Psoriasis, the initial stage of which can manifest itself under a certain combination of factors, manifests itself in the form of reddish plaques with clear boundaries.Subsequently, they are covered with silvery-white scales, which blend together.Typically, plaques are found in the head, knees, and elbows.
Psoriasis can affect patients of any age and gender.The etiology of the disease, which is not fully understood, does not allow a complete cure of psoriasis, however, it is possible to significantly reduce the symptoms of the disease and achieve long-term remission if you start therapy at the initial stage of the development of psoriasis, adequately 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 what the primary symptoms are.
At first, single papules appear, which can vary from a few mm to 2-5 cm and have the shape of a plaque covered with white scales.When they are scraped, a characteristic symptom of the psoriatic triad appears:
- “stearic stain” (slight separation of scales when scraped);
- “terminal film” (exposure of shiny, thin and moist skin after removing encrustations);
- "blood dew" (with further 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 any kind.As a rule, these are the elbows, the knee area in places of scratches or scratches.These manifestations are called "Koebner sign".
At first, 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 very 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 on the face, but this early stage form develops very rarely.
Characteristic locations of localization of the disease in the initial stage
The most common skin rashes seen are:
Legs. The initial stage of psoriasis on the legs develops from single small rashes, which are localized mainly on the feet and knees, but can appear on any surface of the legs.
Elbows. The plaque type occurs most often on the elbows, the symptoms of which are characterized by small red rashes with severe scaling.In this case, a roughening of the skin on the elbows is observed (in the photo).Also, rashes on the elbows can be symmetrical.
Head. Symptoms often affect the scalp, as well as the back of the head and ear area (pictured).A papular rash on the head is accompanied by itching.Most often, psoriasis on the scalp is characterized by moist scales.
Nail. On the hands and nails, psoriatic manifestations resemble a fungal infection.First of all, longitudinal stripes (dots) appear on the edge of the nails (pictured), and then extend towards the roots of the nails.At the same time, the nail plate begins to thicken and fade.As the symptoms of the disease progress, the nail area may peel off completely.
Face. Psoriasis very rarely occurs on the face, as this form of psoriasis is considered atypical.Hyperemic papules appear in the eyelid area, in the nasolabial folds, near the eyes and eyebrows (pictured).In rare cases, a rash appears on the face near the red border 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, papules appear (small nodules slightly raised above the skin), accompanied by severe itching.Subsequently, epithelium and plaques appear in the upper part of the nodule.
Hands. Symptoms of psoriasis on the hands appear suddenly, in the form of a small rash (pictured), which many patients mistake for an allergy.And only when gray, 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 often localized between the fingers, which is explained by the more favorable environment in this place.The back of the hands is affected much less frequently.When psoriatic patches appear on the tips of the fingers, 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 newborns.The initial stage of psoriasis in children, unlike adult patients, is mild and develops rather slowly.
The first signs of psoriasis appear more often in children under 2 years of age, due to improper care and nutrition, which can cause skin irritation.The first rashes appear, as a rule, on the arms, elbows, in the skin folds (pictured) on the legs and buttocks, caused by contact irritation (diapers, diapers, etc.).
The initial symptoms of psoriasis should be distinguished from diaper rash in children.The surface of the head is affected by psoriasis in children over 10 years of age, since 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 affects only adult patients.
Treatment of the initial stage of psoriasis
To eliminate negative manifestations, you can use both traditional medicine and home therapy.Treatment of the initial stage of the disease shows good results, allowing you to quickly eliminate visual pathological manifestations.
Therapeutic treatment of the initial stage of the disease involves the use, first of all, of external agents, as well as treatment with ultraviolet rays and the use of systemic drugs that actively suppress the inflammatory process.
At an early stage, the disease can be treated with an ointment with salicylic acid and naphthalane oil.Sedatives and antihistamines are also 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.Furthermore, psoriasis cannot be cured without proper nutrition and abandoning bad habits.
Treatment at home
There are many ways to get rid of psoriasis at an early stage 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 the treatment.With the participation of these drugs, compresses are made to relieve the symptoms of psoriasis;
- folk methods involve cleansing the body by taking a decoction of lemon, rose hips, etc.In addition, the use of baths with the addition of 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:
- Avoid skin damage such as scratches on arms and legs, insect bites, burns, etc.
- It is necessary to regularly moisturize the skin with creams and avoid infectious diseases.
- It is advisable to give up alcohol and smoking and only take medications prescribed by your doctor.
The effectiveness of treatment in the early stage of the disease depends on when professional help is sought.Early treatment offers a high probability of preventing the transition of an acute process into a chronic form.