In this article we consider the initial stage of psoriasis, what are its causes and the mechanism of formation of damaged areas. By following our recommendations, you can recognize the symptoms of psoriasis at an early stage and eliminate them.
First signs of psoriasis
Patients may have different initial signs of psoriasis. This disease is characterized by an acute onset, skin rashes occur for a short period of time. The primary rash is also called a duty or guard rash.
The initial stage lasts several weeks. The duration of this phase of the disease depends on the general condition of the body and its protective capacity.
The rash consists of pale pink to red papules (pimples) that rise above the skin. They are dense to the touch.
After a while, you can find whitish silver scales that are easy to remove. The skin of the affected areas is inflamed, swollen and red.
Experts identify 3 characteristics of psoriasis that distinguish it from other diseases:
| Resource | Resource |
| Stearin staining. | It is a plate, whose scraping is accompanied by the appearance of small scales. |
| Psoriatic film. | The last layer that can be removed from the skin after the scales. This layer is similar to plastic film. |
| Dew on the blood or Auspitz phenomenon. | Drop of blood in violation of the integrity of the psoriatic film. |
Rashes have different shapes: spot, drop-shaped, coin-shaped, ring-shaped, diffuse.
In addition to the rash, the patient is concerned with flaking, redness, itching of varying intensity.
Psoriasis on the elbows
The elbow area is characterized by a form of psoriasis plaque. At first, unique red papules appear. Then the skin starts to peel and get rough.
Psoriasis on the legs
First signs: a small rash, inflammation and swelling of the skin. Typical location: knees and feet. Over time, the skin peels and the disease begins to progress.
Psoriasis on the hands
The first papules are found in the extensor part of the joints (in the fingers and in the elbow area). Skin rashes often occur on the palms of the hands, along with injuries to the feet. Psoriatic arthritis sometimes occurs. Affects joints of various sizes. It is characterized by swelling, redness and deformation of the joint, which can disturb painful sensations.
Psoriasis on the nails
The manifestation of the disease in the nail plate looks like a fungal infection. First, longitudinal grooves and recessed spots appear along the edge of the nail. The process approaches the root area of the nail over time. The nail dulls and thickens. As the disease progresses, the nail may peel off.
Psoriasis on the head
Location of the rash: front, behind the ears and neck area. Papular rashes are accompanied by flaking and itching. Damaged areas are often moist and cracked. The characteristic symptom is the "psoriatic crown". It occurs when the rash exceeds hair growth.
Psoriasis on the face
The disease rarely affects the front of the head. Rash location: eyelids, nasolabial folds, around the eyes, on the eyebrows, on the cheeks in the form of a fine mesh.
Characteristics of early psoriasis in children
To determine if a child has psoriasis, the first thing to watch for is redness between the folds of the skin and the appearance of small pimples (papules) in places of friction with clothing and irritation. The child is restless due to the itching and burning.
You need to know! In babies without the necessary examination, the initial stage of psoriasis can be confused with allergic manifestations, diathesis, itching, diaper dermatitis. A distinctive feature of psoriasis is the presence of a clear border.
It should be noted that congenital psoriasis in children is characterized by more pronounced clinical manifestations from the moment of birth.
Children with weak immunity after a serious infection are at risk for psoriasis. Particular attention should be paid to children whose parents have psoriasis.
The mechanism of psoriatic plaque formation
Psoriasis patches are areas where an inflammatory reaction occurs and keratinocytes (epithelial cells) overformation. In this case, an excessive number of capillaries is formed in the dermis. The infiltration (soaking) of damaged skin with lymphocytes and macrophages leads to its thickening and elevation. As a result, light gray spots are formed and look like hardened wax.
Important! Normally, the epidermis is renewed every 30 days. In psoriasis, the duration of this process is significantly reduced. Cell division, maturation and death in this disease occur in just 5 days. Due to pathological speed, communication between cells is lost.
Causes of the occurrence
Experts identify several provocative 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 excluded - damage to the cells and tissues themselves as a result of their perception as foreign.
- Endocrine pathology,metabolic disorders.
- Disease of the nervous system.
- Excessive psycho-emotional stress, stress.This factor provokes 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.
- Drinking alcohol,drugs, smoking tobacco products.
You need to know!Children whose parents have psoriasis are at increased risk of developing the disease.
Diagnosis of diseases
If you suspect you have psoriasis, see your dermatologist. As a rule, after an external examination and assessment of the condition of the damaged areas of the skin, he establishes a diagnosis. In rare cases, if doubts and difficulties in diagnosis arise, the doctor prescribes additional research methods. This includes:
- Skin biopsy- procedure for taking a sample of damaged skin. Helps to identify changes at the cellular level.
- Blood test.Helps to identify the presence of inflammation and exclude other diseases.
- X-ray of the joints.It is used exclusively for joint pain in order to exclude the development of psoriatic arthritis.
- Bacteriological cultureof the pharynx. It is prescribed to confirm teardrop psoriasis and to exclude acute pharyngitis.
- Potassium hydroxide test.Helps to eliminate fungal infection.
Treatment of the disease
Unfortunately, there is no way to cure the disease today. Therefore, the main objective of therapy is to eliminate symptoms and interrupt relapses by increasing the time of remission (time interval for the weakening and disappearance of symptoms of the disease). Therefore, treatment must be comprehensive and long-term.
