In this article we consider the initial stage of psoriasis, its causes and the mechanism of the formation of damaged zones. If you follow our recommendations, you will be able to identify and eliminate the symptoms of psoriasis in the initial stages.
Early signs of psoriasis
Patients can have different symptoms of psoriasis. This disease is characterized by an acute onset, rashes appear for a short time. The primary rash is also known as the mandatory or protective rash.
The initial phase takes several weeks. The duration of this stage of the disease depends on the general condition of the body and its ability to protect.
The rash consists of light pink to red papules (pimples) that rise above the skin. They feel tight.
After a while, you may find silvery-whitish scales that are easy to remove. The skin of the affected areas is inflamed, swollen and reddened.
Specialists identify three features of psoriasis that distinguish it from other diseases:
| Feature | feature |
| stearin coloring. | This is a badge, scraping off of which is accompanied by the appearance of small scales. |
| Psoriasis film. | The final layer that can be removed from the skin after the scales. This layer is similar to a plastic sheet. |
| Bluttau or Auspitz phenomenon. | The appearance of drops of blood that violate the integrity of the psoriasis film. |
Skin rashes have different shapes: pointed, teardrop-shaped, coin-shaped, ring-shaped, diffuse.
In addition to the rash, the patient is concerned about peeling, redness and itching of varying intensity.
Psoriasis on the elbows
Plaque psoriasis is characteristic of the elbow zone. First, individual red papules appear. Then the skin begins to flake and become rough.
Psoriasis on the legs
First signs: small rash, inflammation and swelling of the skin. Typical location: knees and feet. Over time, the skin will peel off and the disease will begin to develop.
Psoriasis on the hands
The first papules are on the extensor part of the joints (on the fingers and in the elbow area). Very often rashes appear on the palms of the hands, as well as lesions on the feet. Sometimes psoriatic arthritis occurs. It affects joints of various sizes. It is characterized by swelling, redness and deformation of the joint, painful sensations can interfere.
Psoriasis on the nails
The manifestation of the disease on the nail plate looks like a fungal infection. First, there are longitudinal grooves and recessed points along the edge of the nail. The process moves closer to the root zone of the nail over time. The nail becomes dull and thick. The nail can flake off as the disease progresses.
Psoriasis on the head
Localization of the rash: frontal part, behind the ears and in the neck area. Papular rashes are accompanied by flaking and itching. The damaged areas are often wet and cracked. The characteristic symptom is the "psoriasis crown". It occurs when the rash goes beyond the hair growth.
Psoriasis on the face
The disease rarely affects the front of the head. Localization of the rash: eyelids, nasolabial folds, around the eyes, in the area of the eyebrows, on the cheeks in the form of a fine mesh.
Features of the initial stage of psoriasis in children
To determine if a child has psoriasis, the first thing to do is to look for redness between the folds of skin and the appearance of small pimples (papules) where clothing and irritation appear. The child becomes restless from itching and burning.
You have to know! In babies without the necessary examination, the early stage of psoriasis can be mistaken for allergic manifestations, diathesis, prickly heat, and diaper rash. A distinctive feature of psoriasis is the presence of a clear border.
It should be noted that congenital psoriasis in children is characterized by more pronounced clinical manifestations from the time of their birth.
Children with weak immunity after a severe infection are at risk of psoriasis. Particular attention should be paid to children whose parents have psoriasis.
The mechanism of the formation of psoriatic plaques
Psoriasis spots are areas where an inflammatory reaction occurs and the overgrowth of keratinocytes (epithelial cells) occurs. In this case, an excessive number of capillaries are formed in the dermis. Infiltration (soaking) of damaged skin with lymphocytes and macrophages leads to their thickening and elevation. This creates light gray spots that look like hardened wax.
Important! Usually the epidermis is renewed every 30 days. With psoriasis, the duration of this process is significantly reduced. Cell division, maturation and death in this disease occur in just 5 days. Because of the pathological speed, communication between cells is lost.
Causes of occurrence
Experts identify several provoking factors:
- Hereditary disposition.It is believed that a genetic malfunction occurs in the human body that leads to increased cornification.
- Disruption of the immune system,leads to an increased production of lymphocytes (T cells) and inflammation. An autoimmune reaction cannot be ruled out - damage to one's own cells and tissues through their perception as foreign.
- Endocrine pathology,metabolic disorders.
- Disease of the nervous system.
- Excessive psycho-emotional stress, stress.This factor is a provocateur for the development of the disease and also contributes to its aggravation. In a stressful situation, the body releases hormones and a series of biochemical reactions that lead to the appearance of rashes and dandruff.
- Consume alcohol,drugs, smoke tobacco products.
You have to know! Children whose parents have psoriasis are at increased risk of developing the disease.
Disease diagnostics
If you suspect you have psoriasis, contact your dermatologist. Usually he makes a diagnosis after an external examination and assessment of the condition of the damaged areas of the skin. In rare cases, when there are doubts and difficulties in diagnosis, the doctor prescribes additional research methods. These include:
- Skin biopsy- procedure for taking a sample of damaged skin. Helps identify changes at the cellular level.
- blood test.Helps detect the presence of inflammation and rule out other diseases.
- X-ray of the joints.It is used only for joint pain to prevent the development of psoriatic arthritis.
- Bacteriological culturefrom the pharynx. It is prescribed to confirm the teardrop shape of psoriasis and to exclude acute pharyngitis.
- Potassium hydroxide test.Helps get rid of yeast infections.
Disease treatment
Unfortunately today there is no way to cure the disease. Therefore, the main goal of therapy is to eliminate symptoms and stop relapses with an increase in remission time (the time interval for the debilitation and disappearance of the disease symptoms). Therefore, treatment should be comprehensive and long-term.
