In this article we look at the initial stage of psoriasis, what are its causes and the mechanism of formation of areas of damage. By following our recommendations, you can recognize the symptoms of psoriasis in the early stages and eliminate them.
Early signs of psoriasis
Patients may have different initial signs of psoriasis. This disease is characterized by an acute onset, rashes appear in a short time. The primary rash is also called a duty or security rash.
The initial phase lasts several weeks. The duration of this stage of the disease depends on the general condition of the body and its protective ability.
The rash consists of pale pink to red papules (pimples) that rise above the skin. They are dense to the touch.
After a while you will find silvery-white scales that are easy to remove. The skin of the affected areas is inflamed, swollen, there is redness.
Specialists have identified 3 characteristics of psoriasis that distinguish it from other diseases:
| Function | Function |
| Stearin stain. | This is a plaque whose scraping is accompanied by the appearance of small scales. |
| Psoriatic film. | The last layer that can be removed from the skin after the scales. This layer is similar to plastic wrap. |
| Blood dew or the Auspitz phenomenon. | The appearance of drops of blood in violation of the integrity of the psoriatic film. |
The rash has different shapes: point, drop-shaped, coin-shaped, ring-shaped, diffuse.
In addition to the rash, the patient is bothered by peeling, redness, itching of varying intensity.
Psoriasis of the elbows
Plaque psoriasis is characteristic of the elbow area. At first, single red papules appear. Then the skin begins to flake and rough.
Psoriasis of the feet
First signs: small rash, inflammation and swelling of the skin. Typical location: knees and feet. Over time, the skin peels off, the disease begins to progress.
Hand psoriasis
The first papules are located on the extensor part of the joints (on the fingers and in the elbow area). Quite often rashes appear on the palms together with lesions on the feet. Sometimes psoriatic arthritis occurs. It affects the joints of different sizes. Characterized by swelling, redness and deformity of the joint, painful sensations may be disturbed.
Nail psoriasis
The appearance of the disease on the nail plate looks like a fungal infection. First, longitudinal grooves and depressed points appear on the edge of the nail. Over time, the process approaches the root zone of the nail. The nail dulls and thickens. As the disease progresses, the nail may peel off.
Psoriasis of the head
Localization of the rash: forehead, behind the ears and neck area. Papular rashes are accompanied by scaling and itching. Damaged areas are often wet and cracked. The characteristic symptom is the "psoriatic crown". This happens when the rash exceeds hair growth.
Facial psoriasis
The disease rarely affects the front of the head. Localization of the rash: eyelids, nasolabial folds, around the eyes, in the eyebrows, on the cheeks in the form of a fine network.
Characteristics of the initial stage of psoriasis in children
To determine if a child has psoriasis, the first thing to look out for is redness between the folds of the skin and the appearance of small pimples (papules) in the areas of friction with clothes and irritation. The child becomes restless due to itching and burning.
You need to know! In infants without the necessary examination, the early stage of psoriasis can be confused with allergic manifestations, diathesis, prickly heat, diaper dermatitis. 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 birth.
Children with weak immunity after a severe infection are at risk for psoriasis. Particular attention should be paid to children whose parents have psoriasis.
The mechanism of psoriatic plaque formation
Psoriatic spots are areas where an inflammatory reaction occurs and excessive formation of keratinocytes (epithelial cells) occurs. In this case, an excessive number of capillaries form in the dermis. Infiltration (soaking) of damaged skin with lymphocytes and macrophages leads to its thickening and lifting. As a result, pale gray spots form that resemble hardened wax.
Important! The epidermis is usually renewed every 30 days. In psoriasis, the duration of this process is significantly reduced. Cell division, maturation and death in this disease occur in only 5 days. Due to the pathological speed, the communication between the cells is lost.
Causes
Experts identify several provoking factors:
- Hereditary predisposition.It is believed that a genetic defect occurs in the human body, leading to increased keratinization.
- Immune system disorders,leading to increased lymphocyte (T-cell) production and inflammation. An autoimmune reaction is not excluded - damage to one's own cells and tissues as a result of 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 exacerbation. During a stressful situation, the body releases hormones and a number of biochemical reactions that lead to rashes and flakes.
- Alcohol consumption,drugs, smoking tobacco.
You need to know!Children whose parents have psoriasis have an increased risk of developing the disease.
Diagnosis of diseases
If you suspect you have psoriasis, see your dermatologist. As a rule, after an external examination and assessment of the condition of the damaged skin areas, he establishes a diagnosis. In rare cases, when doubts and difficulties in diagnosis arise, the doctor prescribes additional methods of examination. These include:
- Skin biopsy- procedure for sampling damaged skin. Helps identify changes at the cellular level.
- Blood test.Helps to identify inflammation and rule out other diseases.
- X-ray of the joints.Used exclusively for joint pain to rule out the development of psoriatic arthritis.
- Bacteriological culturefrom the pharynx. It is prescribed to confirm the form of a drop of psoriasis and to rule out acute pharyngitis.
- Potassium hydroxide test.Helps eliminate fungal infections.
Treatment of diseases
Unfortunately, there is no way to cure the disease today. Therefore, the main goal of therapy is to eliminate the symptoms and stop the relapses by increasing the time of remission (interval of time for weight loss and disappearance of the symptoms of the disease). Therefore, treatment should be comprehensive and long-term.
After diagnosing, determining the stage and severity of the disease, the dermatologist chooses the necessary treatment methods. Before starting the therapy, the patient's diet and lifestyle are adjusted. All possible factors provoking exacerbation of the disease are necessarily excluded.
