Psoriasis, whose initial stage can occur under a certain combination of factors, manifests itself in the form of reddish plaques with well-defined limits.Subsequently, they are covered with silvery-white scales, merging with each other.Typically, plaques are found on 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 from 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 psoriasis development, adequately assessing the initial 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 look like.
Early on, single papules appear, which can range from a few mm to 2 to 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, moist skin after scale removal);
- “blood dew” (with further removal of the terminal film, small dew-like drops of blood appear on the surface of the skin).
The initial phase of the disease is characterized by the appearance of psoriatic lesions in places most frequently subject to trauma of any nature.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 increase in size and merge into psoriatic plaques, which can cover large areas of the body.
Psoriasis can appear anywhere.The most dangerous rashes occur on the face, but this early-stage form develops very rarely.
Characteristic places of localization of the disease in the initial stage
The most common rashes seen are:
Legs. The initial stage of psoriasis on the legs develops from small, single rashes, located 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 intense scaling.In this case, roughness of the skin on the elbows is observed (photo).Additionally, rashes on the elbows can be symmetrical.
Head. Symptoms typically 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.Often, psoriasis on the scalp is characterized by moist scales.
Nails. On the hands and nails, psoriatic manifestations resemble a fungal infection.First, longitudinal stripes (dots) appear at the very edge of the nails (in the photo), and then spread towards the root 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 occurs very rarely on the face, as this form of psoriasis is considered atypical.Hyperemic papules appear in the eyelid region, nasolabial folds, near the eyes and eyebrows (photo).In rare cases, a rash on the face appears 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 intense itching.Subsequently, epithelium and plaques appear in the upper part of the nodule.
Hands. The symptoms of psoriasis on the hands appear suddenly, appearing in the form of a small rash (photo), which many patients mistake for an allergy.And only when dry, gray scales appear on the arms, palms and elbows do patients seek help from a dermatologist.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 most often located between the fingers, which is explained by the more favorable environment in this location.The backs of the hands are affected much less frequently.When psoriatic spots appear on the fingertips, 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 babies.The initial stage of psoriasis in children, unlike adult patients, is mild and develops slowly.
The first signs of psoriasis appear more frequently in children under 2 years of age, which is associated with inadequate care and nutrition, which can cause skin irritation.The first rashes appear, as a rule, on the arms, elbows, in the folds of the skin (photo) of the legs and buttocks, caused by contact irritation (diapers, diapers, etc.).
The initial symptoms of psoriasis must be differentiated from diaper dermatitis in babies.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 staphylococcal infections.
Important!A child can develop any form of psoriasis, with the exception of guttate psoriasis, which only affects adult patients.
Treatment of the initial stage of psoriasis
To get rid of negative manifestations, you can use traditional medicine and home therapy.Treatment of the initial stage of the disease shows good results, allowing visual pathological manifestations to be quickly eliminated.
Therapeutic treatment of the initial stage of the disease involves the use, first of all, of external agents, as well as ultraviolet treatment and the use of systemic drugs that actively suppress the inflammatory process.
At an early stage, the disease can be treated with an ointment made of salicylic acid and naphthalene oil.Additionally, sedatives and antihistamines are 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 treated without proper nutrition and giving up bad habits.
Home treatment
There are many ways to get rid of psoriasis early at home. This treatment mainly aims to strengthen the immune system and alleviate the inflammatory process.
- Honey and products containing it, oak bark, pine needles, chamomile, etc.are actively used in treatment.With the participation of these medications, compresses are made to relieve psoriatic symptoms;
- folk methods involve cleansing the body with a decoction of lemon, rosehip, 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, some preventive measures must be followed to minimize the symptoms of psoriasis:
- Skin damage such as scratches on arms and legs, insect bites, burns, etc. should be avoided.
- It is necessary to regularly moisturize the skin with creams and avoid infectious diseases.
- It is recommended to give up alcohol and smoking and only take medications prescribed by your doctor.
The effectiveness of treatment in the initial phase of the disease depends on when professional help is sought.Early treatment provides a high probability of preventing the transition of an acute process to a chronic form.