In this article, we take a look at the initial stage of psoriasis, its causes, and the mechanism of the formation of damaged areas. By adhering to our recommendations, you can recognize the symptoms of psoriasis at an early stage and eliminate them.
First 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. Primary rash is also called duty or on-call 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 some easy-to-remove silvery-whitish scales. The skin of the affected areas is inflamed, swollen, redness is noted.
Specialists identify 3 features of psoriasis that set it apart from other diseases:
| Functionality | Functionality |
| Stearin stain. | This is a plaque whose scratching 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 come in different shapes: pointed, teardrop, 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 area. At first, simple red papules appear. Then the skin begins to flake and become rough.
Psoriasis on the legs
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.
Psoriasis on the hands
The first papules are found on the extensor part of the joints (on the fingers and in the elbow region). Quite often, rashes occur on the palms with lesions of the feet. Sometimes psoriatic arthritis occurs. It affects joints of different sizes. It is characterized by swelling, redness and deformation of the joint, painful sensations may disturb.
Psoriasis on the nails
The manifestation of the disease on the nail plate outwardly resembles a fungal infection. First of all, there are longitudinal grooves and sunken points along the edge of the nail. The process gets closer to the root area of the nail over time. The nail becomes blunt and thickens. As the disease progresses, the nail may flake off.
Psoriasis on the head
Location of the rash: frontal part, behind the ears and in the neck area. Papular rashes are accompanied by dander and itching. Damaged areas are often wet and cracked. The characteristic symptom is the "psoriatic crown". It happens when the rash overtakes hair growth.
Psoriasis on the face
The disease rarely affects the front of the head. Location of the rash: eyelids, nasolabial folds, around the eyes, in 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 a 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 severe infection are at risk for psoriasis. Particular attention should be given to children whose parents have psoriasis.
Mechanism of psoriatic plaque formation
Psoriasis spots are areas where an inflammatory response occurs and excessive formation of keratinocytes (epithelial cells). In this case, an excessive number of capillaries forms in the dermis. Infiltration (soaking) of damaged skin with lymphocytes and macrophages leads to its thickening and elevation. As a result, pale gray spots form that look like hardened wax.
Important! Normally, the epidermis is renewed every 30 days. With psoriasis, the duration of this process is significantly reduced. Cell division, maturation and death in this disease occur 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 believed that a genetic dysfunction occurs in the human body, leading to increased keratinization.
- Disruption of the immune system,leading to increased production of lymphocytes (T lymphocytes) and inflammation. An autoimmune reaction is not excluded - damage to its own cells and tissues due to their perception as foreign.
- Endocrine pathology,metabolic disorders.
- Disease of the nervous system.
- Excessive psycho-emotional stress, stress.This factor is a provocateur in 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.
- Alcohol consumption,drugs, smoking tobacco.
Need to know!Children whose parents have psoriasis have an increased risk of developing the disease.
Diagnosis of diseases
If you think you have psoriasis, see your dermatologist. As a rule, after an external examination and assessment of the condition of damaged skin areas, he makes a diagnosis. In rare cases, when doubts and diagnostic difficulties arise, the doctor prescribes additional research methods. These include:
- Skin biopsy- procedure for taking a sample of damaged skin. Helps identify changes at the cellular level.
- Blood test.Helps identify the presence of inflammation and rule out other diseases.
- X-ray of the joints.It is used exclusively for joint pain to exclude the development of psoriatic arthritis.
- Bacteriological cultureof the pharynx. It is prescribed to confirm the teardrop-shaped form of psoriasis and to exclude acute pharyngitis.
- Potassium hydroxide test.Helps eliminate fungal infections.
Treatment of diseases
Unfortunately, there is no cure for the disease today. Therefore, the main goal of treatment is to eliminate symptoms and stop relapses with an increase in the time to remission (the time interval for the weakening and disappearance of symptoms of the disease). Therefore, 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 treatment, a correction of the diet and lifestyle of the patient is carried out. All possible factors provoking an exacerbation of the disease are excluded for sure.
At the initial stage, the doctor may prescribe:
| Group of drugs | Drug name | 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 the skin. |
| Local non-hormonal preparations with anti-inflammatory effect | Clemastine, promethazine hydrochloride. | Eliminates 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 | Accelerates wound healing and promotes scab formation. |
At the initial stage, do not use aggressive drugs. Medicines should be for external use, the doctor prescribes medicines for oral administration in case of severe course of the disease.
In addition to drug therapy, 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 processing. It should be carried out exclusively in conjunction with the basic treatment prescribed by a dermatologist, and only after consultation with a doctor.
There are many recipes aimed at improving the general condition of the body, as well as topical remedies 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 root) - 20 g.
- Propolis - 20g.
- Calendula -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:the herbal ointment will help remove inflammation.
Egg ointment
Ingredients:
- Chicken eggs - 2 pcs.
- Sunflower oil - 1 tbsp
- Acetic acid - 40 g.
How to cook:Whisk 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 remedy eliminates the first signs of psoriasis - reduces swelling, redness and helps fade the rash.
Decoction of herbs
Ingredients:
- Buckthorn - 10 years
- Tansy flowers - 10 years
- Chamomile flowers - 15 g.
- Vodka - 50 g.
- Sea buckthorn oil - 10 g.
- Water - 1 glass.
How to cook:chop all the plants. Then pour boiling water over it and boil for 5 minutes. After that, let the broth infuse for 40 minutes. Then filter it and add vodka, sea buckthorn oil and mix well.
How to use:Take the decoction inside once a day. To do this, dilute the product - 3 drops per 0, 3 cups of warm boiled water. Diluted broth - 1 tbsp. 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
Good nutrition is the key to your health. 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 dishes.
- Preservatives and soft 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 dairy products.
- Vegetable oils.
- Fresh vegetables and fruits.
- Porridge.
Question-answer
What solid oil is used for psoriasis?
For this purpose a medical solidol is required, 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 it. Salt baths have a good effect (sea salt is used). They help remove inflammation from chamomile or string bath. Itching will help get rid of the juniper infusion. At first, rubbing with oatmeal helps remove flaking.
Is psoriasis contagious?
The answer is no: psoriasis is not contagious. The infectious origin of the disease has been completely refuted.
Is psoriasis hair falling out?
If psoriasis is not associated with other diseases that cause hair loss, it 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 make the disease worse will increase the time you will not be bothered by its manifestations. There are few possible reasons for deterioration, so they should be considered and recalled:
- Skin damage and scratches.A very common symptom of psoriasis is itching and burning. Combing the damaged areas makes the situation worse.
- Sunbeams.The sun's rays, when exposed to moderate skin, are beneficial. But at the same time, tanning can provoke the development of psoriasis.
- Stress.Some patients report that after nervous tension the manifestations of psoriasis worsen.
- Various infections.They disrupt the body's defense system, weakening it.
- Plan.A healthy and correct diet is essential to treat the disease. But if it is violated, patients notice a deterioration in their condition. Especially if you drink alcohol and smoke unlimited amounts of tobacco.
Can I remove the scales myself?
No way! You cannot remove the scale yourself. 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 involves relieving symptoms and increasing periods of remission (when 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.