Psoriasis is a disease whose mechanisms of development are not yet fully understood.However, it has been precisely established that there are a number of errors in the immune system that cause skin cells to begin dividing at a very high rate, without having time to die physiologically.In this way, a psoriatic plaque begins to form - an itchy formation covered with whitish scales (the very cells whose life cycle turned out to be too short).
Only a dermatologist can make an accurate diagnosis after an examination, but knowledge of the characteristics of the stages of the disease helps to draw initial conclusions about the type of skin changes that occur.
Psoriasis or not?
The disease goes through 3 stages:
- Progressive.The onset of the disease can occur suddenly and can be associated with severe stress or a hormonal imbalance.A small reddish spot about the size of a pinhead appears on the skin.Gradually the surface of the changed skin rises - it is a papule;Silvery scales of callused skin are visible on it.Papules unite to form plaques, the skin itches severely and becomes moist when scratched due to injury to the surface layer.
- Stationary.After a certain time, the pathological process stops.New spots and papules do not appear;Existing plaques are covered with a gray crust, the scales of which come off easily.This period is characterized by a decrease in the inflammatory process and the gradual disappearance of itching, but the symptoms do not disappear completely.
- Regressive.At this stage, a decrease and sinking of the plaques is noticeable, the skin takes on an almost normal color.Peeling and itching disappear.After the resorption of pathological elements, pigmented patterns in the form of a ring remain on the skin, which is due to the uneven disappearance of plaques from the central part.After a few weeks, the last traces of spots and papules disappear; only slight foci of depigmentation are reminiscent of psoriasis.
The duration of the phases described may be different for each patient.The regressive stage does not mean recovery - an exacerbation can begin unpredictably and suddenly.
How do you detect psoriasis early?
Therapeutic measures for psoriasis achieve their best effect at an early stage, which is why an accurate diagnosis is particularly important.Only a dermatologist can determine whether it is psoriasis or another disease after examination and examination.However, the patient himself may suspect this pathology if he pays sufficient attention to the symptoms that appear.
The following signs are more likely to indicate the development of this disease:
- The first plaques appear on the elbows, knees, hairline, or where the skin rubs the most or comes into greatest contact with clothing.
- the rash is accompanied by severe itching, silvery scales easily detach from the surface of the skin;
- after removing the scales, moist skin with blood spots is easily found (symptom of pinpoint bleeding);
- Later, small indentations often form on the nails, as if they were made by the tip of a needle.
Psoriasis can easily be confused with various types of lichen, dermatitis and eczema.Therefore, at the first skin changes, it is better to consult a dermatologist so as not to harm yourself by using unsuitable products.The prescribed complex treatment suppresses the uncontrolled proliferation of epidermal cells, relieves itching and flaking, restores the barrier function of the skin and prevents infections.