After diagnosing, determining the stage and severity of the disease, the dermatologist selects the necessary methods of treatment. Before starting therapy, the patient's diet and lifestyle are corrected. All possible factors that provoke an exacerbation of the disease are absolutely excluded.
In the initial stage, the doctor can prescribe:
| Group of medicines | Name of the drug | Expected effects and treatment properties. |
| Keratolytics | betamethasone. | Improves the peeling. |
| Vitamins | Derivatives of vitamin D3 or A. | Improves the general condition of the body and skin. |
| Local non-hormonal preparations with anti-inflammatory effects | Clemastine, promethazine hydrochloride. | Eliminate inflammation, redness and swelling. |
| Tar ointments | coal tar oil extract | Improves healing. |
| Means containing Solidol | Has a positive effect on healing and eliminates itching. | |
| Salicylic acid ointments | Salicylic acid | Accelerate healing and promote crust formation. |
Do not use aggressive drugs in the initial stages. The drugs should be intended for external use, the doctor will prescribe oral administration in the event of a severe course of the disease.
In addition to drug treatment, specialists prescribe physiotherapy procedures:
- UFO (ultraviolet radiation).
- Baths: paraffin, radon, sulfide.
- Hirudotherapy.
Traditional treatment methods
At home, folk recipes can be used for treatment. It should only be carried out in conjunction with the main treatment prescribed by a dermatologist and only after consulting a doctor.
There are many recipes for improving the general condition of the body, as well as topical agents for getting rid of the external manifestations of the disease. A string, linseed oil, celandine, marigold ointment have a good effect.
Take a look at the most popular recipes for an alternative treatment:
Ointment against psoriasis
Ingredients:
- St. John's Wort - 20
- celandine (grass with roots) - 20 g.
- Propolis - 20 g.
- Calendula -10 years
- vegetable oil - 10 g.
How to cook:Puree all plants until smooth. Then add vegetable oil and mix thoroughly. Store in a cool, dark place.
Application:Lubricate the affected skin 2-3 times a day.
Result:Herbal ointment helps to eliminate inflammation.
Egg ointment
Ingredients:
- Chicken eggs - 2 pcs.
- sunflower oil - 1 tablespoon
- acetic acid - 40 g.
How to cook:Whisk eggs and butter. Then add acetic acid to the resulting mass and mix well.
Usage:lubricate the affected skin once a day at night.
Result:An effective remedy removes the first signs of psoriasis - reduces swelling, redness and helps fade the rash.
Herbal cooking
Ingredients:
- Sea buckthorn - 10 years
- tansy flowers - 10 g.
- chamomile flowers - 15 g.
- vodka - 50 g.
- Sea buckthorn oil - 10 g.
- water - 1 glass.
How to cook:Chop all the plants. Then pour boiling water over it and cook for 5 minutes. Then let the broth steep for 40 minutes. Then strain and add vodka, sea buckthorn oil and mix well.
Use:Take the brew in once a day. To do this, dilute the product - 3 drops per 0, 3 cups of warm boiling water. Diluted broth - 1 tbsp. l Rub the damaged skin once a day for the same amount of water.
Result:The broth removes rashes and inflammation when taken orally - has a general tonic effect on the body.
Diet
Proper nutrition is the key to your health. Properly selected diet will help prevent psoriasis from getting worse. An individual meal is prepared for each patient.
Make sure you exclude the following from your diet:
- Alcohol and tobacco products.
- coffee.
- chocolate.
- Smoked meat and spicy food.
- preservatives and carbonated drinks.
Also limit the use of flour products and sweets.
Your food should be complete and meet your energy needs. Nutritionists recommend including the following foods in your diet:
- Fermented milk products.
- vegetable oils.
- Fresh vegetables and fruits.
- porridge.
question-answer
Which fat is used for psoriasis?
For this purpose, a medical solidol is required, which is sold in pharmacies. The remedy is most effective in its pure form with no additives.
Can psoriasis be treated with traditional medicine?
It is possible, but only in combination with conventional methods and after consulting a doctor. Salt baths have a good effect (sea salt is used). They will help get rid of the inflammation of the chamomile or the thread bath. Itching will help get rid of the infusion of juniper. In the initial stages, rubbing with oatmeal will help get rid of the flaking.
Is psoriasis contagious?
The answer is no: psoriasis is not contagious. The infectious origin of the disease has been completely refuted.
Is psoriasis hair falling out?
If psoriasis is not combined with other diseases that cause hair loss, it will not. No hair loss is observed in most patients.
What makes psoriasis worse?
The disease has periods of improvement and exacerbation. Knowing the factors that aggravate the condition will increase the amount of time that you will not be bothered by its manifestations. There are few possible reasons for deterioration, so they should be considered and considered:
- Skin damage and scratches.A very common symptom of psoriasis is itching and burning. Combing the damaged areas exacerbates the situation.
- Sun rays.The sun's rays are beneficial when exposed to moderate skin. At the same time, sunburn can trigger the development of psoriasis.
- stress.Some patients report that the manifestations of psoriasis worsen after nervous tension.
- Various infections.They disrupt the body's defense system and weaken it.
- diet.A healthy and correct diet is essential for treating the disease. However, when it is injured, patients notice their condition worsening. Especially if you consume alcohol and smoke an unlimited amount of tobacco.
Can I remove scales myself?
No way! You cannot remove the scale yourself. This can lead to aggravation and discomfort.
What you should pay attention to
- Psoriasis is a chronic disease with periods of improvement and exacerbation.
- There is currently no cure for the disease. Treatment consists of relieving symptoms and lengthening periods of remission (if psoriasis symptoms do not occur).
- The early stages of the disease are best treated. So, when the first signs appear, contact a dermatologist.
- Children whose parents have psoriasis are more likely to develop the disease.