In the initial stage, the doctor may prescribe:
| Drug Group | Name of the drug | Expected effects and characteristics of the treatment. |
| Keratolytics | Betamethasone. | Improves exfoliation. |
| Vitamins | Vitamin D3 or A derivatives | Improves the general condition of the body and skin. |
| Local non-hormonal drugs with anti-inflammatory effect | Clemastine, Promethazine hydrochloride. | Eliminate inflammation, redness, swelling. |
| Tar Ointments | Tar Tar Extract | Improves healing. |
| Solidol-containing products | Has a positive effect on healing, eliminates itching. | |
| Salicylic acid ointments | Salicylic acid | Accelerates healing and promotes the formation of crusts. |
Do not use aggressive drugs in the initial stage. Medicines should be for external use, the doctor prescribes oral administration in case of severe disease.
In addition to medical treatment, specialists prescribe physiotherapy procedures:
- UFOs (ultraviolet radiation).
- Baths: paraffin, radon, sulfide.
- Hirudotherapy.
Traditional methods of treatment
At home it is possible to use folk recipes for treatment. It should be performed exclusively in conjunction with the basic treatment prescribed by a dermatologist, and only after consultation with a physician.
There are many recipes aimed at improving the general condition of the body, as well as local means to eliminate the external manifestations of the disease. A series of linseed oil, celandine, calendula ointment have a good effect.
Consider the most popular alternative treatment recipes:
Ointment for psoriasis
Ingredients:
- St. John's wort - 20
- Celendin (root herb) - 20 years
- Propolis - 20g.
- Marigold -10 years
- Vegetable oil - 10 g
How to cook:Mash all the plants until smooth. Then add vegetable oil and mix well. Store in a cool, dark place.
How to use:Lubricate the affected skin 2-3 times a day.
Result:herbal ointment will help eliminate inflammation.
Egg ointment
Ingredients:
- Chicken eggs - 2 pcs.
- Sunflower oil - 1 tablespoon
- Acetic acid - 40 g
How to cook:Beat the eggs and butter. Then add acetic acid to the resulting mass and mix well.
How to use:lubricate the affected skin once a day at night.
Result:effective medicine eliminates the initial signs of psoriasis - reduces swelling, redness and helps fade the rash.
Herbal decoction
Ingredients:
- Buckthorn - 10 years
- Tansy flowers - 10 years
- Chamomile flowers - 15 g.
- Vodka - 50 years
- Sea buckthorn oil - 10 g
- Water - 1 cup.
How to cook:we cut all the plants. Then pour boiling water and boil for 5 minutes. Then let the broth infuse for 40 minutes. Then strain it and add vodka, sea buckthorn oil and mix well.
How to use:Take the broth inside once a day. To do this, dilute the product - 3 drops to 0, 3 cups of warm boiled water. Diluted broth - 1 tbsp. l for the same amount of water, rub once a day on the damaged skin.
Result:broth eliminates rashes and inflammation when taken orally - has a general strengthening effect on the body.
Diet
Proper nutrition is the key to your health. Properly selected diet will help prevent exacerbation of psoriasis. An individual meal is prepared for each patient.
Remember to exclude from your diet:
- Alcohol and tobacco.
- Coffee.
- Chocolate.
- Smoked meat and spicy foods.
- Preservatives and carbonated drinks.
Also, limit the use of flour products, pastries.
Your food should be wholesome and meet your energy needs. Nutritionists recommend that you include the following foods in your diet:
- Fermented dairy products.
- Vegetable oils.
- Fresh vegetables and fruits.
- Porridge.
Question-Answer
Which grease is used for psoriasis?
For this you need medical solidol, which is sold in pharmacies. The agent is most effective in pure form without any additives.
Can psoriasis be treated with traditional medicine?
It is possible, but only in combination with traditional methods and after consulting a doctor about it. Salt baths have a good effect (sea salt is used). They help eliminate inflammation of the bath from chamomile or string. Itching will help eliminate the infusion of juniper. In the early stages, rubbing with oatmeal helps to remove flaking.
Is psoriasis contagious?
The answer is no: psoriasis is not contagious. The infectious origin of the disease is completely refuted.
Does hair psoriasis fall out?
If psoriasis is not combined with other diseases that cause hair loss, it does not happen. Hair loss is not observed in most patients.
What makes psoriasis worse?
The disease has periods of improvement and exacerbation. Knowing the factors that make the condition worse will increase the time when you will not be bothered by its manifestations. There are several possible causes for deterioration, so they should be considered and remembered:
- Skin damage and scratching.A very common symptom of psoriasis is itching and burning. Combing the damaged areas worsens the situation.
- Sunbeams.The sun's rays, when exposed to moderate skin, are helpful. But at the same time the complexion can provoke the development of psoriasis.
- Stress.Some patients report that psoriasis worsens after nervous tension.
- Various infections.They disrupt the body's defense system, weakening it.
- Diet.A healthy and proper diet is essential for the treatment of the disease. But if it is impaired, patients notice a worsening of their condition. Especially if you consume alcohol and smoke unlimited amounts of tobacco.
Can I remove the scales myself?
No way! You cannot remove the scales yourself. This can cause deterioration and discomfort.
What to remember
- Psoriasis is a chronic disease with periods of improvement and exacerbation.
- There is currently no cure for the disease. Treatment consists of relieving the symptoms and increasing the periods of remission (when the symptoms of psoriasis do not appear).
- The initial stage of the disease is best treated, so if the first signs appear, consult a dermatologist.
- Children whose parents have psoriasis are more likely to develop the disease.