If you suspect that you have the disease, but do not know what psoriasis looks like and how to treat it, you should find out more about the disease and immediately visit a dermatologist.
What does psoriasis look like in its early stages: symptoms, pictures
For psoriasis at any stage, a skin rash is characteristic. Even in the early stages of development, the disease manifests itself in different ways. In some cases, it begins actively, grows rapidly, in others small and sluggish manifestations. In any case, in the absence of medical treatment, the disease progresses and captures more and more larger areas of skin.
The early stages of the disease in the form of small rashes (papules) can make diagnosis difficult. Over time, the rash grows, coalescing into plaques covered with horn scales. It is very important to diagnose psoriasis at an early stage so that treatment can be started immediately. The result of treatment will be remission for a long time, in some cases for 3-4 years.
Psoriasis is characterized by the following spots on our skin:
- small back
- knees and elbows
- inguinal folds
- head
- dry bone
The disease has several forms, each with its own characteristics. Depending on where and how exactly the papule appears, it depends on the type of psoriasis diagnosed by the dermatologist.
Skin rash in any case is not healthy, but with the following symptoms, it is most likely associated with psoriasis:
- The spots are red, have a slight bulge, and are covered with flaky scales (dead cells).
- Plaques appear everywhere, more often in the knee and elbow area. Sometimes they itch.
- Nails peel off, deform.
- On the feet, palms, painful blisters that can itch.
What is the form of psoriasis
The most common form is plaque psoriasis. It is also commonly called ordinary or rough. In all cases, up to 90% of diseases in this form are taken into account.
Psoriasis vulgaris is characterized by raised red plaques with gray or white scales. Infected skin becomes inflamed, easily injured, and bleeds when the scales peel off. Over time, plaques on the skin grow, coalesce into large areas, because. called the "paraffin lake".
Referred to as the opposite, flexural surface psoriasis is a smooth, slightly prominent red patch that barely peels off. Localization of spots mainly in the folds of the skin: groin and armpits, external genitalia, folds under the abdomen and mammary glands (with obesity).
Spread to other areas of the skin is minimal, but the treatment of this form is complicated due to natural friction during movement, sweating. Reverse psoriasis, if left untreated, may be accompanied by streptococcal pyoderma or fungal disease.
Guttate psoriasis is not very common, it is a complication after streptococcal infection. It is characterized by small drop -shaped lesions. Another distinguishing feature of guttate psoriasis is the color of the psoriatic plaques, from red to purple. The affected area is extensive, often it is the hip, may occur in other areas of the skin.
One of the most severe forms is caused by pustular psoriasis. The symptoms are blisters (pustules) with clear fluid. The skin under and around it is hot and inflamed. When a blister is infected, the clear fluid will be filled with pus, easy to peel off, but difficult to treat. Place of localization - lower legs and forearms.
Psoriatic onychodystrophy develops on the nails of the hands and feet. This shape leads to nail changes. They can change color, dots or horizontal lines appear. The more severe form is characterized by delamination or complete loss of the nail.
Psoriatic arthritis accounts for only 10% of cases. This form affects the joints and connective tissue. It mostly affects the fingers. In some cases, psoriasis can affect the hip, knee and spine joints. This leads to psoriatic spondylitis. With an obvious form of psoriatic spondylitis, the patient cannot move freely.
Erythrodermic psoriasis is characterized by large areas of inflammation, it can occur against the background of exacerbation of psoriasis vulgaris. With a widespread focus of inflammation, it can be fatal, as the natural ability to thermoregulate is lost.
The development of psoriasis
Psoriasis can affect different parts of the body, with different symptoms. Let's consider a different case.
Appears on the scalp, behind the ears. Papules in these places are itchy, possibly cracked, wet.
On the body
The nature of the plaque on the body and its intensity depends on the form of psoriasis. Early psoriasis on the body manifests itself in different ways: from a single rash to a large area.
In hand
Plaques first appear on the elbows, forearms, then spread to the palms and fingers.
By walking
The first manifestation begins in the knees or feet, spreading to other areas.
On the elbows and knees
Psoriasis in this area looks like a red, scaly rash, the skin in this area is rough.
On the palm of the hand
Plaques in this area develop when other areas become infected. It is dangerous, if left untreated, psoriatic arthritis can develop.
On the face
Rare in this area. Affects the nasolabial fold area, eye area, cheeks. Sometimes it spreads to the mucous membranes of the tongue, cheeks.
