In this article, we consider the initial stage of psoriasis, what are its causes and the mechanism of damage zones. By following our recommendations, you can recognize the symptoms of psoriasis in the initial phase and eliminate them.
Early signs of psoriasis
Patients may have different initial signs of psoriasis. This disease is characterized by an acute onset, the rash occurs for a short time. Primary rash is also called on-call or guard rash.
The initial phase lasts a few weeks. The duration of this stage of the disease depends on the general condition of the body and its protective ability.
The rash consists of papules (pimples) of small size, from pale pink to red, that hang over the skin. They are thick to the touch.
After a while you will find silvery-white shells that are easy to remove. The skin of the affected areas is inflamed, swollen, redness is noticed.
Specialists identify 3 features of psoriasis that distinguish it from other diseases:
| Function | Function |
| Stearin stain. | This 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 weighing. This layer is similar to plastic foil. |
| Blood dew or the Auspitz phenomenon. | Occurrence of blood droplets that violates the integrity of the psoriatic film. |
Rash has different shapes: pointed, capped, coin-shaped, annular, diffuse.
In addition to the rash, the patient is concerned about peeling, redness, itching of varying intensity.
Psoriasis of the elbows
Plaque psoriasis is characteristic of the elbow area. At first, individual red papules appear. Then the skin begins to peel and roughen.
Psoriasis of the legs
First signs: small rash, inflammation and swelling of the skin. Typical localization: knees and feet. Over time, the skin peels, the disease begins to progress.
Psoriasis on the hands
The first papules are located on the extensor part of the joints (on the fingers and in the elbow area). Often the rash occurs on the palms along with the lesions of the feet. Psoriatic arthritis sometimes occurs. It affects joints of different sizes. It is characterized by swelling, redness and deformity of the joint, painful sensations can be disturbed.
Nail Psoriasis
The manifestation of the disease on the nail plate looks like a fungal infection. First, longitudinal grooves and concave dots appear along the edge of the nail. The process approaches the nail root zone over time. The nail became dull and thickened. As the disease progresses, the nail may peel.
Psoriasis on the head
Localization of the rash: frontal part, behind the ears and neck area. Papular rash is accompanied by peeling and itching. Damaged areas are often wet and cracked. The characteristic symptom is "psoriatic crown". It appears when the rash exceeds hair growth.
Psoriasis on the face
The disease rarely affects the front of the head. Localization of the rash: eyelids, nasolabial folds, around the eyes, in the eyebrows, on the cheeks in the form of a fine mesh.
Characteristics of the initial stage of psoriasis in children
To determine if a child has psoriasis, you should first look for redness between the folds of the skin and the appearance of small pimples (papules) at the sites of friction with clothing and irritation. The child becomes restless due to itching and burning.
Need to know! In a baby without the necessary examination, the early stage of psoriasis can be confused with allergic manifestations, diathesis, prickly fever, diaper dermatitis. A characteristic feature of psoriasis is the presence of clear boundaries.
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 severe infection are at risk of psoriasis. Special attention should be paid to children whose parents have psoriasis.
Mechanism of psoriatic plaque formation
Psoriatic spots are areas where an inflammatory reaction occurs and excessive production of keratinocytes (epithelial cells) occurs. In this case, an excessive number of capillaries is created in the dermis. Infiltration (soaking) of damaged skin with lymphocytes and macrophages leads to its thickening and elevation. As a result, pale gray spots appear that look like hardened wax.
Important! The epidermis is usually renewed every 30 days. With psoriasis, the duration of this process is significantly reduced. Cell division, maturation and death in this disease occur in just 5 days. Due to the pathological speed, the communication between the cells is lost.
Causes
Experts identify several provoking factors:
- Hereditary predisposition.It is assumed that a genetic defect occurs in the human body, leading to increased keratinization.
- Immune system disorder,leading to increased lymphocyte (T-cell) production and inflammation. An autoimmune reaction is not excluded - damage to one's own cells and tissues as a result of their perception as foreign.
- Endocrine pathology,metabolic disorders.
- Nervous system disease.
- Excessive psycho-emotional stress, stress.This factor provokes the development of the disease and also contributes to its worsening. During a stressful situation, the body releases hormones and a series of biochemical reactions that lead to the appearance of rashes and scales.
- Alcohol consumption,drugs, smoking tobacco products.
Need to know!Children whose parents have psoriasis have an increased risk of developing the disease.
Diagnosis of the disease
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, it makes a diagnosis. In rare cases, when doubts and difficulties in diagnosis arise, the doctor prescribes additional research methods. These include:
- Skin biopsy- a procedure to take a sample of damaged skin. Helps identify changes at the cellular level.
- Blood test.Helps identify the presence of inflammation and rule out other diseases.
- X-ray of joints.Used exclusively for joint pain to rule out the development of psoriatic arthritis.
- Bacteriological culturefrom the pharynx. It is prescribed to confirm the form of tear-shaped psoriasis and to rule out acute pharyngitis.
- Potassium hydroxide test.Helps eliminate fungal infections.
Treatment of disease
Unfortunately, today there is no way to cure the disease. Therefore, the main goal of therapy is: elimination of symptoms and alleviation of recurrence with increasing remission time (time interval for weakening and disappearance of disease symptoms). Therefore, treatment should be comprehensive and long-term.
After making the diagnosis, determining the stage and severity of the disease, the dermatologist chooses the necessary methods of treatment. Before starting the therapy, the patient's diet and lifestyle are corrected. All possible factors that cause the worsening of the disease are excluded in any case.
