Psoriasis: photo of the initial stage, symptoms and treatment

Psoriasis is a long-term chronic skin disease.

Reasons for developing the disease

Psoriasis occurs due to skin cell pathology, when the upper layer of the skin dies within 4-5 days, while this time interval is usually several weeks. The causes of the disease are not fully understood, but doctors identify several factors that provoke the disease:

• Hereditary predisposition - the disease manifests itself in youth, starting at age 15, and is more often inherited. If one parent is diagnosed with psoriasis, the child has more than a 50% chance of getting sick.
• Autoimmune conflict - with this type of disorder, the body's immune cells stop recognizing skin cells as part of the body, starting to attack them as foreign elements.
• Nervous shocks - contribute to the release of hormones into the bloodstream, which leads to metabolic disorders and provokes the development of the disease.
• Disorders of hormonal balance and metabolism.

Psoriasis is not contagious because there are no infectious agents that can be transmitted.

Symptoms of psoriasis

The main symptoms of the disease are characteristic skin rashes, mainly affecting the inner surface of the elbow and knee joints, as well as those areas of the skin that are exposed to frequent friction friction.

A rash along the edge of the scalp and other less typical localizations may also occur.

Skin rashes appear as patches covered with grayish or white scales. Skin rash in psoriasis has three characteristic features:

1. Stearin stain symptom:Whitish scales peel easily and look like crumbs of wax candles.
2. Finishing film- after removing the scales under them you can see a whitish film covering the surface of the stain.
3. Bleeding on the spot- when scratching the spot, the final film is removed, the skin papillae on which small drops of blood protrude are damaged.

In the early stage, a pale edge forms around the papule, and at this stage it does not peel. Paleness around the site is the body’s vascular response to epidermal rejection. The disease is accompanied by severe itching of the skin; scratches on the skin cause cracks and minor bleeding. A secondary infection that penetrates the damaged skin may join.

In addition to the skin, psoriasis also affects the nails, causing brittle nail plates, the appearance of a transverse pattern and sunken areas.

Autoimmune conflict can affect the joints, causing arthritic pain, especially in the finger joints.

Types of psoriasis

Psoriasis of the first type occurs in people under the age of 30, it is an inherited disease that mainly affects the skin and has a typical localization.

Type 2 psoriasis affects people over the age of forty and is not hereditary. It more often affects the nail plates and the scalp, the rash is small and has the shape of a tear. The disease in elderly patients is a consequence of reduced immunity in the background of chronic infectious diseases and improper lifestyle.

Clinical studies have confirmed a link between type 2 psoriasis and alcohol and unhealthy food abuse.

Forms of psoriasis

Psoriasis has several forms of varying severity:

1. Plaque psoriasis- characteristic papules appear on the skin followed by itching and dandruff.
2. Pustular formis ​​characterized by the appearance of blisters, redness of the skin around them, severe itching and burning, is considered a moderate form of the disease.
3. Erythrodermais ​​characterized by massive skin lesions, accompanied by leakage and discharge of large layers of epidermis, it is particularly difficult to tolerate, often accompanied by pustular lesions and fungal infection.

Stages of psoriasis

The disease develops in several stages:

1. The initial phasesignals the onset of the disease, during which time one, rarely several pale spots appear, the skin begins to peel.
2. The active phaseis ​​accompanied by severe symptoms, profuse discharge of skin flakes, itching and inflammation.
3. Stationary phase- indicates remission, peeling in this phase practically stops, instead of spots there is pigmentation or pale areas of pseudoatrophy.

Diagnosis of psoriasis

To make a diagnosis, you must consult a dermatologist. The pathology has a clear clinical picture, confirmed by the anamnesis and biopsy of skin elements with their subsequent study.

Treatment of psoriasis

Treatment of the disease should be approached comprehensively, at the same time stopping the external symptoms and influencing the possible cause of the disease.

Drug Therapy

In severe cases, measures are taken to reduce the body's immune attack on its own cells:

• Cytostatics;
antihistamines;
• Corticosteroid hormones;
• Enterosorbents and hepatoprotectors are used to restore metabolism.

At the same time, measures are taken to saturate the body with the necessary vitamins and microelements:

• Silicon is one of the important trace elements responsible for hormone balance and skin health.
• Calcium and vitamin D3 are necessary for the disease to lead to remission. Prescribed together to increase calcium absorption.

Local Remedies

External agents in the form of ointments and creams are used to protect the skin:

• Glucocorticoids, which reduce the immune response, also reduce the symptoms of inflammation, relieve itching and swelling of the skin.
• Salicylic acid and herbal products are essential for moisturizing the skin and protecting it from secondary infections.
• Local cytostatics are used only in the active phase of the disease with its severe course.

Procedure

In order to speed up the healing process, physiological procedures are prescribed:

• Cryotherapy;
• UV radiation;
• Laser processing.

If necessary, plasmapheresis is performed to purify blood plasma and stabilize cells.

Prevention

If a predisposition to the disease is identified, a number of preventive measures should be taken:

• Live a healthy lifestyle, quit smoking and drink alcohol;
• Build a daily routine, avoid stress, rationally approach the organization of work schedule;
• Follow a diet, avoid excessive amounts of carbohydrates, spices and fatty foods. It is advisable to avoid preservatives and instant foods;
• Spend enough time outdoors;
• Use soap and shampoo with a specially selected pH value, do not use hard cloths and towels, dry your skin thoroughly after showering;
• Wear clothing made of natural materials that are not too close to the body;
• Periodically undergo a medical examination, monitor your blood hormone levels and, if necessary, start early treatment.

Such measures will help maintain healthy skin and significantly improve the quality of life.