Which doctor treats psoriasis? This is quite an appropriate question when red rashes appear on the skin with a white flaky crust, which, moreover, are very itchy. Many people think that this disease is treated by a dermatologist, but this is partly not true - psoriasis develops against the background of systemic disorders that can affect the kidneys, liver, heart, joints and psyche of the patient, therefore, along with a dermatologist, specialized doctors should also take part in the treatment of scaly lichen.
Psoriasis is a dangerous disease that can lead to death due to some serious complications if you do not start treating it on time or self-medicate.
Specific disease
Psoriasis is a non-infectious autoimmune disease, the development of which can be influenced by the following factors:
- Metabolic dysfunction.
- Inadequate responsebody to external stimuli, which is expressed by excessive growth and rapid cell division. So, on average, normal cell division should occur in 21-25 days. With psoriasis, the process is greatly accelerated, with the result that cell renewal and division occurs in five or six days. As a result, new cells are layered on old ones, which do not have time to exfoliate, as a result, inflamed foci appear, covered with tubercles, nodules and scales of non-exfoliated epithelium. After some time, these bumps and nodules begin to merge, and eventually form one red spot. Psoriasis is a non-communicable disease, which means it is not contagious, that is, it cannot be transmitted in any way.
- Violation of the immune system, malnutrition, frequent stress, climate not suitable for the human body.
There are two types of psoriasis:
- In most cases, it develops as a result of genetic disorders of the immune system. This type of psoriasis affects about 65% of the population aged 15 to 35 years. It is worth noting the fact that this type of psoriasis affects only the skin.
- The development of the disease develops in people over the age of 50. Pathology affects the nails and joints.
Symptoms
The main manifestations of psoriasis of the first type are red plaques with a white crust, which occur mainly on the head, hands and face. Exfoliation of dead cells on the head is similar to dandruff, so a person throughoutfor some time he may not even suspect that he has psoriasis.
The feet and hands of psoriasis can develop large blisters and cracks that cause severe discomfort and pain.
In the second type of psoriasis, the patient often has a deformation of the nails, which gradually begin to exfoliate. In this regard, the question often arises: which doctor treats nail psoriasis. Joints can stiffen, twist and take an unnatural posture, causing severe pain to the patient. Thus, psoriatic arthritis develops.
Which doctor should I contact for psoriasis?
Many people wonder which doctor treats psoriasis, and who to contact first. If you suspect the development of such a disease, a dermatologist is the first specialist to contact immediately if signs of pathology appear.
Again, if you return to the question of who to turn to for psoriasis, you should take into account all those complications and consequences, as well as the reasons why the disease began to develop. A dermatologist is directly involved in therapy, and then, if necessary, such highly specialized specialists as an immunologist, gastroenterologist, nephrologist, cardiologist, rheumatologist, psychologist can join.
If the disease is complicated, for example, by psoriatic arthropathy or arthritis, then a rheumatologist is also involved in therapy in addition to a dermatologist. It should be noted that psoriatic arthritis andNail psoriasis can develop not only as a complication of psoriasis, but also as completely independent pathologies.
Often the question arises which doctor treats psoriasis on the head. Often, a neuropathologist is also involved in therapeutic measures against psoriasis on the head, who helps the patient get rid of increased anxiety, depression, and also increase resistance to stressful situations.
Main diagnostic method
The main method of diagnosing a disease such as psoriasis is a visual examination, as well as the patient's complaints and his lifestyle. The doctor must necessarily interview the patient about whether there are patients with psoriasis in the family, since the disease can be genetic in nature.
However, in order to clarify the diagnosis and not confuse it with any other disease due to the similarity of symptoms, you should also undergo other examinations for which the doctor gives direction.
Laboratory examination
Laboratory examination includes a complete blood and urine test. You will also need to study feces for worm eggs.
Instrumental diagnostics
This diagnostic method takes place if the disease is in an advanced stage. With instrumental diagnostics, it is necessary to take an analysis for psoriasis, namely a test with potassium oxide. It is necessary to take a culture to determine the microflora and check the level of prolactin.
Additional examination
A biopsy is used as an additional study. small pieceThe epidermis from the affected area is plucked off with special forceps, and then examined under a microscope. In the presence of such indicators, the result can be considered positive:
- lack of a protective layer of the epidermis;
- puffiness of the epidermal layer;
- increased number of capillaries in the affected area.
Preparing for tests
For an accurate diagnosis, it is important that all indicators are within the normal range and do not distort the true picture of the pathology.
In this regard, it is necessary to follow some recommendations before going for testing:
- If you need to donate blood during the diagnosis, then you need to go for an analysis on an empty stomach - you can eat 8-10 hours before the procedure.
- Do not take any medication for 10 days before the upcoming examination.
- Do not use ointments or creams for psoriasis before biopsy.
- Stop smoking and not drinking alcohol a few days before the examination.
- You can not overstrain the body with any emotional stress and stressful situations.
Methods of treating psoriasis
Which doctor treats psoriasis on the elbows and other parts of the body? There are no universal methods for treating psoriasis, treatment is selected individually for each patient, based on the general state of he alth and the location of the lesion. In most cases, complex treatment of psoriasis is prescribed, which includes localand systemic therapy, as well as phototherapy.
Topical therapy
This method of therapy is carried out using ointments, gels and creams.
The following means are used:
- Salicylic ointment. Softens and removes scales, while promoting the absorption of other medicinal preparations into the epithelium. Apply the product to the affected area at least three times a day.
- "Antralin". This ointment helps to reduce the peeling of the epithelium and stop cell division.
- Sulfur-tar ointment. Reduces inflammation, but is not recommended for therapy on the front of the head.
Systemic treatment
This therapy includes medication and injections. The main drugs that effectively fight psoriasis are Cyclosporine, Isotretinoin, Methotrexate. Treatment with these drugs is recommended in courses. The duration of use and dosage can only be prescribed by the attending physician.
Phototherapy
This method of therapy is one of the most effective in the treatment of psoriasis. During therapy, the affected areas of the patient's skin are exposed to ultraviolet rays.
In addition to the main methods of treating psoriasis, specialized doctors should also be involved in the treatment of the disease.
Thus, with the development of changes in the central nervous system, a dermatologist should refer the patient for a consultation with a psychologist or neurologist, who will prescribe their appropriate treatment.
In case of violations in the work of the cardiovascular system, consultation and obligatory observation of a cardiologist is required. In case of malfunctioning of the gastrointestinal tract and liver, doctors such as a gastroenterologist and a nephrologist, respectively, should be involved.
Since the disease is autoimmune in nature, along with a dermatologist, psoriasis is also treated by an immunologist. It is impossible to cure the disease forever, but you can alleviate the symptoms by visiting the necessary specialists on time and following all the recommendations of doctors.
