obvious swelling and redness, you can use ointments that have an emollient, anti-inflammatory effect and can soften the outer keratinized layer of the skin. spots.

In severe cases, that is, when swelling, itching, marked hyperemia and spots tend to increase rapidly, treatment begins with the use of ointments with glucocorticosteroids.

Any of the above ointments for elbow psoriasis must be prescribed by a doctor. They are used for a short time, observing the frequency of use and dosage. Non-compliance with the instructions for use of hormonal drugs significantly increases the likelihood of developing local and systemic side effects.

Patients with elbow psoriasis are encouraged to use ointments with emollients and vitamins even when the disease is more severe. Their continuous application will nourish the skin, prevent dehydration, thereby prolonging the period of remission.

Treatment with medication

The drug chosen for the patient depends on the symptoms of the disease, its severity and comorbidities. The medication is prescribed mainly if psoriasis changes continue to progress and recur frequently.

Standard oral treatment:

1. Antihistamines.The main purpose of prescribing antihistamines is to relieve itching, help accelerate the healing of plaques and prevent the penetration of bacteria into the damaged epidermis;
2. The drug has a sedative effect– Valerian tincture, mother plant. Their use helps reduce stress, improve sleep quality and prevent the development of depression;
3. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Drugs in this group have good anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, promoting skin regeneration;
4. Vitamin therapy.The use of vitamins increases the protective properties of the body and improves metabolic processes.

All medications prescribed by your doctor must be taken in full.The reduction of rash lesions does not mean that therapy should be completed, otherwise the disease may enter the progressive phase again.

Physical therapy

The primary treatment of elbow psoriasis may be supplemented with physical therapy. They are prescribed to improve blood circulation and metabolic response in the skin; Their use improves local immunity and accelerates the process of restoring the normal epidermis. For psoriasis, procedures such as magnetotherapy, phototherapy, PUVA method, laser treatment and ultraviolet skin irradiation give good results.

Patients with elbow psoriasis are prescribed treatment with convalescent drugs, dietary therapy and normalization of the nervous system.

Eliminate psoriasis using traditional methods

Treatment of dermatitis on the elbow at home with folk methods can be carried out after the acute process has subsided. The effectiveness of self-prepared ointments and tinctures for compresses, herbal mixtures for internal use and medicated baths has been proven. All traditional methods of therapy should be used, taking into account the tolerability of the components that make up their basis.

• Bathing to treat elbows.Chamomile, sage, celandine and vine should be mixed in equal proportions. Two or three spoons of the mixture are poured with boiling water in a ratio of 1: 10. The mixture is infused for half an hour, after which you can soak your elbows in the medicinal solution. The duration of the procedure is until the infusion cools completely;
• Therapeutic bath.The shells of 10 walnuts are brewed with a liter of boiling water, after an hour the infusion is filtered and poured into a water bath. You need to lie in the medicinal bath for 20-30 minutes, repeat daily for at least 5 days;
• Compressed garlic.A few small cloves of garlic are crushed and poured into a cup of hot water. You need to soak the garlic solution for an hour and a half, then dip a bandage folded in several layers into it, squeeze it gently and apply it to the elbow area. The compress changes as the gauze dries, the procedure should be carried out within an hour;
• Birch sap.You will need purified birch tar, apply it to the area with plaque. The first procedure will last no more than 8-10 minutes, each subsequent day its duration will increase. The course of treatment with tar is 14 days. You can wash off tar from your elbows with laundry soap;
• Phytocompress.10 grams of raisin leaves, 10 grams of burdock root and 10 grams of flax seeds need to be ground in a blender. The prepared mixture is poured into a glass of hot milk and heated over low heat for 2-3 minutes. After cooling in the liquid, moisten a gauze napkin and apply to the elbow. Keep the compress for half an hour.

Psoriasis on the elbow causes a lot of inconvenience, but this form of the disease is considered one of the mildest. Timely consultation with a doctor, changes in lifestyle and diet, as well as compliance with preventive measures can completely clear the skin of the elbow joint and significantly prolong the period of remission of the disease.