Characteristics and symptoms of the development of psoriasis affecting the elbows

Psoriasis with localization of the main changes in the elbow area occurs in approximately 5% of patients with the disease. The development of psoriatic lesions on the elbows is possible 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 with timely consultation with a doctor, but in advanced cases it can be complicated by psoriatic arthritis.

Causes and symptoms

The causes of elbow psoriasis are the same as other forms of the disease. These are heredity, metabolic disorders, endocrine disorders, a decrease in the functioning 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 dyshidrosis - chronic drying of the skin.

The disease begins with the appearance of one or more reddish spots that slightly protrude above the skin. At first they are red, then they are covered with a whitish film layer, and gradually a layer of scales forms on their surface, which gives the plaques a silvery color.

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

• The resulting individual spots merge with each other over time, which leads to the appearance of large changes;
• Scales are easily removed from the surface, leaving a thin skin on which drops of blood may appear;
• The formation of pustules is characterized by the appearance of a clearly defined red border that separates healthy skin from the affected tissue;
• The appearance of rashes is accompanied by severe itching in 80% of cases;
• Regression, that is, the disappearance of the plaque, starts from the center, and after the process subsides, a light spot remains in its place.

In mild cases, the pathology disappears within one and a half to two months. In advanced cases, the spots may not disappear completely - in the remission stage, one or more small plaques remain on the skin.

If left untreated, elbow psoriasis can cause arthritis, which is inflammation of the joints. The complication is indicated by swelling and swelling in the area of the affected joint, a local increase in temperature, and pain during movement.

Characteristics of elbow psoriasis

There are certain characteristics of the development and course of psoriasis on the elbows, these are as follows:

1. Age of disease onset. Elderly people most often consult a doctor with this form of the disease, damage to the area is rare in children and adolescents;
2. Symmetry of the lesion is determined only in 30% of cases - plaques are formed on both the right and left elbows. In other cases, the inflammation covers only one area of the elbow;
3. Unlike eczema and dermatitis, the psoriatic lesions occurring in psoriasis are localized only on the outer, extensor side of the joint;
4. The disease is characterized by seasonality - exacerbations most often occur in the cold months of the year, that is, when the skin is drier;
5. The rash can be dry or wet;
6. Lesions spread predominantly to the forearm;
7. Over time, elbow psoriasis causes thickening of the skin in the affected area. The skin becomes thick, dry, cracks quickly, accompanied by blood, pain and itching.

Psoriasis of the elbows should be treated, and this should be done under the supervision of a dermatologist.The lack of therapy leads to the fact that it is impossible to completely remove all changes in the affected area, and this causes internal discomfort and can cause depression.

Treatment methods for elbow psoriasis

Treatment of psoriasis on the elbows should be comprehensive. This includes the use of external agents, systemic drugs, physiotherapy and traditional therapeutic methods.

Ointments

At the initial stage of the disease, when only a few small plaques are formed and there is no pronounced swelling and redness, we can use ointments that have an emollient, anti-inflammatory effect and soften the keratinized outer layer of the spots.

In severe cases, i. e. when swelling, itching, hyperemia are pronounced and the spots grow rapidly, therapy begins with the use of ointments containing glucocorticosteroids.

Any of the above ointments must be prescribed by a doctor to treat psoriasis on the elbows. They are used in a short course, observing the frequency of application and the dosage. Non-compliance with the instructions for the use of hormonal drugs greatly increases the likelihood of local and systemic side effects.

Patients suffering from psoriasis of the elbow are recommended to use ointments containing emollients and vitamins, even during the exacerbation of the disease. Their continuous use nourishes the skin, prevents drying, thereby prolonging remission periods.

Drug therapy

Medicines are selected for the patient depending on the symptoms, severity and accompanying diseases. Medicines are mainly prescribed when psoriatic changes progress, with frequent relapses.

Standard oral therapy:

1. Antihistamines.The main purpose of prescribing antihistamines is to reduce itching, which accelerates the healing process of plaques and prevents the penetration of microbes into the damaged epidermis;
2. Sedative drugs– valerian root, motherwort tinctures. Their use helps to reduce nervousness, improves the quality of sleep and prevents the development of depression;
3. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Medicines belonging to this group relieve inflammation and pain well, promote skin regeneration;
4. Vitamin therapy.The use of vitamins increases the body's protective properties and improves metabolic processes.

All medications prescribed by the doctor must be taken completely.The reduction of rash lesions does not mean that the therapy should be terminated, otherwise the disease may again enter a progressive stage.

Physiotherapy

The main treatment of elbow psoriasis can be supplemented with physiotherapy. They are prescribed to improve the blood circulation and metabolic reactions of the skin, their use improves local immunity and accelerates the recovery of the normal epidermis. In the case of psoriasis, procedures such as magnetic therapy, light therapy, the PUVA method, laser treatment and irradiation of the skin with ultraviolet radiation show good results.

Patients suffering from elbow psoriasis are prescribed sanatorium treatment, dietary treatment and normalization of the nervous system.

Elimination of psoriasis with traditional methods

Home treatment of the inflamed skin of the elbows with folk methods can be carried out after the acute process subsides. The effectiveness of home-made ointments and tinctures, compresses, herbal mixtures intended for internal use, and spa baths has been proven. All means of traditional therapy must be used, taking into account the tolerability of the components that form the basis.

• Baths to treat elbows.Chamomile, sage, celandine herb and string should be mixed in equal proportions. Pour two or three tablespoons of the mixture with boiling water in a ratio of 1: 10. The mixture is infused for half an hour, after which you can immerse your elbow in the medicinal solution. The duration of the procedure lasts until the infusion has completely cooled;
• Spa.Boil the shells of 10 walnuts with a liter of boiling water, filter the infusion after an hour and pour it into a water bath. You should lie in the spa for 20-30 minutes, repeat daily for at least 5 days;
• Garlic compress.Grind a few small cloves of garlic and pour them into a glass of hot water. The garlic solution should be infused for one and a half hours, then a bandage folded in several layers should be dipped in it, slightly compressed, and applied to the area around the elbow. The poultice changes as the gauze dries, it is advisable to carry out the procedure within an hour;
• Birch tar.You will need purified birch tar, apply this to the area with plaques. The first procedure should not last more than 8-10 minutes, with each subsequent day the time increases. The duration of the tar treatment is 14 days. Wash the tar off your elbow with laundry soap;
• Phytocompress.Grind 10 grams of dry grape leaves, 10 grams of burdock root and 10 grams of flaxseed 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, wet a gauze pad and apply it to your elbow. Keep the compress for half an hour.

Psoriasis on the elbows causes a lot of discomfort, but this form of the disease is considered one of the mildest. Timely consultation with a doctor, changes in lifestyle and diet, and adherence to preventive measures can completely clear the skin in the elbow joint and significantly extend the remission period of the disease.