In this article we consider the initial stage of psoriasis, what are its causes and the mechanism of formation of damaged zones. By adhering to our recommendations, you can recognize the symptoms of psoriasis at the initial stage and eliminate them.
Early signs of psoriasis
Patients may have different initial signs of psoriasis. This disease is characterized by an acute onset, rashes occur for a short time. The primary rash is also called a duty or guard 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 papules (pimples) of small sizes from pale pink to red, towering over the skin. They are dense to the touch.
After some time, you will find silvery-whitish scales that are easy to remove. The skin of the affected areas is inflamed, swollen, redness is noted.
Specialists identify 3 features of psoriasis that distinguish it from other diseases:
| Feature | Feature |
| Stearin stain. | This is a plaque, scraping of which 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 Auspitz phenomenon. | The appearance of drops of blood in violation of the integrity of the psoriatic film. |
Rashes have different shapes: point, drop-shaped, coin-shaped, ring-shaped, diffuse.
In addition to the rash, the patient is worried about peeling, redness, itching of varying intensity.
Psoriasis on the elbows
Plaque psoriasis is characteristic of the elbow zone. At first, single red papules appear. Then the skin begins to peel off and rough.
Psoriasis on the legs
First signs: small rash, inflammation and swelling of the skin. Typical localization: knees and feet. Over time, the skin peels off, the disease begins to progress.
Psoriasis on the hands
The first papules are found on the extensor part of the joints (on the fingers and in the elbow area). Quite often, rashes occur on the palms along with lesions of 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 may disturb.
Psoriasis on nails
The manifestation of the disease on the nail plate looks like a fungal infection. First, there are longitudinal grooves and depressed points along the edge of the nail. The process moves closer to the root zone of the nail over time. The nail dulls and thickens. As the disease progresses, the nail may flake off.
Psoriasis on the head
Localization of the rash: frontal part, behind the ears and neck area. Papular rashes are accompanied by scaling and itching. The damaged areas are often wet and cracked. The characteristic symptom is the "psoriatic crown". It occurs when the rash goes beyond 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 look for is redness between the folds of the skin and the appearance of small pimples (papules) in places of friction with clothing and irritation. The child becomes restless due to itching and burning.
Need to know! In babies without the necessary examination, the early stage of psoriasis can be mistaken for 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 the moment of its 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 formation of psoriatic plaques
Psoriasis spots are areas where an inflammatory response occurs and the over-formation 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 its thickening and elevation. As a result, pale gray spots are formed that look like hardened wax.
Important! Normally, the epidermis is renewed every 30 days. With psoriasis, the duration of this process is reduced significantly. Cell division, maturation and death in this disease occurs in just 5 days. Due to the pathological speed, communication between cells is lost.
Causes of occurrence
Experts identify several provoking factors:
- Hereditary predisposition.It is assumed that a genetic malfunction occurs in the human body, leading to increased keratinization.
- Disruption of the immune system,leading to increased production of lymphocytes (T-cells) 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 of 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 leading to the appearance of rashes and scales.
- Consuming alcohol,drugs, smoking tobacco products.
Need to know!Children whose parents have psoriasis are at increased risk of developing the disease.
Disease Diagnostics
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 research methods. These include:
- Skin biopsy- procedure for taking a sample of damaged skin. Helps to identify the changes occurring at the cellular level.
- Blood test.Helps to identify the presence of inflammation and exclude other diseases.
- X-ray of the joints.It is used exclusively for joint pain in order to exclude the development of psoriatic arthritis.
- Bacteriological culturefrom the pharynx. It is prescribed to confirm the teardrop-shaped form of psoriasis and to exclude acute pharyngitis.
- Potassium hydroxide test.Helps to eliminate fungal infection.
Disease Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no way to cure the disease today. Therefore, the main goal of therapy: elimination of symptoms and relief of relapses with an increase in the time of remission (the time interval for the weakening and disappearance of the symptoms of the disease). Therefore, the treatment should be comprehensive and long-term.
After making a diagnosis, determining the stage and severity of the disease, the dermatologist chooses the necessary treatment methods. Before starting therapy, correction of the patient's diet and lifestyle is carried out. All possible factors provoking an exacerbation of the disease are necessarily excluded.
