Psoriasis: photo of the initial stage, symptoms and treatment

Psoriasis is a chronic, long-term skin disease.

The reasons for the development of the disease

Psoriasis occurs due to the pathology of the skin cells, when the top layer of the skin dies within 4-5 days, when normally this time interval is several weeks. The causes of the disease are not fully understood, but doctors identify several factors that cause the disease:

• Hereditary predisposition - the disease manifests itself at a young age, from the age of 15, and is more often hereditary. If one of the parents is diagnosed with psoriasis, the child has a more than 50% chance of getting sick.
• Autoimmune conflict - with this type of disorder, the body's immune cells stop recognizing skin cells as part of the body, starting to attack them as foreign elements.
• Nerve shocks - promote the release of hormones into the bloodstream, which leads to metabolic disturbances and causes disease to develop.
• Disruption of hormonal balance and metabolism.

Psoriasis is not contagious because no infectious agent can be transmitted.

Symptoms of psoriasis

The main symptoms of the disease are characteristic rashes, mainly affecting the inner surface of the elbow and knee joints, as well as areas of the skin subject to frequent friction trauma.

A rash along the edge of the scalp and other less typical locations may also occur.

Rashes appear as patches covered with grayish or white scales. The rashes in psoriasis have three characteristics:

1. Symptom of stearin stain:The whitish scales peel off easily, resembling candle wax crumbs in appearance.
2. Final film- once the scales are removed a whitish film can be seen under them covering the surface of the spot.
3. Localized bleeding- by scratching the stain, the terminal film is removed, the papillae of the skin are damaged, on which small drops of blood protrude.

At an early stage a pale rim forms around the papule, no peeling occurs at this stage. Paleness around the spot is a vascular reaction of the body to rejection of the epidermis. The disease is accompanied by severe itching of the skin; when scratching, cracks and minor bleeding form on the skin. A secondary infection may join, penetrating through the damaged skin.

In addition to the skin, psoriasis affects the nails, causing brittleness of the nail plates, the appearance of a transverse pattern and concave areas.

Autoimmune conflicts can affect the joints, causing arthritis-like pain, especially in the joints of the fingers.

Types of psoriasis

Psoriasis of the first type occurs in people under the age of 30, it is an inherited disease that mainly affects the skin and has a typical localization.

Type II psoriasis affects people over the age of 40 and is not hereditary. More often it affects the nail plates and the scalp, the rash is small and teardrop shaped. The disease in elderly patients is due to a decrease in immunity against the background of chronic infectious diseases and improper lifestyle.

Clinical studies have shown a link between type 2 psoriasis and alcohol and the abuse of unhealthy foods.

Forms of psoriasis

Psoriasis has several forms of varying severity:

1. Plaque psoriasis- characteristic papules form on the skin, accompanied by itching and peeling.
2. The pustular formis ​​characterized by the appearance of bubbles, redness of the skin around them, itching and severe burning, is considered a moderate form of the disease.
3. Erythrodermais ​​characterized by massive skin lesions, accompanied by oozing and discharge of large layers of the epidermis, is particularly difficult to tolerate, often accompanied by pustular lesions and fungal infections.

Stages of psoriasis

The disease develops in several stages:

1. The initial stagesignals the onset of the disease, during this period less often several pale spots appear, the skin begins to peel off.
2. The active stageis ​​accompanied by severe symptoms, profuse discharge of skin scales, itching and inflammation.
3. Stationary phase- indicates remission, the peeling at this stage practically stops, instead of a stain, pigmentation or pale areas of pseudoatrophy are formed.

Diagnosis of psoriasis

To make a diagnosis, you must consult a dermatologist. The pathology has a clear clinical picture, confirmed by an anamnesis and biopsy of elements of the skin with their subsequent study.

Psoriasis treatment

The treatment of the disease should be approached holistically, while arresting the external symptoms and influencing the possible cause of the disease.

Drug treatment

In severe cases, measures are taken to reduce the body's immune attack against its own cells:

• cytostatics;
• Antihistamines;
• corticosteroid hormones;
• Enterosorbents and hepatoprotectors are used to restore metabolism.

At the same time, measures are taken to saturate the body with the necessary vitamins and microelements:

• Silicon is one of the important trace elements responsible for hormonal balance and skin health.
• Calcium and vitamin D3 are needed to bring the disease into remission. Prescribed together to increase calcium absorption.

Internal remedies

For the protection of the skin, external agents are used in the form of ointments and creams:

• Glucocorticoids, which lower the immune response, also reduce symptoms of inflammation, relieve itching and swelling of the skin.
• Salicylic acid and herbal products are essential for moisturizing the skin and protecting against secondary infections.
• Topical cytostatics are used only in the active phase of the disease with its severe course.

Procedures

In order to speed up the healing process, physiological procedures are prescribed:

• Cryotherapy;
• UV irradiation;
• Laser treatment.

If necessary, plasmapheresis is performed to purify the blood plasma and stabilize the cells.

Prevention

If a predisposition to the disease is identified, a number of preventive measures should be taken:

• Live a healthy lifestyle, stop smoking and drinking alcohol
• Build a daily routine, avoid stress, rationally approach the organization of the work schedule;
• Follow a diet, avoid excessive amounts of carbohydrates, spices and fatty foods. It is advisable to avoid preservatives and instant foods;
• Spend sufficient time outdoors;
• Use soap and shampoo with specially selected pH, do not use hard washcloths and towels, dry skin thoroughly after shower;
• Wear clothes made from natural materials that are not too close to the body;
• Have a regular medical exam, check the hormone levels in the blood and, if necessary, start treatment early.

Such measures will help maintain healthy skin and significantly improve the quality of life.