After making a diagnosis, determining the stage and severity of the disease, the dermatologist chooses the necessary treatment methods. Before starting therapy, the patient's diet and lifestyle are adjusted. All possible factors that cause an exacerbation of the disease are excluded without fail.
In the initial phase, the doctor may prescribe:
| Medicines group | Name of medicines | Expected effects and characteristics of the treatment. |
| Keratolytics | Betamethasone. | Improves 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. | Eliminate inflammation, redness and swelling. |
| Tar polishes | Coal tar oil extract | Improves healing. |
| Means containing solidol | Has a positive effect on healing, eliminates itching. | |
| Salicylic acid ointments | Salicylic acid | Accelerates healing and promotes the formation of crusts. |
In the initial phase, do not use aggressive medications. The drugs must be for external use, the doctor prescribes them for oral administration in case of severe disease.
In addition to drug treatment, specialists prescribe physiotherapy procedures:
- UFO (ultraviolet radiation).
- Baths: paraffin, radon, sulfide.
- Hirudotherapy.
Traditional methods of treatment
At home it is possible to use popular recipes for treatment. It should be performed exclusively in conjunction with the basic treatment prescribed by a dermatologist and only after consulting a doctor.
There are many recipes designed to improve the general condition of the body, as well as topical agents to eliminate the external manifestations of the disease. A series of linseed oil, celandine, marigold ointment has a good effect.
Consider the most popular recipes for alternative treatments:
Ointment for psoriasis
Ingredients:
- St. John's wort - 20
- Celandine (root herb) - 20 g.
- Propolis - 20g.
- Marigold -10 years
- Vegetable oil - 10 g.
How to cook:Knead all the plants until they are homogeneous. Then add vegetable oil and mix well. Store in a cool, dark place.
How to use:Lubricate the affected skin 2-3 times a day.
Result:the herbal ointment helps to eliminate inflammation.
Egg ointment
Ingredients:
- Chicken eggs - 2 pcs.
- Sunflower oil - 1 tablespoon
- 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 at night.
Result:an effective remedy eliminates the initial signs of psoriasis - reduces swelling, redness and helps to alleviate the rash.
Decoction of herbs
Ingredients:
- Buckthorn - 10 years
- Tansy Flowers - 10 years
- Chamomile flowers - 15 g.
- Vodka - 50 g. Sea buckthorn oil - 10 g.
- Water - 1 cup.
How to cook:chop all the plants. Then pour boiling water and boil for 5 minutes. Then, let the broth steep for 40 minutes. Then strain and add vodka, sea buckthorn oil and mix well.
How to use:Bring the broth inside once a day. To do this, dilute the product - 3 drops to 0, 3 cups of warm boiled water. Diluted broth - 1 tablespoon. l for the same amount of water, rub once a day on damaged skin.
Result:the broth eliminates skin rashes and inflammation when taken orally - has a general body-strengthening effect.
Diet
Proper nutrition is the key to your health. A well-selected diet will help prevent exacerbation of psoriasis. An individual meal is prepared for each patient.
Make 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 and candy products.
Your food must be complete and meet your energy needs. Nutritionists recommend including the following foods in your diet:
- Fermented dairy products.
- Vegetable oils.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Porridge.
Question-answer
What grease is used for psoriasis?
This requires a medical solidol, which is sold in pharmacies. The agent is most effective in its pure form, without any additives.
Can psoriasis be treated with traditional medicines?
It is possible, but only in combination with traditional methods and after consulting a doctor on the subject. Salt baths have a good effect (sea salt is used). They help to eliminate the inflammation of the chamomile or wire bath. The itch will help to eliminate the juniper infusion. In the early stages, rubbing with oatmeal helps to eliminate flaking.
Is psoriasis contagious?
The answer is no: psoriasis is not contagious. The infectious origin of the disease has been completely refuted.
Does psoriasis hair fall out?
If psoriasis is not combined with other conditions that cause hair loss, it will not happen. In most patients, hair loss is not seen.
What makes psoriasis worse?
The disease shows periods of improvement and exacerbation. Knowing the factors that aggravate the condition will increase the time when you will not be disturbed by its manifestations. There are a few possible reasons for the deterioration, so they must be considered and remembered:
- Damage and scratches on the skin.A very common symptom in psoriasis is itching and burning. Combing damaged areas worsens the situation.
- Sunbeams.The sun's rays, when exposed to moderate skin, are beneficial. But at the same time, tanning can trigger the development of psoriasis.
- Tension.Some patients indicate that, after nervous tension, the manifestations of psoriasis worsen.
- Various infections.They disrupt the body's defense system, weakening it.
- Diet.A healthy and correct diet is essential to treat the disease. But if it is violated, patients notice a worsening of their condition. Especially if you consume alcohol and smoke an unlimited amount of tobacco.
Can I remove the scales myself?
No way! You cannot remove the scales alone. This can cause irritation and discomfort.
What to remember
- Psoriasis is a chronic disease with periods of improvement and exacerbation.
- Currently there is no cure for the disease. Treatment consists of relieving symptoms and increasing remission periods (when the symptoms of psoriasis do not appear).
- The initial stage of the disease is best treated, so if the first signs appear, see a dermatologist.
- Children whose parents have psoriasis are more likely to develop the disease.