In this article we consider the initial stage of psoriasis, what are its causes and the mechanism of formation of the damaged areas. By adhering to our advice, you can recognize the symptoms of psoriasis in the initial stage and eliminate them.
First signs of psoriasis
Patients may have several early signs of psoriasis. This disease is characterized by an acute onset, rashes occur for a short time. The primary rash is also called a duty or guard 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 is made up of pale pink to red papules (pimples) that rise above the skin. They are dense to the touch.
After a while, you will find silvery whitish scales that are easy to remove. The skin of the affected areas is inflamed, swollen, redness is noted.
Specialists identify 3 characteristics of psoriasis that distinguish it from other diseases:
| Features | Features |
| Staining with stearin. | This is a plaque, the scraping of which is accompanied by the appearance of small scales. |
| Psoriatic film. | The last layer that can be removed from the skin after the stairs. 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 have various forms: punctual, drop-shaped, coin-shaped, annular, diffuse.
In addition to the rash, the patient is concerned about peeling, redness, itching of varying intensity.
Psoriasis on the elbows
The elbow area is characterized by a plaque form of psoriasis. At first, single red papules appear. Then the skin begins to flake and rough.
Psoriasis on the legs
First signs: a small rash, inflammation and swelling of the skin. Typical localization: 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 area). Quite often, rashes occur on the palms along with foot injuries. Psoriatic arthritis sometimes occurs. It affects joints of various sizes. It is characterized by swelling, redness and deformation of the joint, painful sensations can disturb.
Psoriasis on the nails
The manifestation of the disease on the nail plate looks like a fungal infection. First, longitudinal grooves and depressed spots appear along the edge of the nail. The process approaches the root zone of the nail over time. The nail dulls and thickens. As the disease progresses, the nail may flake off.
Psoriasis on the head
Location of the rash: front, behind the ears and neck area. Papular rashes are accompanied by peeling and itching. Damaged areas are often wet and cracked. A characteristic symptom is the "psoriatic crown". It occurs when the rash goes beyond hair growth.
Psoriasis on the face
The disease rarely affects the front of the head. Localization of the rash: eyelids, nasolabial folds, around the eyes, in the eyebrows, on the cheeks in the form of a thin mesh.
Characteristics of the early stage of psoriasis in children
To determine if a child has psoriasis, the first thing to pay attention to is the redness between the skin folds and the appearance of small pimples (papules) in the places of friction with clothing and irritation. The child becomes restless due to itching and burning.
Need to know! In children without the necessary examination, the initial stage of psoriasis can be mistaken for allergic manifestations, diathesis, prickly heat, diaper rash. A distinctive feature of psoriasis is the presence of a clear boundary.
It should be noted that congenital psoriasis in children is characterized by more pronounced clinical manifestations from the moment of its birth.
Children with weak immunity after a severe infection are at risk for psoriasis. Particular attention should be paid to children whose parents are sick with psoriasis.
The mechanism of psoriatic plaque formation
Psoriasis spots are areas where an inflammatory reaction occurs and excessive formation of keratinocytes (epithelial cells) occurs. In this case, an excessive number of capillaries are formed in the dermis. Infiltration (soaking) of damaged skin with lymphocytes and macrophages leads to its thickening and elevation. As a result, light gray spots are formed that look like hardened wax.
Important! Normally, the epidermis renews itself 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 assumed that a genetic malfunction occurs in the human body, leading to increased keratinization.
- Disruption of the immune system,leading to increased production of lymphocytes (T cells) and inflammation. An autoimmune reaction is not ruled out: damage to one's 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 provoker of the development of the disease, and also contributes to its exacerbation. During a stressful situation, the body releases hormones and a series of biochemical reactions that lead to the appearance of skin rashes and scales.
- Consuming alcohol,drugs, smoking tobacco products.
Need to know!Children whose parents have psoriasis have a higher risk of developing the disease.
Diagnosis of the disease
If you suspect that you have psoriasis, consult your dermatologist. As a rule, after an external examination and evaluation of the condition of the damaged skin areas, establish a diagnosis. In rare cases, if doubts and difficulties in diagnosis 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.
- Radiography of the joints.It is used exclusively for joint pain in order to exclude the development of psoriatic arthritis.
- Bacteriological culturefrom the pharynx. It is prescribed to confirm the teardrop form of psoriasis and to exclude acute pharyngitis.
- Potassium hydroxide test.Helps eliminate fungal infections.
Treatment of the disease
Unfortunately, today there is no way to cure the disease. Thus, the main goal of therapy - elimination of symptoms and relief of relapses with an increase in the time to remission (the time interval for the weakening and disappearance of the symptoms of the disease). Therefore, the treatment should be comprehensive and long-term.
