In this article, we examine the initial stage of psoriasis, its causes, and the mechanism of damage zone formation. By following our recommendations, you can recognize the symptoms of psoriasis at an early stage and eliminate them.
Early signs of psoriasis
Patients may have different initial signs of psoriasis. This disease is characterized by an acute appearance, with rashes occurring for a short time. The primary rash is also called a service or guard rash.
The initial phase lasts for several weeks. The duration of this stage of the disease depends on the general condition and defenses of the body.
The rash consists of pale pink or red papules (pimples) that rise above the skin. They are thick to the touch.
After a while, you'll find silvery-white scales that are easy to remove. The skin of the affected areas is inflamed, swollen, and redness is observed.
Experts identify 3 characteristics of psoriasis that distinguish it from other diseases:
| Feature | Feature |
| stearinfol. | This is a plaque scraped with the appearance of a small scale. |
| Psoriatic film. | The last layer that can be removed from the skin after the scales. This layer is similar to a plastic cover. |
| Blood dew or Auspitz phenomenon. | The appearance of blood droplets in violation of the integrity of the psoriasis film. |
Rashes come in different forms: pointed, drop-shaped, coin-shaped, annular, diffuse.
In addition to the rash, the patient is worried about peeling, redness, and itching of varying intensity.
Elbow psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is characteristic of the elbow zone. At first, only red papules appear. The skin then begins to peel and become rough.
Psoriasis of the legs
First signs: small rash, inflammation and swelling of the skin. Typical localization: knees and feet. Over time, the skin peels off and the disease begins to progress.
Psoriasis of the hands
The first papules are located on the stretching part of the joints (fingers and elbows). Quite often rashes occur on the palm along with changes in the foot. Occasionally, arthritis of psoriasis occurs. It affects joints of different sizes. It is characterized by swelling, redness and deformity of the joint, painful feelings can interfere.
Psoriasis on the nails
Manifestation of the disease on the nail plate appears to be a fungal infection. First, longitudinal grooves and depressed points appear along the edge of the nail. The process gets closer to the root zone of the nail over time. The nail becomes dull and thickens. As the disease progresses, the nail may come off.
Psoriasis on the head
Localization of the rash: frontal area, behind the ear and around the neck. Papular eruptions are accompanied by peeling and itching. Damaged areas are often wet and cracked. The characteristic symptom is the "psoriasis crown". Occurs when the rash exceeds hair growth.
Psoriasis of 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 face in the form of a fine mesh.
Characteristics of the initial stages of psoriasis in children
To determine if your child has psoriasis, you should first look for redness between the folds of skin and the appearance of small pimples (papules) at the friction points associated with clothing and irritation. The child becomes restless due to itching and burning.
You need to know! In infants, without the necessary examination, the early stage of psoriasis can be confused with allergic manifestations, diathesis, prickly heat, diaper dermatitis. The distinguishing feature of psoriasis is the presence of a clear border.
It should be noted that congenital psoriasis in children is characterized by more pronounced clinical manifestations from birth.
Children with weak immunity after a severe infection are at risk for psoriasis. Particular attention should be paid to children whose parents suffer from psoriasis.
Mechanism of psoriasis plaque formation
Psoriasis spots are areas where an inflammatory reaction occurs and excessive formation of keratinocytes (epithelial cells) occurs. In this case, too many capillaries are formed in the dermis. Infiltration (soaking) of damaged skin with lymphocytes and macrophages leads to thickening and elevation. This results in pale gray spots that resemble hardened wax.
Important! Normally, the epidermis is renewed every 30 days. In 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 abnormal rate, communication between cells is interrupted.
Causes of Occurrence
Experts identify a number of provocative factors:
- Hereditary predisposition.We hypothesize that a genetic disorder occurs in the human body that leads to increased keratinization.
- Disruption of the immune systemleads to increased production of lymphocytes (T cells) and inflammation. An autoimmune reaction is not ruled out - damage to your own cells and tissues as a result of being perceived as a stranger.
- Endocrine pathology,metabolic disorders.
- A disease of the nervous system.
- Excessive psycho-emotional stress, stress.This factor provokes the development of the disease and also contributes to the aggravation of the disease. In a stressful situation, the body releases hormones and a number of biochemical reactions that lead to the appearance of rashes and scales.
- Consumption of alcohol, drugs, smoking products.
You need to know!Children whose parents suffer from psoriasis have an increased risk of developing the disease.
Disease Diagnostics
If you suspect you have psoriasis, consult your dermatologist. As a general rule, make an diagnosis after an external examination and assessment of the condition of the damaged skin surfaces. In rare cases where doubts and difficulties arise in the diagnosis, the physician prescribes additional research methods. These are:
- Skin Biopsy- a procedure for sampling damaged skin. It helps identify changes at the cellular level.
- Blood test.Helps detect the presence of inflammation and rule out other diseases.
- X-ray of the joints.Used only for joint pain to rule out arthritis in psoriasis.
- Bacteriological culturefrom the pharynx. It is prescribed to strengthen the teardrop shape of psoriasis and to rule out acute pharyngitis.
- Potassium hydroxide test.Helps eliminate fungal infections.
Disease Management
Unfortunately, there is no way to cure the disease these days. Therefore, the main goal of therapy is to eliminate symptoms and stop relapses by increasing the time of remission (the time interval required for the symptoms of the disease to weaken and disappear). Therefore, treatment should be comprehensive and long-term.
