Despite the unknown etiology of psoriasis and the factors they cause, the stages of their development are well studied.The classification of stage psoriasis facilitates the evaluation of the disease course, helps to identify sensitivity to a particular treatment method and determine patients' tactics.
The stages of psoriasis are classified, depending on the nature of the exacerbation (or activity of the inflammation process) and gravity.
Stages of psoriasis, depending on exacerbation
Psoriasis is a disease that has 3 stages:
- progressive;
- stationary;
- Retrograde;
- remission.
Progressive stage symptoms
This stage is characterized by obvious signs of exacerbation.Several rashes appear on the skin, with the shape of red nodules (papules, tubers) with an oval or rounded shape.They blend and form outbreaks occupying a large area, their surface is actively peeling, the patient at the same time experiences severe skin itching and sometimes a burning sensation.The itching can be tiring and disturb the patient, not only during ordinary life, but even in a dream, wanting to intensify when contacting the clothes.After delaying the scales, the surface can wet and turn into a nutrient medium for the propagation of bacteria.
The main manifestations of the progressive stage are:
- the appearance of papules on the extensor surfaces of the limbs and in the body;
- the fusion of papules in conglomerates ("plates"), having a whitish color;
- peeling of the surface of the conglomerates;
- There are no scales in the edge of the plates, but there is a hyperemic edge;
- The edges of the plates are compacted;
- The presence of a Kebner phenomenon: When mechanical damage (cut, scratch) appears on the uninhabited skin, a new psoriatic plate is formed in its place.
The more intense during the progressive stage the skin redness is, the more active the inflammation process is.The most dangerous consequence of psoriasis is psoriatic arthritis, while severe joint pain occurs as a result the joints are deformed.
Stationary stage symptoms
With the beginning of the stationary stage, there is a gradual attenuation of the exacerbation process.At the same time, the papules are pale, pass in red in pink and new rashes during this period do not appear.The surface of the nodes has the shape of "plates", is dense, covered with a crust, represented by numerous scales of dry skin.The nature of the healing of the papules begins from the center to the periphery.The presence of a stationary stage of psoriasis confirms the effectiveness of treatment.
The main manifestations of this stage are:
- Lack of rash of new papules;
- Existing plates prevent their growth;
- The surface of the plates is covered with scales;
- The red edge disappears around the scaly plates;
- Kebner's phenomenon disappears.
Symptoms of the regression stage
In the regression phase, the process is involution.The "plates" are resolved, forming areas of skin depigmentation.The itching of the skin gradually disappears, the signs of peeling decrease.
Signs of psoriasis regression:
- There is a Voronov edge around the plates (folds visible to the ring located around psoriatic plates);
- gradual reduction and disappearance of peeling;
- In the plates site, depigmentation areas (white or dark) are formed.
In the regression phase, the plates completely disappear, the remains of plates are possible in the area: knees, elbows, abdomen, buttocks.
Remission
Remission is the apparent recovery stage.During remission, psoriasis is in a "dormant" state, but does not disappear from the body.The remission of psoriasis hard until the next exacerbation (progressive stage).
It should be noted that during the exacerbation of psoriasis, the general condition of a person does not change, he will work, is involved in family family issues.Psoriasis brings only an aesthetic and cosmetic defect to a person: the patient's skin scratches a lot, a person cannot wear open clothes, if an exacerbation is observed in summer, a person cannot visit the pool, go to massage, cosmetic procedures, etc.
Stages of psoriasis, depending on the area of the lesion
The severity of psoriasis also depends on the area of skin lesions.Therefore, at a small stage, only 3%of the skin surface is affected, with an average - from 3 to 10%and with one heavy - more than 10%.Psoriasis, which caused joint damage, belongs to a severe degree;In this case, the area of skin lesions is not taken into consideration.You can measure the area of damage to yourself.For this purpose, the open palm rule is used (the skin area corresponding to the area of the human palm is 1% of the entire surface of the body).
Pasi index
The general system for evaluating the severity of psoriasis is evaluated using the PASI index, which includes a prevalence and severity assessment, as well as the severity of the disease manifestation.This indicator is estimated from 0 to 72. At the same time, the lightweight degree of psoriasis has an indicator of less than 10, the average - from 10 to 20, the heavy - more than 20. Using the PASI index, the clinical effectiveness of treatment is also calculated.
In addition to different stages, psoriasis can have different types: seborrheic, exudative, plantar, intertiginous, old, rupoid, stopped, nail psoriasis and mucous membranes.It is impossible to completely cure psoriasis, but you can get a long remission.It is this goal that is pursued by modern treatment methods.