Psoriasis is a disease whose mechanisms of appearance are not yet fully understood.However, it has been precisely established that a number of failures occur in the immune system, as a result of which skin cells begin to divide at a very high speed, without having time to die physiologically.This is how a psoriatic plaque begins to form - an irritating formation covered with whitish scales (the same cells whose life cycle turned out to be too short).
An accurate diagnosis can be made by a dermatologist only after an examination, but knowledge of the characteristics of the stages of the disease will make it possible to draw the first conclusions about the nature of the skin changes that appear.
Psoriasis or not?
The disease goes through 3 stages:
- Progressive.The onset of the disease can be sudden and may be preceded by significant stress or hormonal imbalance.A small reddish spot the size of a pinhead appears on the skin.Little by little, the surface of the modified skin increases - this is a papule;Silver scales of keratinized skin are visible.The papules unite into plaques, the skin itches badly, and when scratched, it becomes wet due to injury to the superficial layer.
- Stationary.After a while, the pathological process stops.No new spots or papules appear;existing plaques are covered with a gray crust with scales that peel off easily.This period is characterized by a decrease in the inflammatory process, the gradual disappearance of itching, but the symptoms do not disappear completely.
- Regressive.At this stage, a decrease and sagging of the plaques are noticeable, the skin acquires a shade close to normal.The flaking and itching disappear.After the resorption of pathological elements, ring-shaped pigmented patterns remain on the skin, due to the uneven disappearance of the plaques in the central part.After a few weeks, the last traces of spots and papules disappear, only slight areas of depigmentation reminiscent of psoriasis.
The duration of the steps described may vary for each patient.The regressive stage does not indicate recovery - the exacerbation can begin unpredictably and suddenly.
How to recognize psoriasis at an early stage?
Therapeutic measures against psoriasis give the best effect at an early stage, which explains the particular importance of accurate diagnosis.Only a dermatologist can determine whether it is psoriasis or another disease after examination and tests.However, the patient himself may suspect this pathology if he pays enough attention to the emerging symptoms.
The following signs are more likely to indicate the development of this disease:
- The first patches appear on the elbows, knees, hairline or where the skin experiences the most friction or contact with clothing;
- the rash is accompanied by severe itching, silvery scales easily peel off from the surface of the skin;
- after removing the scales, slightly damp skin with blood spots (a symptom of pinpoint bleeding) is found;
- later, tiny indentations often appear on the nails, as if made by the tip of a needle.
Psoriasis can be easily confused with different types of lichens, dermatitis and eczema, which is why at the first skin changes it is better to consult a dermatologist so as not to harm yourself by using inappropriate products.The prescribed complex treatment suppresses the uncontrolled proliferation of epidermal cells, reduces itching and peeling, restores the barrier function of the skin and prevents infections.