After making the diagnosis, determining the stage and severity of the disease, the dermatologist selects the necessary treatment methods. The patient's diet and lifestyle are adjusted before starting therapy. All possible factors causing the exacerbation of the disease are ruled out without failure.
In the initial phase, your doctor may prescribe:
| Drug Group | Medication Name | Expected effects and treatment characteristics. |
| Keratolytics | Betamethasone. | Improves exfoliation. |
| Vitamins | Derivatives of vitamin D3 or A. | Improves the overall condition of the body and skin. |
| Topical non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs | Clemastine, Promethazine hydrochloride. | Remove inflammation, redness, swelling. |
| Tar Ointments | Coal Tar Oil Extract | Improves healing. |
| Consolidated devices | Has a positive effect on healing, eliminates itching. | |
| Salicylic acid ointments | Salicylic acid | Accelerates healing and promotes crust formation. |
Do not use aggressive drugs in the initial phase. Medicines should be for external use, the doctor prescribes oral administration in case of severe illness.
In addition to medication, specialists prescribe physiotherapy procedures:
- UFO (ultraviolet radiation).
- Baths: paraffin, radon, sulfide.
- Hirudotherapy.
Traditional treatment methods
It is possible to treat folk recipes at home. It should only be performed in conjunction with the basic treatment prescribed by your dermatologist and only after consulting a doctor.
There are a number of recipes designed to improve the general condition of the body as well as topical medications to eliminate the external manifestations of the disease. String, flaxseed oil, celandine, calendula ointment have a good effect.
Consider the most popular recipes for alternative treatment:
Ointment for psoriasis
Ingredients:
- St. John's wort - 20 Celandine (root plant) - 20 g.
- Propolis - 20 g.
- Marigold -10 years
- Vegetable oil - 10 g.
Method of cooking:All the plants are pureed. Then add vegetable oil and mix thoroughly. Store in a cool, dark place.
How to use:Lubricate the affected skin 2-3 times a day.
Result:herbal ointment helps eliminate inflammation.
Egg ointment
Ingredients:
- Chicken eggs - 2 pcs.
- Sunflower oil - 1 tablespoon acetic acid - 40 g.
Method of cooking:Whisk the eggs and butter. Then add acetic acid to the resulting mass and mix thoroughly.
How to use:Apply to affected skin once a night.
Result:Effective treatment eliminates the initial signs of psoriasis - reduces swelling, redness and helps the rash to fade.
Herbal decoction
Ingredients:
- Sea buckthorn - 10 years
- Tansy flowers - 10 years
- Chamomile flower - 15 g.
- Vodka - 50 g.
- Sea buckthorn oil - 10 g.
- Water - 1 glass.
How to cook:chop up all the plants. Then pour boiling water and boil for 5 minutes. Then leave the broth in the infusion for 40 minutes. Then strain, add vodka, sea buckthorn oil and mix thoroughly.
How to use:Take broth once a day. To do this, dilute the product - 3 drops / 0, 3 cups of warm boiled water. Diluted broth - 1 tbsp. l To the same amount of water, rub the damaged skin once a day.
Result:Broth eliminates rashes and inflammation when taken orally - it has a general strengthening effect on the body.
Diet
Proper nutrition is the key to your health. Properly chosen diet will help prevent the exacerbation of psoriasis. A separate meal is prepared for each patient.
Remember to exclude from your diet:
- Alcohol and tobacco products.
- Coffee.
- Chocolate.
- Smoked meats and spicy foods.
- Preservatives and carbonated drinks.
It also restricts the use of flour products and sweets.
Your food should be whole and meet your energy needs. Nutritionists recommend that the following foods be included in your diet:
- Fermented dairy products.
- Vegetable oils.
- Fresh vegetables and fruits.
- Porridge.
Question and Answer
What solid oil is used in psoriasis?
This requires a medical solid that is sold in pharmacies. The drug in its pure form is the most effective, without additives.
Can psoriasis be treated with traditional medicine?
Possible, but only in combination with traditional methods and after consultation with your doctor. Salt baths have a good effect (they use sea salt). They help eliminate inflammation in the chamomile or string bath. Itching helps to eliminate the infusion of juniper. In the initial stage, rubbing with oatmeal will help eliminate peeling.
Is Psoriasis Contagious?
The answer is no: psoriasis is not contagious. The infectious origin of the disease has been completely refuted.
Does psoriasis go away?
If psoriasis is not combined with other diseases that cause hair loss, it will not. No hair loss is observed in most patients.
What makes psoriasis worse?
There are periods of improvement and worsening of the disease. Knowledge of the factors that aggravate the condition increases the time when you are not bothered by its manifestations. There can be few reasons for deterioration, so these should be considered and remembered:
- Skin damage and scratches.Itching and burning are very common symptoms of psoriasis. Combing damaged areas exacerbates the situation.
- Sunbeams.Sunbeams are useful when exposed to moderate skin. But at the same time, sunburn can trigger the development of psoriasis.
- Stress.Some patients report that the manifestations of psoriasis worsen after nervous tension.
- Various infections.They disrupt the body's defense system, weakening it.
- Diet.A healthy and proper diet is essential to treat the disease. But if this is violated, the condition of the patients deteriorates. Especially if you drink alcohol and smoke unlimited amounts.
Can I remove the balance myself?
Of course not! You cannot remove the scale on your own. This can cause aggravation and discomfort.
What to remember
- Psoriasis is a chronic disease with periods of improvement and exacerbation.
- There is currently no cure for the disease. Treatment consists of relieving the symptoms and increasing the duration 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.