Psoriasis is a disease whose mechanisms of occurrence are not yet fully understood.However, it has been precisely established that a series 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.This is how a psoriatic plaque begins to form - an itchy formation covered with whitish scales (the same cells whose life cycle turned out to be very short).
An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a dermatologist after an examination, but knowledge of the features 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 be preceded by severe stress or hormonal imbalance.A small red spot the size of a pinhead appears on the skin.Gradually, the surface of the altered skin rises - this is a papule;silvery scales of keratinized skin are visible on it.The papules come together in plaques, the skin is very itchy and, when scratched, becomes moist due to injuries in the superficial layer.
- Stationary.After a certain time, the pathological process stops.No new spots and papules appear;the existing plaques are covered by 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.At this stage, the reduction and disappearance of plaques is noticeable, the skin acquires a tone close to normal.The peeling and itching disappear.After the resorption of the pathological elements, ring-shaped pigmented patterns remain on the skin, which is due to the uneven disappearance of the plaques in the central part.After a few weeks, the last traces of spots and papules disappear, only light spots of depigmentation resemble psoriasis.
The duration of the described steps may vary for each patient.The regressive stage does not indicate recovery - the exacerbation can begin unpredictably and suddenly.
How to recognize psoriasis at an early stage?
Therapeutic measures for psoriasis provide the best effect 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 testing.However, the patient himself can suspect this pathology if he pays enough 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;silvery scales easily peel off the surface of the skin;
- after removing the scales, there is slightly damp skin with blood stains (a symptom of pinpoint bleeding);
- later, small indentations often appear in the nails, as if made by the tip of a needle.
Psoriasis can easily be confused with various types of lichen, dermatitis and eczema, so at the first changes in the skin 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 peeling, restores the skin's barrier function and prevents infections.