Psoriasis is a disease whose mechanisms of origin are still not fully understood.However, it has been precisely determined that a series of malfunctions occur in the immune system, due to which the skin cells begin to divide at a very high speed, without having time to die physiologically.This is how a psoriatic plaque begins to form - a formation that itches and is covered with whitish scales (the same cells whose life cycle turned out to be too short).
An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a dermatologist after an examination, but knowing the characteristics of the stage 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 stages:
- Progressive.The onset of the disease can be sudden and may be preceded by severe stress or hormonal imbalance.A small reddish spot the size of a pinhead appears on the skin.Gradually, the surface of the changed skin rises - this is a papule;silvery scales of keratinized skin are visible on it.The papules merge into plaques, the skin is very itchy, and when scratching, it becomes moist due to damage to the surface layer.
- Stationary.After a certain time, the pathological process stops.No new spots and papules appear;the existing plaques are covered with a gray crust with scales that peel off easily.This period is characterized by the reduction of the inflammatory process, the gradual disappearance of itching, but the symptoms do not disappear completely.
- Regressive.In this phase, the reduction and subsidence of plaques is noticeable, the skin acquires a shade close to normal.Peeling and itching disappear.After the resorption of the pathological elements, pigmented patterns in the form of rings remain on the skin, which is a consequence of the uneven disappearance of plaques from the central part.After a few weeks, the last traces of spots and papules disappear, only mild foci of depigmentation are reminiscent of psoriasis.
The duration of the described stages may vary for each patient.A regressive phase does not indicate recovery - an exacerbation can begin unpredictably and suddenly.
How to recognize psoriasis in the early stages?
Therapeutic measures for psoriasis give the best effect in the early stage, which explains the special importance of accurate diagnosis.Only a dermatologist after examination and testing can determine whether it is psoriasis or another disease.However, the patient himself can suspect this pathology if he pays enough attention to the symptoms that appear.
The following signs are more likely to indicate the development of this disease:
- The first plaques appear on the elbows, knees, hairline or in places where the skin experiences the most friction or contact with clothing;
- the rash is accompanied by strong itching, silvery scales easily peel off the surface of the skin;
- after removing the scales, there is slightly moist skin with blood spots (a symptom of precise bleeding);
- later, small indentations often appear on the nails, as if they were made with the tip of a needle.
Psoriasis can easily be confused with various types of ringworm, dermatitis and eczema, so it is better to consult a dermatologist at the first changes in the skin so that you do not harm yourself with unsuitable products.The prescribed complex treatment suppresses the uncontrolled proliferation of epidermal cells, reduces itching and peeling, restores the skin's protective function and prevents infection.