Developmental Characteristics and Symptoms of Psoriasis Affecting the Elbows

About 5% of people with psoriasis develop psoriasis with the main changes located in the elbow area. Psoriatic lesions on the elbows can develop at any age, but statistically this form of the disease is predominantly characteristic of older people.In most cases, prompt consultation with a doctor can successfully treat the pathology, but in advanced cases, psoriatic arthritis may be complicated.

Causes and symptoms

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

The disease begins with the appearance of one or more red spots slightly higher than the skin. At first they are red, then they are covered with a white film, and gradually a layer of scales forms on their surface, giving the patches a silvery appearance.

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

• Over time, the resulting individual spots can merge with each other, resulting in the appearance of large lesions;
• The scales are easily removed from the surface, leaving a thin layer of skin on which droplets of blood may appear;
• Pustule formation is characterized by a clear red border that separates healthy skin from affected tissue;
• The rash is accompanied by severe itching in 80% of cases;
• Regression, that is, the disappearance of the plaque starting from the center, after the process subsides, leaving a spot of light in its place.

In mild cases, the pathology disappears within one and a half to two months. In advanced stages, the spots may not completely fade away—in the remission phase, one or a few small patches remain on the skin.

If left untreated, elbow psoriasis can lead to psoriatic arthritis, an inflammation of the joints. Complications manifest as swelling of the affected joint area, increased local temperature, and pain during movement.

Characteristics of elbow psoriasis

The development and course of elbow psoriasis are characterized by certain characteristics, including:

1. Age of onset. Most often, older people consult a doctor for this disease; in children and teenagers, damage to this area is rare;
2. In only 30% of cases, the symmetry of the lesions was determined - plaques formed on both the left and right elbows. In other cases, the inflammation covers only the elbow area on one side;
3. Unlike eczema and dermatitis, psoriatic lesions in psoriasis are limited to the lateral extensor sides of the joint;
4. The disease is characterized by seasonality - most common exacerbations occur during the colder months of the year, when the skin is more dehydrated;
5. The rash can be dry or wet;
6. The lesions spread mainly to the forearm;
7. Over time, elbow psoriasis causes the skin in the affected area to thicken. The skin becomes dense, dry, and cracks rapidly, with symptoms of bleeding, pain, and itching.

Elbow psoriasis must be treated, and only under the supervision of a dermatologist.Lack of treatment makes it impossible to completely eliminate all changes in the affected area, which can lead to internal discomfort and possibly depression.

Treatments for elbow psoriasis

Treatment of elbow psoriasis should be comprehensive. It includes the use of topical medications, systemic medications, physical therapy, and traditional treatments.

ointment

In the early stages of the disease, when only a few small plaques are formed and there is no obvious swelling and redness, ointments with softening, anti-inflammatory effects and the ability to soften the keratinized outer layer of the spots can be used.In severe cases, that is, when swelling, itching, congestion are evident and the spots rapidly enlarge, treatment begins with the use of ointments containing corticosteroids.Any of the above ointments for treating elbow psoriasis should be prescribed by a doctor. They are used in the short term, observing frequency of use and dosage. Failure to follow instructions for using hormonal medications greatly increases the likelihood of local and systemic adverse reactions.

Even during exacerbations, patients with elbow psoriasis are recommended to use ointments containing emollient ingredients and vitamins. Continued use nourishes the skin and prevents dehydration, thereby prolonging relief.

medical treatement

Medications are selected for patients based on the symptoms, severity and concomitant diseases of the disease. The drug is prescribed mainly in cases where psoriatic changes continue to progress and relapse frequently.Standard oral therapy:

1. Antihistamines.The main purpose of taking antihistamines is to reduce itching, thereby speeding up the plaque healing process and preventing microorganisms from penetrating the damaged epidermis;
2. sedative drugs– Valerian and motherwort tinctures. Their use helps reduce tension, improve sleep quality and prevent the development of depression;
3. NSAIDs.This group of drugs works well to relieve inflammation and pain and promote skin regeneration;
4. Vitamin therapy.The use of vitamins enhances the protective properties of the body and improves metabolic processes.

All medications prescribed by your doctor must be taken completely.The reduction of rash lesions does not indicate that treatment should be completed, otherwise the disease may enter the progressive stage again.

physiotherapy

The treatment of elbow psoriasis can mainly be supplemented by physical therapy. They are used to improve the blood circulation and metabolic response of the skin; their use helps to improve local immunity and accelerate the recovery of normal epidermis. For psoriasis, treatments such as magnet therapy, phototherapy, PUVA method, laser therapy and ultraviolet skin irradiation have all shown good results.

Patients with elbow psoriasis receive therapeutic therapy, dietary therapy and normalization of the nervous system.

Get rid of psoriasis using traditional methods

After the acute process subsides, inflamed skin on the elbow can be treated at home using folk methods. Homemade salves and tinctures have proven effectiveness in compresses, internal herbal mixtures, and medicated baths. All traditional treatments should be used, taking into account the tolerance of the ingredients that make up their basis.

• Bathtub for treating elbows.Chamomile, sage, celandine and rope should be mixed in equal proportions. Pour two to three tablespoons of the mixture with boiling water in a ratio of 1: 10. Stir the mixture for half an hour, then immerse your elbows in the solution. The duration of this procedure is until the infusion has completely cooled;
• Therapeutic Bath.Boil 10 walnut shells with one liter of boiling water, after an hour filter the infusion and pour it into a water bath. You need to lie in the medicated bath for 20-30 minutes, repeat once a day for at least 5 days;
• Garlic compress.Grate a few small cloves from the head of garlic and pour it into a cup of hot water. You need to infuse the garlic solution for an hour and a half, then dip a bandage folded in several layers into it, squeeze it slightly and apply it to the elbow area. The dressing will change as the gauze dries; it is recommended to complete the process within one hour;
• Birch tar.You'll need purified birch tar; apply it to the patchy areas. The first procedure should last no more than 8-10 minutes, with the time increasing each subsequent day. The course of tar treatment is 14 days. You can wash the tar off your elbows with laundry soap;
• Plant compression.You need to grind 10 grams of dried grape leaves, 10 grams of burdock root and 10 grams of flax seeds in a blender. Pour the prepared mixture into a cup of hot milk and heat over low heat for 2-3 minutes. After the liquid has cooled, wet a gauze napkin and place it on your elbow. Keep the compression on for half an hour.

Elbow psoriasis can cause a lot of inconvenience, but this form of the disease is considered one of the mildest. Prompt medical treatment, changes in lifestyle and diet, and adherence to preventive measures can completely clear the skin on the elbow joint and significantly extend the remission period of the disease.