Psoriasis, the initial stage of which can occur under a certain combination of factors, manifests itself in the form of reddish plaques with clear boundaries.They are then covered with silvery-white scales that fuse together.Plaques are typically found in the head, knee and elbow areas.
Psoriasis can affect patients of all ages and genders.The etiology of the disease, which is not yet fully understood, does not allow a complete cure of psoriasis.However, it is possible to significantly reduce the symptoms of the disease and achieve long-term remission if you start therapy at the initial stage of psoriasis development and adequately assess the first signs of psoriasis.
Symptoms of the initial stage of the disease
In order to recognize the initial stage of the disease, it is important to know what the primary symptoms look like.
At the very beginning, individual papules appear, which can be from a few mm to 2-5 cm in size and have the shape of a plaque covered with white scales.When scraping, a characteristic symptom of the psoriasis triad appears:
- “Stearin stain” (slight detachment of scales when scraped);
- “Terminal film” (exposure of shiny, thin and moist skin after removal of scales);
- “Blood dew” (with further removal of the final film, small dew-like drops of blood appear on the surface of the skin).
The initial stage of the disease is characterized by the appearance of psoriatic lesions in places most often exposed to trauma of any kind.As a rule, these are the elbows, the knee area in places with scratches or scratches.These manifestations are called “Koebner signs.”
At the beginning, the papular rash spreads linearly directly at the site of irritation and can persist for a long time without any dynamics.These rashes are called “sentinel” rashes.The rash is intensely itchy and itchy.
The initial phase lasts several weeks.The papules then enlarge and merge to form psoriatic plaques, which can cover large areas of the body.
Psoriasis can occur anywhere.The most dangerous rashes appear on the face, but this form of the initial stage develops very rarely.
Characteristic places of localization of the disease in the initial stages
The most commonly observed rashes are:
Legs. The initial stage of leg psoriasis develops as isolated small rashes that are located primarily on the feet and knees, but can also occur on any surface of the legs.
Elbow. The plaque type occurs most often on the elbows, the symptoms of which are characterized by small red rashes with severe peeling.In this case, roughening of the skin on the elbows is observed (pictured).In addition, rashes on the elbows can be symmetrical.
Head. The symptoms often affect the scalp as well as the back of the head and ears (pictured).A papular rash on the head is accompanied by itching.Psoriasis on the scalp is often characterized by moist scales.
Nails. On the hands and nails, psoriatic manifestations resemble a fungal infection.First, longitudinal stripes (dots) appear on the outermost edge of the nails (in the photo), which then spread towards the nail roots.At the same time, the nail plate begins to thicken and fade.As the symptoms of the disease progress, the nail area may become completely detached.
Face. Psoriasis very rarely occurs on the face as this form of psoriasis is considered atypical.Hyperemic papules occur in the eyelid area, in the nasolabial folds, near the eyes and eyebrows (pictured).In rare cases, a rash appears on the face near the red border of the lips and mucous membranes (cheeks and tongue).
The peculiarity of rashes on the face is associated with delicate, delicate skin and an abundance of nerve endings.Initially, papules (small, slightly raised nodules above the skin) appear, accompanied by severe itching.Subsequently, epithelium and plaques appear at the tip of the nodule.
Hands. The symptoms of psoriasis on the hands appear suddenly and manifest themselves in the form of a small rash (pictured), which many patients confuse with an allergy.And only when gray, dry scales appear on the arms, palms and elbows do patients turn to a dermatologist for help.It is characteristic that with a psoriatic rash on the palms, similar manifestations are observed on the legs.Psoriatic manifestations on the palms are most often localized between the fingers, which is explained by the most favorable environment in this place.The backs of the hands are affected much less frequently.When psoriasis patches appear on the fingertips, there may be a loss of sensitivity.
Development of the initial stage of psoriasis at an early age
Psoriasis can affect not only adults but also young children, including infants.The initial stage of psoriasis in children, in contrast to adult patients, is mild and develops quite slowly.
The first signs of psoriasis most often appear in children under 2 years of age, which is associated with improper care and nutrition and can cause skin irritation.The first rashes usually appear on the arms, elbows, in the skin folds (pictured) on the legs and buttocks, which are caused by contact irritation (diapers, diapers, etc.).
The first symptoms of psoriasis should be differentiated from diaper rash in babies.In children over 10 years old, the surface of the head is affected by psoriasis, since from this age the clinical symptoms of the disease in children are exactly the same as in adults.Psoriasis in children is most often caused by previous staph infections.
Important!A child can develop any form of psoriasis, except guttate psoriasis, which only affects adult patients.
Treatment of the initial stages of psoriasis
To get rid of negative manifestations, you can use both traditional medicine and home therapy.Treatment of the initial stage of the disease shows good results, allowing you to quickly eliminate visual pathological manifestations.
Therapeutic treatment in the early stages of the disease primarily includes the use of external agents as well as UV treatment and the use of systemic medications that actively suppress the inflammatory process.
In the early stages, the disease can be treated with an ointment containing salicylic acid and naphthalane oil.In addition, sedatives and antihistamines are prescribed.These products relieve tissue swelling and neutralize painful itching.
It is important to remember that not all topical products can be used on the face.Therefore, prior consultation with your doctor is necessary.In addition, psoriasis cannot be treated without proper nutrition and giving up bad habits.
Home treatment
There are many ways to get rid of psoriasis early at home. The aim of this treatment is primarily to strengthen the immune system and relieve the inflammatory process.
- Honey and products containing it, oak bark, pine needles, chamomile, etc. are actively used in treatment.With the participation of these drugs, compresses are made to relieve the symptoms of psoriasis;
- Folk methods include cleansing the body by taking a decoction of lemon, rose hips, etc. In addition, the use of baths with the addition of sea salt is effective;
- At home, it is recommended to moisturize the skin with natural oils (sea buckthorn, peach, olive).However, it should be borne in mind that traditional treatment methods are used as a supplement to conventional medicine.
To prevent the development of the disease, certain preventive measures should be followed to minimize the symptoms of psoriasis:
- Skin damage such as scratches on arms and legs, insect bites, burns, etc. should be avoided.
- It is necessary to regularly moisturize the skin with creams and avoid infectious diseases.
- It is recommended to avoid alcohol and smoking and only take medications prescribed by your doctor.
The effectiveness of treatment in the initial stages of the disease depends on the timing of seeking professional help.Early treatment provides a high probability of preventing the transition of an acute process into a chronic form.