At the initial stage, the doctor may prescribe:
| Group of drugs | Name of drugs | Expected effects and treatment characteristics. |
| Keratolytics | Betamethasone. | Improves exfoliation. |
| Vitamins | Derivatives of vitamin D3 or A. | Improves the general condition of the body and skin. |
| Local non-hormonal preparations with anti-inflammatory effect | Clemastine, Promethazine hydrochloride. | Eliminate inflammation, redness, swelling. |
| Tar Ointments | Coal Tar Oil Extract | Improves healing. |
| Means containing solidol | Has a positive effect on healing, eliminates itching. | |
| Salicylic acid ointments | Salicylic acid | Accelerate healing and promote crusting. |
At the initial stage, do not use aggressive medicines. The drugs should be for external use, the doctor prescribes the drugs for oral administration in case of a severe course of the disease.
In addition to drug treatment, specialists prescribe physiotherapy procedures:
- UFO (ultraviolet radiation).
- Baths: paraffin, radon, sulphide.
- Hirudotherapy.
Traditional methods of treatment
At home, it is possible to use folk recipes for treatment. It should be carried out exclusively in combination with the main treatment prescribed by a dermatologist, and only after consulting a doctor.
There are many recipes aimed at improving the general condition of the body, as well as topical agents to eliminate the external manifestations of the disease. A string, linseed oil, celandine, calendula ointment have a good effect.
Consider the most popular recipes for alternative treatment:
Ointment for psoriasis
Ingredients:
- St. John's wort - 20
- Celandine (grass with roots) - 20 g.
- Propolis - 20g.
- Calendula -10 year
- Vegetable oil - 10 g.
How to cook:Mash all plants until smooth. Then add vegetable oil and mix thoroughly. Store in a cool, dark place.
How to use:Lubricate the affected skin 2-3 times a day.
Result:herbal ointment will help 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.
How to use: lubricate the affected skin once a day at night.
Result:An effective remedy eliminates the initial signs of psoriasis - reduces swelling, redness, and helps to fade the rash.
Herbal decoction
Ingredients:
- 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 plants. Then pour boiling water over and boil for 5 minutes. After that, leave the broth to 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 per 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:the 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. A properly selected diet will help prevent exacerbation of psoriasis. An individual meal is prepared for each patient.
Be sure to exclude from your diet:
- Alcohol and tobacco products.
- Coffee.
- Chocolate.
- Smoked meats and spicy foods.
- Preservatives and carbonated drinks.
Also, limit the use of flour products, 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 grease is used for psoriasis?
For this purpose, a medical solidol is needed, which is sold in pharmacies. The agent is most effective in its 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 this. Salt baths have a good effect (sea salt is used). They help to eliminate inflammation of the chamomile or string bath. Itching will help eliminate the infusion of juniper. In the initial stages, rubbing with oatmeal helps to eliminate flaking.
Is psoriasis contagious?
The answer is no: psoriasis is not contagious. The infectious origin of the disease has been completely refuted.
Does psoriasis hair fall out?
If psoriasis is not combined with other conditions that cause hair loss, then this does not happen. In most patients, hair loss is not observed.
What makes psoriasis worse?
The disease has periods of improvement and exacerbation. Knowing the factors that aggravate the condition will increase the time when you will not be bothered by its manifestations. There are few possible reasons 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 aggravates the situation.
- Sunbeams.The rays of the sun, when exposed to moderate skin, are beneficial. But at the same time, tanning can trigger the development of psoriasis.
- Stress.Some patients indicate that after nervous tension, the manifestations of psoriasis worsen.
- Various infections.They disrupt the body's defense system, weakening it.
- Diet.A healthy and correct diet is essential to treat the disease. But if it is violated, patients notice a worsening of their condition. Especially if you consume alcohol and smoke unlimited quantities of tobacco.
Can I remove scales myself?
No way! You cannot remove the scales on your own. This can cause aggravation 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 symptoms and increasing periods of remission (when psoriasis symptoms 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.