Psoriasis is a disease whose mechanisms of onset are not yet completely clear.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 physiologically die.Thus the psoriatic plaque begins to form, an itchy formation covered with whitish scales (the same cells whose life cycle has proven to be too short).
An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a dermatologist after an examination, but knowledge of the characteristics of the stages of the disease will help to draw the first conclusions about the nature of the skin changes that appear.
Psoriasis or not?
The disease goes through 3 phases:
- Progressive.The onset of the disease can be sudden and may be preceded by severe stress or hormonal imbalance.A small reddish spot the size of a pinhead appears on the skin.Gradually, the surface of the changed skin rises - this is a papule;silvery scales of keratinized skin are visible on it.The papules coalesce into plaques, the skin is very itchy, and when scratched, it becomes wet due to injury of the surface layer.
- Stationary.After a certain time, the pathological process stops.New spots and papules do not appear;existing plaques are covered with a gray crust with scales that come 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.In this phase you notice a decrease and sagging of the plaques, the skin acquires a shade close to normal.The flaking and itching disappear.After the reabsorption of pathological elements, ring-shaped pigmented patterns remain on the skin, due to the irregular disappearance of plaques from the central part.After a few weeks, the last traces of spots and papules disappear, only minor foci of depigmentation resemble psoriasis.
The duration of the described phases may vary for each patient.The regressive phase does not indicate recovery: the exacerbation can begin unpredictably and suddenly.
How to recognize psoriasis in its early stages?
Therapeutic measures against psoriasis give the best effects at an early stage, which explains the particular importance of an accurate diagnosis.Only a dermatologist can determine whether it is psoriasis or another disease after examination and tests.However, the patient himself can suspect this pathology if he pays sufficient attention to the emerging symptoms.
The following signs are most likely to indicate the development of this disease:
- The first plaques appear on the elbows, knees, hairline or where the skin suffers greater friction or contact with clothing;
- the rash is accompanied by severe itching, silver scales easily peel off from the surface of the skin;
- after the removal of the scales, slightly moist skin with blood stains is found (symptom of punctate bleeding);
- subsequently, small indentations often appear on the nails, as if they were left by the tip of a needle.
Psoriasis can easily be confused with various types of lichens, dermatitis and eczema, so at the first skin changes it is best 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 flaking, restores the barrier function of the skin and prevents infections.