Psoriasis has been known to mankind for a long time. For the first time it is mentioned in the Bible, but until now there is no complete understanding of the causes of these skin rashes. Scientists are trying to connect this disease with complex disorders of the immune and endocrine systems, and also consider it hereditary. But absolute success was achieved only in one thing: there was a firm conviction that this disease is not a manifestation of infection of the body. That is, psoriasis is not contagious.
What is psoriasis?
Another name for this disease is scaly lichen. It mainly affects the scalp, the outer side of the elbows and knees, on which dark pink scaly rashes appear. Of these, psoriatic plaques are soon formed. They have a pronounced white growth, consisting of dense scales, which provoke cracking of the affected areas, accompanied by itching and the formation of oozing wounds. Despite the fact that the causes of rashes are not clear, the mechanism of their appearance is well understood. With the onset of the appearance of psoriatic scales, the life cycle of epidermal cells in these and adjacent areas is sharply reduced to 4-5 days, in contrast to the normal 28-30 days.
Is psoriasis dangerous?
Since its etiology is not clear, but there is convincing evidence that the disease is systemic, affecting not only the skin, but also internal organs, it leads to the following disorders in the body:
- the appearance of changes similar to psoriatic ones on the mucous membrane of the urethra and bladder
- provokes subacute conjunctivitis, lens sclerosis and other diseases of the eyes and eyelids
- with an exacerbation of the disease, an increase in the liver with hepatocellular insufficiency and splenomegaly is observed
- enlarged lymph nodes
- there is muscle weakness, their atrophy with a tendency to progressive weight loss
It is possible to list the complications that psoriasis leads to for a long time, but from this short list of them it becomes clear that the disease is serious and dangerous. The situation is aggravated by the fact that at present, therapeutic agents are only able to control and suppress the course of the disease, but not to cure it. Psoriasis is permanent, but may be accompanied by long periods of remission.
What can cause an exacerbation of the disease or provoke its relapse?
Despite the fact that the manifestations of psoriasis are unsystematic, there are factors that can provoke the appearance of rashes in various areas of the skin. Therefore, patients should be aware of this, and, if possible, beware of their influence. The following causes aggravate the course of the disease:
- Overweight. It is noticed that among those suffering from psoriasis, the majority of those who have various degrees of obesity.
- Stress. Many patients notice that their psychological reaction to traumatic situations and circumstances exacerbates the manifestations of the disease.
- Some medications taken by the patient for various reasons can provoke a relapse.
- Hypothermia.
- Damage and scratching of psoriatic plaques. It has been noted that in the vast majority of cases, mechanical irritation of scaly lichen causes its growth and the appearance of new rashes in nearby areas.
- water procedures. In some people, after taking a bath or swimming in a pond, an exacerbation of the course of the disease is observed.
- Sun rays. Moderate exposure to sunlight in psoriasis is considered beneficial by doctors. But there are a certain number of patients who claim that such baths cause an exacerbation of the disease in them. Moreover, no matter how long they were under the sun. Therefore, the question of whether it is possible to sunbathe with psoriasis still does not have a clear answer. To decide for yourself how useful or harmful the sun's rays are in this case, you need to take into account several factors at once: individual tolerance to the sun, skin color and type, stage of the disease and its shape.
Ultraviolet for psoriasis: benefit or harm
- Light therapy as one of the treatments for psoriasis:
- PUVA therapy is photochemotherapy, the mechanism of action of which is quite difficult to understand. Often used in the treatment of exudative and vulgar psoriasis. Very effective for rashes on the scalp, palms and feet. 3-4 sessions of ultraviolet irradiation are prescribed weekly, until the complete disappearance of psoriatic plaques. On average, 15-25 procedures are required, including local exposure sessions.
- SFT therapy is selective phototherapy. Up to 5 procedures per week are prescribed for exudative and vulgar psoriasis. The radiation dose in the absence of erythema is increased each time. Full course of treatment - 20 - 30 sessions. It has a pronounced therapeutic effect in 85-90% of cases.
- UVB therapy is phototherapy, which is comparable in its effectiveness to PUVA therapy. The course of treatment is 20-30 procedures.
Psoriasis and solarium: benefit or harm?
The main difference between tanning in a solarium and in the sun is that under artificial conditions, the production of melanin occurs without exposure to dangerous ultraviolet radiation, in particular, UV-C rays, which are harmful to the skin during sun tanning. Solariums do not use this type of radiation. However, in the initial stage of the manifestation of the disease, artificial tanning helps to muffle the development of rashes. Therefore, doctors do not recommend the treatment of psoriasis with a solarium, but they do not find contraindications to its use as a therapeutic agent.
The effect of radiation in a solarium on the skin
- UV-A rays have a beneficial effect on patients with psoriasis, seborrhea, acne, neurodermatitis.
- UV-B rays start the process of active production of vitamin D3, which reduces the influence of stress factors on the body, and they, as it became known, provoke psoriatic rashes.
Thus, a visit to the solarium cannot have a negative impact on the course of the disease, and can, to some extent, muffle it. But why then are there people to whom artificial tanning sessions bring only harm? The answer is that the combination and power of lamps in solariums is different. When choosing a salon, you should ask about their spectral composition, one of the most important characteristics. Lamps are designed with various combinations of UV-A and UV-B radiation. For example, those in which UV-B is 1% or less are classic, and those with UV-B over 1% are professional.
It is also important to have a reflector. If it is not present, then the radiation hits the skin weakened, and if it is present, then concentrated. The reflector can be located both in the lamp itself and outside it. Whether or not there is a reflective layer in the lighting device, you can understand if you look at the lamp through the light. If there is, then the efficiency of its radiation is 10% higher than that of a conventional one.
Therefore, in order for the treatment of psoriasis with a solarium to be beneficial and not harmful, it is necessary to choose the right tanning studio with the right combination of UV radiation. Excessive it is always harmful to the skin, and leads to the formation of tumors and other troubles with it. The ratio of UV-A and UV-B rays is very important for patients with psoriasis. The best option here would be the following combination: UV-B waves with a length of 311 nm. and UV-A waves 300-400 nm. This ratio of ultraviolet radiation has a Daavlin photo booth, which gives light of a narrow spectrum nbUVB 311nm. Those who visit it note a sharp improvement in their condition. The course of therapy is 20-30 sessions.
Therefore, the question: does a solarium help with psoriasis can be answered with confidence - yes. But it is important not to thoughtlessly choose a studio close to the place of residence, but to be interested in the spectral characteristics of the emitting lamps in it. It is important to know that a vertical tanning method is preferable to a horizontal one. The time spent in the cabin should not exceed 5-6 minutes, and sessions should be alternated every other day. UV rays in moderate doses help to strengthen the immune system. What is extremely necessary for a patient with psoriasis.