Features of the development and symptoms of psoriasis affecting the elbows

Psoriasis with localization of the main changes in the elbow area occurs in approximately 5% of patients with this disease. The formation 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

Elbow psoriasis has the same etiological causes of development as other forms of the disease. These are heredity, metabolic disorders, endocrine disruptions, decreased 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 considered to be dyshidrosis - chronic dehydration of the skin.

The disease begins with the appearance of one or more reddish spots that protrude slightly above the skin. At first they are red, then they become covered with a whitish film 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 lesions;
• The scales are easily removed from the surface, leaving behind a thin skin on which droplets of blood may appear;
• The formation of pustules is characterized by the appearance of a clearly defined red rim separating 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 begins from the center, and in its place after the process has subsided, a light spot remains.

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

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

Features of elbow psoriasis

Psoriasis on the elbows has certain features of development and course, these include:

1. Age of onset of the disease. Mostly, elderly people consult a doctor with this form of the disease; in children and adolescents, damage to this area is 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 elbow area;
3. Psoriatic lesions in psoriasis, unlike eczema and dermatitis, are localized only on the outer, extensor side of the joint;
4. The disease is characterized by seasonality - most often exacerbations occur in the cold months of the year, that is, when the skin is more dehydrated;
5. The rash can be either dry or wet;
6. The lesions spread predominantly towards the forearm;
7. Over time, elbow psoriasis causes thickening of the skin in the affected area. The skin becomes dense, dry, and quickly cracks, which is accompanied by the appearance of blood, 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 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. It includes the use of external agents, systemic medications, physiotherapy, and traditional methods of therapy.

Ointments

In the initial stage of the disease, when only a few small plaques form and in the absence of pronounced swelling and redness, you can use ointments that have a softening, anti-inflammatory effect and can soften the keratinized outer layer of the spots.

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

Any of the above ointments for psoriasis on the elbows should be prescribed by a doctor. They are used in a short course, observing the frequency of application and dosage. Failure to follow the instructions for using hormonal drugs greatly increases the likelihood of developing local and systemic adverse reactions.

Patients with elbow psoriasis are recommended to use ointments with emollient components and vitamins even during exacerbations of the disease. Their constant application nourishes the skin, prevents dehydration, thereby lengthening the periods of remission.

Drug therapy

Medicines are selected for the patient depending on the symptoms of the disease, their severity, and concomitant diseases. Medications are prescribed mainly if psoriatic changes continue to progress, with frequent relapses.

Standard oral therapy:

1. Antihistamines.The main purpose of prescribing antihistamines is to reduce itching, which speeds up the healing process of plaques and prevents the penetration of microbes into the damaged epidermis;
2. Medicines with sedative effects– tinctures of valerian, motherwort. Their use helps reduce nervousness, improves sleep quality, and prevents the development of depression;
3. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Drugs from 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 your doctor must be taken completely.A decrease in rash lesions does not indicate that therapy should be completed, 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 blood circulation and metabolic reactions in the skin; their use helps improve local immunity and accelerates the restoration of normal epidermis. For psoriasis, procedures such as magnetic therapy, phototherapy, PUVA method, laser treatment and skin irradiation with ultraviolet rays show good results.

Patients with elbow psoriasis are prescribed sanatorium treatment, diet therapy, and normalization of the nervous system.

Eliminating psoriasis using traditional methods

Treatment of inflamed skin on the elbows at home using 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 medicinal baths has been proven. All means of traditional therapy should be used, taking into account the tolerability of the components that form their basis.

• Baths for treating elbows.Chamomile, sage, celandine herb, and string should be mixed in equal proportions. Two or three tablespoons 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 immerse your elbows in the medicinal solution. The duration of the procedure is until the infusion has completely cooled;
• 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 bath of water. You need to lie in the medicinal bath for 20-30 minutes, repeat it daily for at least 5 days;
• Garlic compress.A few small cloves from a head of garlic are ground and poured into a glass of hot water. You need to infuse the garlic solution for an hour and a half, then you need to dip a bandage folded in several layers into it, squeeze it lightly and apply it to the elbow area. The compress 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 it to the area with plaques. The first procedure should last no more than 8-10 minutes, each subsequent day its time is increased. The course of treatment with tar is 14 days. You can wash off tar from your elbows with laundry soap;
• Phytocompress.10 grams of dry grape 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 it to the elbows. Keep the compress for half an hour.

Psoriasis on the elbows 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, and adherence to preventive measures can completely clear the skin in the elbow joint and significantly lengthen periods of remission of the disease.