In the initial stage, the doctor may prescribe:
| Drug group | Drug Name | Expected effects and characteristics of treatment. |
| Keratolytics | Betamethasone. | Improves exfoliation. |
| Vitamins | Vitamin D3 or A derivatives | Improves the general condition of the body and skin. |
| Local non-hormonal preparations with anti-inflammatory action | Clemastine, Promethazine hydrochloride. | Remove inflammation, redness, swelling. |
| Fat Tar | Tar Charcoal Oil Extract | Improves healing. |
| Solidol-containing products | It has a positive effect on healing, removes itching. | |
| Salicylic acid fats | Salicylic acid | Accelerates healing and promotes crust formation. |
Do not use aggressive medications at first. Medicines should be for external use, the doctor prescribes oral administration in case of severe course of the disease.
In addition to drug treatment, specialists also prescribe physiotherapy procedures:
- UFOs (ultraviolet radiation).
- Baths: paraffin, radon, sulfide.
- Hirudotherapy.
Traditional methods of treatment
At home it is possible to use folk recipes for treatment. It should be carried out only in conjunction with the main treatment prescribed by a dermatologist and only after consulting a doctor.
There are many recipes aimed at improving the general condition of the body, as well as local remedies to eliminate external manifestations of the disease. String, flaxseed oil, celandine ointment, calendula have a good effect.
Let's look at the most popular recipes for alternative treatment:
Ointment for psoriasis
Ingredients:
- Our Lady's Grass - 20
- Celandine (root plant) - 20 g.
- Propolis - 20g.
- Neven -10 years
- Vegetable oil - 10 g.
How to cook:Mash all the plants until smooth. Then add the vegetable oil and mix thoroughly. Store in a cool and dark place.
How to use:Lubricate the affected skin 2-3 times a day.
Result:vegetable ointment will help eliminate inflammation.
Egg ointment
Ingredients:
- Chicken eggs - 2 pcs.
- Sunflower oil - 1 tbsp.
- Acetic acid - 40 g.
How to cook:Whisk 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:effective remedy removes the initial signs of psoriasis - reduces swelling, redness and helps fade the rash.
Herbal decoction
Ingredients:
- Buckthorn - 10 years
- Flowers of darkness - 10 g.
- Chamomile flowers - 15 g.
- Vodka - 50 g.
- Burdock oil - 10 g.
- Water - 1 cup.
How to cook:chop all the plants. Then pour boiling water and cook for 5 minutes. After that, leave the soup to infuse for 40 minutes. Then strain it and add vodka, burdock oil and mix well.
How to use:Bring the soup inside once a day. To do this, dilute the product - 3 drops to 0, 3 cups of warm boiled water. Diluted broth - 1 tbsp. l For the same amount of water, rub once a day on the damaged skin.
Result:soup removes rashes and inflammation, if taken orally - it generally has a strengthening effect on the body.
Diet
Proper nutrition is the key to your health. Properly chosen diet will help prevent the worsening of psoriasis. An individual meal is prepared for each patient.
Be sure to exclude from your diet:
- Alcohol and tobacco.
- Coffee.
- Chocolate.
- Smoked meat and spicy foods.
- Preservatives and carbonated drinks.
Also, limit the use of flour products, sweets.
Your food should be complete and meet your energy needs. Nutritionists recommend that you include the following foods in your diet:
- Fermented dairy products.
- Vegetable oils.
- Fresh vegetables and fruits.
- Porridge.
Question-Answer
What solid oil is used for psoriasis?
Medical solidol sold in pharmacies is needed for this purpose. The product is most effective in its pure form without any additives.
Can psoriasis be treated with traditional medicine?
It is possible, but only in combination with traditional methods and after consulting a doctor about it. Salt baths have a good effect (sea salt is used). They help eliminate inflammation of the chamomile or string bath. Itching will help remove the spruce infusion. In the initial stages, rubbing with oatmeal helps to remove flaking.
Is psoriasis contagious?
The answer is no: psoriasis is not contagious. The infectious origin of the disease has been completely refuted.
Does hair fall out from psoriasis?
If psoriasis is not combined with other conditions that cause hair loss, it does not happen. Hair loss is not seen in most patients.
What makes psoriasis worse?
The disease has periods of improvement and worsening. Knowing the factors that make the condition worse will prolong the time when its manifestations will not bother you. There are few possible reasons for the deterioration, so they should be considered and remembered:
- Skin damage and scratches.A very common symptom of psoriasis is itching and burning. Combing damaged areas makes the situation worse.
- Sunbeams.The sun's rays, when exposed to moderate skin, are helpful. But at the same time sunburn can encourage the development of psoriasis.
- Stress.Some patients report that psoriasis worsens after nervous tension.
- Various infections.They disrupt the body's defense system, weakening it.
- Diet.A healthy and proper diet is essential for the treatment of the disease. But if it is violated, patients notice a worsening of their condition. Especially if you consume alcohol and smoke unlimited amounts of tobacco.
Can I remove the scale myself?
No way! You cannot remove the scale yourself. This can cause worsening and discomfort.
What to remember
- Psoriasis is a chronic disease with periods of improvement and worsening.
- There is currently no cure for the disease. Treatment consists of relieving symptoms and increasing the period of remission (when the symptoms of psoriasis do not appear).
- The initial stage of the disease is best treated, so if the first signs appear, consult a dermatologist.
- Children whose parents have psoriasis are more likely to develop the disease.