On the nails
In appearance, it can be confused with fungus, it starts with dots, grooves and ends with complete exfoliation.
Onset of psoriasis in children
The childhood version of the disease, especially in infants, is symptomatic and can often be confused with diaper rash or diaper dermatitis. Thereafter, in the place of redness, exfoliation of the upper layer of the skin occurs, accompanied by severe itching. It is very important not to bring the disease to this stage, as this brings discomfort to the baby.
Also, psoriasis can be expressed in children on the head, such cases are characterized by crusts, when they peel off, small lesions remain. In any case, you should not treat your own child just because you know the appearance of psoriasis to avoid complications of the disease.
Causes of psoriasis
Psoriasis is not contagious, scientists have identified several reasons for its occurrence. In addition, it has been shown that psoriasis in childhood, i. e. up to 10 years, occurs due to genetics, i. e. there are relatives in the family who have the same disease. The case was then linked to another cause.
If we combine all the factors that trigger psoriasis, then the following may be blamed for its manifestation:
- alcohol abuse
- genetic inheritance
- excessive hygiene
- dry skin
- pressure
- taking medicine
- staphylococcal and fungal infections
Treatment at an early stage
If you have been diagnosed with psoriasis, it is important that you follow a diet and start treatment as early as possible, as the onset of psoriasis is easier and quicker to cure. Until psoriasis plaques begin to develop, dermatologists will most likely recommend external treatment with the following ointments:
- Naphthalan ointment. Prescribed in the early stages and healing. Relieves inflammation and relieves itching.
- Sulfur-tar ointment. Relieves inflammation, only suitable for "dry" forms of psoriasis. Ointment should not be used on the face.
- Salicylic ointment. Contains salicylic acid, as the scales are softened and easily removed.
medicines
In addition to ointments, treatment consists of physiotherapy procedures (electrosleep, magnetotherapy, ultraviolet radiation, etc. ), medications, vitamin complexes. The full complex is intended for cases with progressive and severe forms.
Prescription of drugs is carried out only after examination and, as a rule, include certain groups of drugs:
- antihistamines,
- diuretics,
- immunomodulator,
- immunosuppressant,
- antidepressants,
- NSAIDs (a group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs),
- enterosorbent,
- vitamin complex.
Restoration of the people
Traditional treatments, especially at the primary stage, can be combined with traditional treatment recipes. One of these recipes suggests the use of celandine juice. It is necessary throughout the summer to smear the spots with fresh juice, then by the end of the summer the plaque will be significantly reduced in size. If you run the procedure for three summers in a row, the spots will disappear forever.
With early psoriasis, the following recipe is appropriate - ointment from beaten eggs. Prepare only: 2 eggs, 1 tbsp. l. vegetable oil, beat well and add 0. 5 tbsp. l. acetic acid. The mixture can be stored, but only in a closed container and in a dark place. Use as follows: rub the psoriasis affected area at night, daily.
You can also prepare a grease -based ointment, which is very helpful in the treatment of psoriasis. You need to take 300 g of grease, 2 chicken yolks and 100 g of linden honey. Use within two weeks. To wipe the sore spots 3 times a day, leave for 2 hours, then rinse. After two weeks, another batch was prepared by adding 2 tbsp. l. celandine powder. The composition is designed for one hour.
In addition to ointments for psoriasis, you can take a therapeutic bath with the addition of sea salt or, for example, walnuts. It is useful to take such a bath not only in the early stages, but also during the exacerbation of the disease. For one bath, you need to prepare leaves or shells, about 400 g. Pour boiling water over it, leave for 10 minutes, and then strain. The filtered solution is intended for therapeutic baths, it must be taken within half an hour.
How to prevent psoriasis
It is known why plaque psoriasis appears, but it is not fully understood why it takes a particular form. The disease can manifest after stress, failure in the immune system, past infections or at the genetic level.
To protect yourself from recurrence, you need to abandon bad habits. Also, doctors advise to moisturize dry skin well and, if possible, avoid burns, hypothermia and injuries to the skin. In addition, you should be careful when taking antibiotics, vaccines and beta blockers, as they can trigger severity.
Avoiding infections, living a healthy lifestyle, not working too much and avoiding stressful situations and worries - these measures will also help prevent psoriasis to some extent.
Psoriasis is a disease that needs treatment, but it can be confused with similar skin diseases. That is why you should not make your own diagnosis from photos, and moreover, prescribe treatment without having the necessary knowledge for this.