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.Subsequently, they are covered with silvery-white scales, merging with each other.Typically, plaques are found in the head, knees and elbows.
Psoriasis can affect patients of any age and gender.The etiology of the disease, which is not fully understood, does not allow psoriasis to be cured completely, 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, adequately assessing the initial signs of psoriasis.
Symptoms of the initial stage of the disease
To recognize the initial stage of the disease, it is important to know what the primary symptoms look like.
At the very beginning, single papules appear, which can be from a few mm to 2-5 cm and have the shape of a plaque covered with white scales.When they are scraped off, a characteristic symptom of the psoriatic triad appears:
- “stearic stain” (slight separation of scales when scraped);
- “terminal film” (exposure of shiny, thin and moist skin after removing the scale);
- “blood dew” (with further removal of the terminal film, small blood drops resembling dew appear on the surface of the skin).
The initial stage of the disease is characterized by the appearance of psoriatic lesions in places that are most often subject to trauma of any kind.As a rule, these are the elbows, the knee area in places of scratches or scratches.These manifestations are called "Koebner's sign."
At the very beginning, the papular rash spreads linearly, directly at the site of irritation and can exist for a long time without dynamics.These rashes are called "sentinel" rashes.The rash is very itchy and itchy.
The initial stage lasts for several weeks.Subsequently, the papules enlarge and merge into psoriatic plaques, which can cover large areas of the body.
Psoriasis can appear anywhere.The most dangerous rashes are on the face, but this form of the initial stage develops very rarely.
Characteristic sites of localization of the disease in the initial stage
The most common rashes observed are:
Legs. The initial stage of psoriasis on the legs develops from single small rashes, which are mainly located on the feet and knees, but can appear on any surface of the legs.
Elbows. The plaque type most often occurs on the elbows, the symptoms of which are characterized by small red rashes with severe peeling.In this case, roughening of the skin is observed on the elbows (pictured).In addition, rashes on the elbows can be symmetrical.
Head. Symptoms often affect the scalp, as well as the back of the head and ear area (pictured).A papular rash on the head is accompanied by itching.Quite often, psoriasis on the scalp is characterized by moist scales.
Nails. On the hands and nails, psoriatic manifestations resemble a fungal infection.First of all, longitudinal stripes (dots) appear at the very edge of the nails (in the photo), and then they spread towards the roots of the nails.At the same time, the nail plate begins to thicken and fade.As the symptoms of the disease progress, the nail area may completely peel off.
Face. Psoriasis occurs very rarely on the face, since this form of psoriasis is considered atypical.Hyperemic papules appear in the eyelid area, nasolabial folds, near the eyes and eyebrows (pictured).In rare cases, a rash on the face appears near the red border of the lips and mucous membranes (cheeks and tongue).
The specificity of rashes on the face is associated with delicate, sensitive skin and an abundance of nerve endings.First, papules (small, slightly raised nodules above the skin) appear, accompanied by severe itching.Subsequently, epithelium and plaques appear at the top of the nodule.
Hands. Symptoms of psoriasis on the hands appear suddenly, appearing in the form of a small rash (pictured), which many patients mistake for 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 if there is a psoriatic rash on the palms, then 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 psoriatic spots appear on the fingertips, they may lose 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, unlike in 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 feeding, which can provoke skin irritations.The first rashes appear, as a rule, on the arms, elbows, in the folds of the skin (pictured) on the legs and buttocks, which is caused by contact irritation (diapers, diapers, etc.).
The initial symptoms of psoriasis should be distinguished from diaper dermatitis in babies.The surface of the head is affected by psoriasis in children over 10 years of age, since from this age the clinical symptoms of the disease in children are exactly the same as in adults.Most often, psoriasis in children is triggered by previous staphylococcal infections.
Important!A child can develop any form of psoriasis, with the exception of guttate psoriasis, which affects only adult patients.
Treatment of the initial stage 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 get rid of visual pathological manifestations.
Therapeutic treatment of the early stage of the disease involves the use, first of all, of external agents, as well as ultraviolet treatment and the use of systemic drugs that actively suppress the inflammatory process.
At an early stage, the disease can be treated with an ointment with salicylic acid and naphthalan 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 external products can be used on the face, so prior consultation with your doctor is required.In addition, psoriasis cannot be treated without proper nutrition and giving up bad habits.
Treatment at home
There are many ways to get rid of psoriasis at an early stage at home. This treatment is aimed primarily at strengthening the immune system and relieving 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 psoriatic symptoms;
- folk methods involve cleansing the body by taking a decoction of lemon, rose hips, etc. In addition, using 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 methods of treatment are used as a complement to traditional 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 give up alcohol and smoking and take only those medications prescribed by your doctor.
The effectiveness of treatment at the initial stage of the disease depends on the time of seeking professional help.Early treatment provides a high probability of preventing the transition of an acute process to a chronic form.