Having made a diagnosis, determined the stage and severity of the disease, the dermatologist chooses the necessary treatment methods. Before starting therapy, the patient's diet and lifestyle are corrected. All possible factors provoking an exacerbation of the disease are necessarily excluded.
In the initial stage, the doctor may prescribe:
| Group of drugs | Name of the drugs | Expected effects and treatment characteristics. |
| Keratolytics | Betamethasone. | Enhances exfoliation. |
| Vitamins | Derivatives of vitamin D3 or A. | Improves the general condition of the body and skin. |
| Local non-hormonal preparations with anti-inflammatory effect | Clemastine, Promethazine hydrochloride. | Eliminates inflammation, redness and swelling. |
| Tar ointments | Extract of coal tar oil | Improves healing. |
| Media containing solidol | Has a positive effect on healing, eliminates itching. | |
| Salicylic acid ointments | Salicylic acid | Accelerates healing and promotes crusting. |
In the initial stage, do not use aggressive drugs. Drugs should be for external use, the doctor prescribes for oral administration in case of a severe course of the disease.
In addition to drug treatment, specialists prescribe physiotherapy procedures:
- UFO (ultraviolet radiation).
- Baths: paraffin, radon, sulphide.
- Hirudotherapy.
Traditional treatment methods
At home, you can use folk recipes for treatment. It should be carried out exclusively in conjunction with the main treatment prescribed by a dermatologist and only after consulting 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 twine, linseed oil, celandine, calendula ointment have a good effect.
Consider the most popular recipes for an alternative treatment:
Ointment for psoriasis
Ingredients:
- St. John's Wort - 20
- Celandine (grass with roots) - 20 g.
- Propolis - 20 g.
- Calendula -10 years
- Vegetable oil - 10 g.
How to cook:Crush all the plants until smooth. Then add the vegetable oil and mix thoroughly. Store in a cool, dark place.
How to use:Lubricate the affected skin 2-3 times a day.
Result:herbal ointment will help eliminate inflammation.
Egg ointment
Ingredients:
- Chicken eggs - 2 pcs.
- Sunflower oil - 1 tbsp.
- Acetic acid - 40 g.
How to cook:Beat 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 during the night.
Result:an effective remedy eliminates the initial signs of psoriasis - reduces swelling, redness and helps to fade the rash.
Herbal decoction
Ingredients:
- Sea buckthorn - 10 years
- Tansy flowers - 10 g.
- 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 and boil for 5 minutes. Subsequently, leave the broth to infuse for 40 minutes. Then strain and add the vodka, sea buckthorn oil and mix well.
How to use it:Take the broth 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 damaged skin.
Result:the broth eliminates rashes and inflammation, when taken orally - has a general strengthening effect on the body.
Diet
Proper nutrition is the key to your health. Properly selected diet will help prevent psoriasis exacerbation. 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 foods.
- Preservatives and carbonated 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 milk products.
- Vegetable oils.
- Fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Porridge.
Question-Answer
Which solid oil is used for psoriasis?
A medical solidol is needed for this, which is sold in pharmacies. The agent is most effective in its pure form without 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 eliminate inflammation from chamomile or baby bath. Itching will help eliminate the juniper infusion. In the early stages, rubbing with oatmeal helps eliminate flaking.
Is psoriasis contagious?
The answer is no: psoriasis is not contagious. The infectious origin of the disease has been completely refuted.
Do psoriasis hair fall out?
If psoriasis is not associated with other diseases that cause hair loss, this does not happen. Hair loss is not observed in most patients.
What makes psoriasis worse?
The disease has periods of improvement and exacerbation. Knowing the factors that aggravate the condition will increase the time you will not be bothered by its manifestations. There are few possible reasons for the deterioration, so they should be considered and remembered:
- Skin damage and scratches.A very common symptom in psoriasis is itching and burning. Combing damaged areas aggravates the situation.
- Sun rays.The sun's rays, when exposed to moderate skin, are beneficial. But at the same time, sunburn can trigger the development of psoriasis.
- Stress.Some patients indicate that after nervous tension, the manifestations of psoriasis worsen.
- Various infections.Disrupts the body's defense system, weakening it.
- Diet.A healthy and correct diet is essential to cure the disease. But if it is violated, patients notice a worsening of their condition. Especially if you consume alcohol and smoke unlimited amounts of tobacco.
Can I remove the scales myself?
Absolutely not! You cannot remove the scale by yourself. This can cause aggravation and discomfort.
Things to Remember
- Psoriasis is a chronic disease with periods of improvement and exacerbation.
- There is currently no cure for the disease. Treatment consists of relieving symptoms and increasing periods of remission (when psoriasis symptoms 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.