Psoriasis: photos of the initial stage, symptoms and treatment

Psoriasis is a long-term chronic skin disease.

The reasons for the development of the disease

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

• Hereditary predisposition: the disease occurs at a young age, starting from 15 years, and is more often hereditary. If one of the parents has been 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 - promotes the release of hormones into the bloodstream, which leads to metabolic disorders and provokes the development of the disease.
• Disruption of hormonal balance and metabolism.

Psoriasis is not contagious, as there are no infectious agents that can be transmitted.

Symptoms of psoriasis

The main symptoms of the disease are characteristic rashes on the skin, which mainly affect the inner surface of the elbow and knee joints, as well as those areas of the skin that are subject to frequent frictional trauma.

Rashes along the edge of the scalp and other less typical sites may also be observed.

The rashes appear as patches covered with grayish or white scales. Skin rashes in psoriasis have three characteristic features:

1. Stearin stain:The whitish scales peel off easily, resembling candle wax crumbs.
2. End film- after the scales have been removed, a whitish film can be seen underneath them covering the surface of the spot.
3. Bloody spot- when scratching the spot, 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 border forms around the papule, no desquamation 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 scratched, cracks and minor bleeding form on the skin. A secondary infection can join, penetrating through the damaged skin.

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

Autoimmune impingement can affect the joints, causing pain similar to arthritis, especially in the joints of the fingers.

Types of psoriasis

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

Type 2 psoriasis affects people over the age of forty and is not hereditary. Most often it affects the nails and 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 abuse of unhealthy food.

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 blisters, redness of the surrounding skin, severe itching and burning, it is considered a moderate form of the disease.
3. The erythrodermais ​​characterized by massive skin lesions, accompanied by oozing and secretion of large layers of the epidermis, it 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 one, less often several pale spots appear, the skin begins to peel off.
2. The active stageis ​​accompanied by severe symptoms, profuse secretion of skin scales, itching and inflammation.
3. Stationary phase- indicates remission, peeling at this stage practically stops, instead of a spot, pigmentation or pale areas of pseudoatrophy are formed.

Psoriasis diagnostics

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

Treatment of psoriasis

Treatment of the disease must be approached comprehensively, while at the same time stopping the external symptoms and influencing the possible cause of the disease.

Drug therapy

In severe cases, measures are taken to reduce the body's immune attack on 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.

Local remedies

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

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

Procedure

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

• Cryotherapy;
• UV irradiation;
• Laser processing.

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:

• Lead a healthy lifestyle, stop smoking and alcohol;
• Build a daily routine, avoid stress, rationally approach organizing a work schedule;
• Follow a diet, give up excessive amounts of carbohydrates, spices and fatty foods. It is advisable to avoid preservatives and instant foods;
• Spend enough time outdoors;
• Use soap and shampoo with a specially selected pH value, do not use hard wipes and towels, dry the skin thoroughly after showering;
• Wear clothes made of natural materials that are not too close to the body;
• Periodically undergo a medical examination, check the level of hormones in your blood and if necessary start early treatment.

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