Psoriasis, the initial stage of which can occur with a combination of certain factors, manifests itself in the form of reddish plaques with clear borders.After that, they are covered with silvery-white scales that merge with each other.Plaques are typically found in 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 for a complete cure of psoriasis, however, the symptoms of the disease can be significantly reduced and long-term remission can be achieved if the therapy is started at the initial stage of the development of psoriasis, properly 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.
At the very beginning, some papules appear, which can range from a few mm to 2-5 cm and have the shape of a plaque covered with white scales.When they are scraped off, the characteristic symptom of the psoriasis triad appears:
- "stearin stain" (slight detachment of scales when scraping);
- "final film" (shiny, thin and moist skin after descaling);
- "blood dew" (with further removal of the terminal film, small drops of blood similar to dew appear on the surface of the skin).
The initial stage of the disease is characterized by the appearance of psoriatic lesions in places that are most often exposed to any trauma.Usually these are the elbows, the area of the knees in the place of scratches or scratches.These manifestations are called "Koebner's sign".
At the very beginning, the papular rash spreads linearly, directly at the site of irritation, and can persist for a long time without dynamics.These rashes are called "sentinel" rashes.The rash is very itchy and itchy.
The initial stage lasts several weeks.The papules then enlarge and coalesce into psoriatic plaques that can cover large areas of the body.
Psoriasis can appear anywhere.The most dangerous rashes are on the face, but this form of the initial stage develops very rarely.
Characteristic places of localization of the disease in the initial stage
The most common rashes observed are:
Legs. The initial stage of psoriasis on the legs consists of single, small rashes that are mainly located 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 severe peeling.In this case, the roughness of the skin can be observed on the elbows (pictured).Also, elbow rashes can be symmetrical.
Head. Symptoms often affect the scalp as well as the back of the head and around the ears (pictured).A papular rash on the head is accompanied by itching.Psoriasis on the scalp is quite often characterized by moist scales.
Nails. The manifestations of psoriasis on the hands and nails resemble a fungal infection.First, longitudinal stripes (dots) appear at the very edge of the nails (pictured), then they spread towards the roots of the nail.At the same time, the nail plate begins to thicken and fade.As the symptoms of the disease progress, the nail area completely detaches.
Face. Psoriasis occurs very rarely on the face, as this form of psoriasis is considered atypical.Hyperemic papules appear in the eyelid area, in the nasolabial folds, near the eyes and eyebrows (pictured).In rare cases, rashes appear on the face near the red border of the lips and mucous membranes (cheeks and tongue).
The peculiarity of rashes on the face is associated with sensitive, sensitive skin and a multitude of nerve endings.First, papules (nodules slightly raised above the skin) appear, accompanied by severe itching.After that, epithelium and plaques appear on top of the nodule.
Hands. Psoriasis symptoms appear suddenly on the hands, in the form of a small rash (pictured), which many patients mistake for allergies.And patients turn to a dermatologist for help only when gray, dry scales appear on the arms, palms, and elbows.It is typical that if there is a psoriatic rash on the palms, then similar manifestations can be observed on the legs.Psoriasis manifestations on the palms are most often localized between the fingers, which is explained by the most favorable environment in this place.The back of the hand is much less commonly affected.When psoriatic patches appear on the fingertips, they may lose their sensitivity.
The development of the initial stage of psoriasis at an early age
Psoriasis can affect not only adults, but also young children, including infants.Unlike adult patients, the initial stage of psoriasis in children is mild and develops rather slowly.
The first signs of psoriasis most often appear in children under 2 years of age, which is associated with inadequate care and nutrition, which can cause skin irritation.The first rashes usually appear on the arms, elbows, skin folds (pictured) on the legs and buttocks, caused by contact irritation (diapers, diapers, etc.).
The initial symptoms of psoriasis should be differentiated from diaper dermatitis in infants.Psoriasis affects the surface of the head in children over 10 years of age, since from this age the clinical symptoms of the disease in children are completely identical to those of adults.Psoriasis in children is most often triggered by previous staphylococcal infections.
Important!A child can develop any form of psoriasis, except for guttate psoriasis, which affects only adult patients.
Treatment of the initial stage of psoriasis
In order to get rid of negative manifestations, you can use both traditional medicine and home therapy.Treatment of the initial stage of the disease shows good results, allowing you to quickly get rid of visual pathological manifestations.
Therapeutic treatment of the early stage of the disease primarily involves the use of external agents, as well as ultraviolet treatment and systemic drugs, which actively suppress the inflammatory process.
In the early stages, the disease can be treated with an ointment containing salicylic acid and naphthalene oil.In addition, sedatives and antihistamines are prescribed.These products relieve tissue swelling and neutralize painful itching.
It is important to note that not all external products can be used on the face, so prior consultation with your doctor is necessary.In addition, psoriasis cannot be treated without proper nutrition and giving up bad habits.
Treatment at home
There are many ways to get rid of psoriasis in its early stages at home. This treatment is primarily aimed at strengthening the immune system and alleviating inflammatory processes.
- Honey and products containing it, oak bark, needles, chamomile, etc. are actively used during the treatment.With the participation of these drugs, poultices are made to relieve the symptoms of psoriasis;
- folk methods include cleansing the body with lemon, rosehip, etc.with his concoction.In addition, the use of baths made with the addition of sea salt is effective;
- it is recommended to hydrate the skin at home with natural oils (sea buckthorn, peach, olive).At the same time, it should be borne in mind that traditional treatment methods are used as a supplement to traditional medicine.
In order to prevent the development of the disease, certain preventive measures should be followed in order to minimize the symptoms of psoriasis:
- Avoid skin injuries such as scratches on arms and legs, insect bites, burns, etc.
- It is necessary to regularly moisturize the skin with creams and to avoid infectious diseases.
- We recommend that you give up alcohol and smoking and take only medicines prescribed by your doctor.
The effectiveness of the treatment in the initial stage of the disease depends on the time of seeking the help of a specialist.Early treatment is most likely to prevent the transition of the acute process to a chronic form.