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 become covered with silvery-white scales that blend into one another.Typically, plaques are found in the head, knees and elbows.
Psoriasis can affect patients of all ages and genders.The etiology of the disease, which is not fully understood, does not allow psoriasis to be completely cured.However, it is possible to significantly reduce the symptoms of the disease and achieve long-term remission if you start treatment at the initial stage of psoriasis development, correctly assessing the first signs of psoriasis.
Symptoms of the initial stage of the disease
To recognize the initial stage of the disease, it is important to know the main symptoms.
At the very beginning, single papules appear, which can measure from a few mm to 2-5 cm and have the shape of a plaque covered with white scales.When they are scratched, a symptom characteristic of the psoriatic triad appears:
- “stearic spot” (slight separation of scales when scratched);
- “terminal film” (exposure of shiny, thin, moist skin after tartar removal);
- “blood dew” (with subsequent removal of the terminal film, small dew-like drops of blood appear on the surface of the skin).
The initial stage of the disease is characterized by the appearance of psoriatic lesions in places most often subject to trauma of all kinds.As a rule, these are the elbows, the knee area in the places of scratches or scratches.These manifestations are called “Koebner sign”.
At the very beginning, the papular rash spreads linearly, directly to the site of irritation and can exist for a long time without dynamics.These rashes are called “sentinel” rashes.The rash is itchy and itchy.
The initial phase lasts several weeks.Subsequently, the papules enlarge and coalesce into psoriatic plaques, which can cover large areas of the body.
Psoriasis can appear anywhere.The most dangerous rashes are found 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 commonly seen rashes are:
Legs. The initial stage of psoriasis on the legs develops from single small rashes, mainly localized on the feet and knees, but can appear on any surface of the legs.
Elbows. The type of plaque most often appears on the elbows, the symptoms of which are characterized by small red rashes with severe peeling.In this case, roughness of the skin is observed at the elbows (photo).Additionally, rashes on the elbows can be symmetrical.
Head. Symptoms often affect the scalp, as well as the back of the head and the ears (photo).A papular rash on the head is accompanied by itching.Very often, scalp psoriasis is characterized by moist scales.
Nails. On the hands and nails, psoriatic manifestations resemble a fungal infection.First, longitudinal stripes (dots) appear at the very edge of the nails (in the photo), then they extend towards the roots of the nails.At the same time, the nail plate begins to thicken and fade.As symptoms of the disease progress, the nail area may peel off completely.
Confront. Psoriasis very rarely occurs on the face, as this form of psoriasis is considered atypical.Hyperemic papules appear on the eyelids, nasolabial folds, near the eyes and eyebrows (photo).In rare cases, a rash on the face appears near the red edge 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 of all, papules (small nodules slightly raised 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, in the form of a small rash (photo), which many patients mistake for an allergy.And only when gray and dry scales appear on the arms, palms and elbows, patients turn to a dermatologist for help.It is characteristic that if there is a psoriatic rash on the palms, similar manifestations are observed on the legs.Psoriatic manifestations on the palms are most often located between the fingers, which is explained by the most favorable environment in this location.The backs of the hands are much less frequently affected.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 adult patients, is mild and develops quite slowly.
The first signs of psoriasis appear most often in children under 2 years old, associated with inappropriate care and diet, which can cause skin irritation.The first rashes usually appear on the arms, elbows, in the skin folds (photo) of the legs and buttocks, caused by contact irritation (diapers, diapers, etc.).
The first symptoms of psoriasis should be distinguished from diaper rash in babies.The surface of the head is affected by psoriasis in children over 10 years old, because 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 staph infections.
Important!A child can develop any form of psoriasis, except guttate psoriasis, which only affects 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 gives good results, allowing you to quickly get rid of visual pathological manifestations.
Therapeutic treatment of the early stage of the disease involves, first of all, the use 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 ointment based on salicylic acid and naphthalan oil.Additionally, 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 necessary.In addition, psoriasis cannot be treated without proper nutrition and giving up bad habits.
Home treatment
There are many ways to get rid of psoriasis in the early stages at home. This treatment mainly aims to strengthen the immune system and relieve 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;
- traditional methods involve cleansing the body by taking a decoction of lemon, rosehip, etc.In addition, the use of baths with added 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 treatment methods 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 stop smoking and drinking alcohol and only take medications prescribed by your doctor.
The effectiveness of treatment at the initial stage of the disease depends on when professional help is sought.Early treatment provides a high probability of preventing the transition from an acute process to a chronic form.