If you suspect you have this disease but do not know what psoriasis looks like and how to treat it, you should know more about this disease and visit a dermatologist urgently.
What does psoriasis look like in the initial stage: symptoms, pictures
For psoriasis at any stage, skin rashes are characteristic. Even at the beginning of development, the disease manifests itself in different ways. In some cases, it begins actively, develops rapidly, in others small and slow manifestations. In any case, in the absence of medical care, the disease progresses and takes up more and more large areas of skin.
The initial stage of the disease in the form of small rashes (papules) can complicate the diagnosis. Over time, the rash increases, joining into plates covered with horny scales. It is very important to diagnose psoriasis in the early stages so that treatment can begin immediately. The result of the 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 of the back
- knees and elbows
- inguinal folds
- HEAD
- pins
The disease has several forms, each of which has distinctive features. Depending on where and how exactly the papules appear, it will depend on what type of psoriasis the dermatologist diagnoses.
Redness of the skin in any case is unhealthy, but with the following symptoms, it is most likely associated with psoriasis:
- The spots are red, have a slight bulge, and are covered with scales (dead cells) that fall off.
- Plaques appear everywhere, most often in the area of the knees and elbows. Sometimes they itch.
- The nails are cleaned, deformed.
- On the feet, palms, painful blisters that may itch.
What are the forms of psoriasis
The most common form is plaque psoriasis. It is also commonly called ordinary or vulgar. In all cases, up to 90% of diseases of this form are accounted for.
Psoriasis vulgaris is characterized by red plaques raised with gray or white scales. Infected skin is inflamed, easily injured and bleeds when the scales are removed. Over time, plaques on the skin grow, joining in large areas because. called "paraffin lakes".
Referred to inversely, psoriasis of flexural surfaces are smooth, slightly protruding red spots, which hardly fall off. Localization of spots mainly on 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 treatment of this form is complicated due to natural friction during movement, sweating. Reverse psoriasis, if left untreated, can be accompanied by streptococcal pyoderma or fungal disease.
Guttate psoriasis is not so common, it is a complication after streptococcal infections. It is characterized by small lesions in the form of spots. Another distinguishing feature of guttate psoriasis is the color of the psoriatic plaques, ranging from red to purple. The affected area is wide, most often the hips, may appear in other areas of the skin.
One of the most severe forms is attributed to pustular psoriasis. Its symptoms are blisters (pustules) with clear fluid. The skin under and around them is hot and inflamed. When blisters become infected, the clear fluid fills with pus, falls off easily, but is difficult to treat. Location: lower legs and forearms.
Psoriatic onychodystrophy develops on the nails of the hands and feet. This shape leads to nail changes. They may change color, dots or dashes appear. The most severe forms are characterized by delamination or complete loss of the nail.
Psoriatic arthritis accounts for only 10% of cases. This form affects the joints and connective tissues. It mainly affects the fingers. In some cases, psoriasis can affect the joints of the hips, knees and spine. This leads to psoriatic spondylitis. With pronounced forms of psoriatic spondylitis, the patient cannot move independently.
Erythrodermic psoriasis is characterized by large areas of inflammation, can occur against the background of worsening psoriasis vulgaris. With extensive foci of inflammation, it can be fatal, as it loses its natural ability to thermoregulate.
Development of psoriasis
Psoriasis can affect different parts of the body, with different symptoms. Let's consider different cases.
Appears on the scalp, behind the ears. Papules in these places itch, may be cracked, wet.
In the body
The nature of plaques on the body and their intensity depends on the form of psoriasis. Initial psoriasis on the body manifests itself in different ways: from single rashes to large areas.
In the hands
The plaques first appear on the elbows, forearms, then spread to the palms and fingers.
On foot
The first manifestations begin in the knees or feet, progressing to other areas.
On the elbows and knees
Psoriasis in these areas looks like a red, scaly rash, the skin in these areas is rough.
In the palms of the hands
Plaques in these places develop when other areas are infected. It is dangerous that, if left untreated, psoriatic arthritis can develop.
In face
Occurs rarely in this area. Affects the area of nasolabial folds, eye area, cheeks. Sometimes spreads to the mucosa of the tongue, cheeks.
On the nails
In appearance it can be confused with fungus, starting with spots, grooves and ending with full exfoliation.
The appearance of psoriasis in children
The pediatric version of the disease, especially in infants, is symptomatic and can often be confused with diaper rash or diaper dermatitis. Then, at the sites of redness, peeling of the upper layers of the skin occurs, accompanied by severe itching. It is extremely important not to bring the disease to this stage, as this brings discomfort to babies.
Also, psoriasis can be expressed in a child on the head, such cases are characterized by crusting, when they are peeled off, small scars remain. In any case, you should not treat your child just because you know what psoriasis looks like in order 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 proven that psoriasis in childhood, respectively up to 10 years, occurs due to genetics, d. m. th. in the family there were relatives with a similar disease. Subsequent cases are associated with other causes.
If we combine all the factors that provoke psoriasis, then we can be blamed for its occurrence:
- alcohol abuse
- genetic inheritance
- excessive hygiene
- dry skin
- stress
- taking medication
- staphylococcal and fungal infections
Treatment in the initial stage
If you are diagnosed with psoriasis, it is imperative that you follow a diet and start treatment as soon as possible because the onset of psoriasis is easier and faster to cure. Until the psoriasis plaques start to grow, the dermatologist will most likely recommend external treatment with the following ointments:
- Naftalan ointment. Described in the initial and healing stages. Relieves inflammation and soothes itching.
- Sulfur-tar ointment. Relieves inflammation, suitable only for "dry" forms of psoriasis. Ointment should not be applied on the face.
- Salicylic ointment. Contains salicylic acid, thanks to which the scales soften and are easily removed.
medicaments
In addition to ointments, treatment consists of physiotherapy procedures (electrosleep, magnetotherapy, ultraviolet radiation, etc. ), medications, vitamin complexes. The complete complex is intended for cases with progressive and severe forms.
Prescription drugs are performed only after examination and, as a rule, include a certain group of drugs:
- antihistamines,
- diuretics,
- immunomodulators,
- immunosuppressants,
- antidepressants,
- NSAIDs (a group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs),
- enterosorbents,
- vitamin complexes.
Folk remedies
Traditional treatment, especially in the initial stages, can be combined with traditional treatment recipes. One of these recipes suggests the use of celandine juice. It is necessary to smear the stains with fresh juice throughout the summer, then by the end of the summer the plates will be significantly reduced in size. If you perform the procedures for three summers in a row, the stains should disappear forever.
With early psoriasis, the following recipe is appropriate - ointment from beaten eggs. Simple preparation: 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon. l. vegetable oil, beat well and add 0, 5 tbsp. l. acetic acid. This mixture can be stored, but only in a closed container and in a dark place. Use as follows: lubricate the areas affected by psoriasis at night, every day.
You can also prepare a fat-based ointment, which helps a lot in treating psoriasis. You should get 300 g of fat, 2 chicken yolks and 100 g of linden honey. Use within two weeks. To paint the injured spots 3 times a day, leave for 2 hours, then rinse. After two weeks, another batch is prepared by adding 2 tablespoons. l. celandine powder. This composition is designed for one hour.
In addition to ointments for psoriasis, you can make therapeutic baths with the addition of sea salt or, for example, nuts. It is useful to take such a bath not only in the early stages, but also during an exacerbation of the disease. For a bath you need to prepare leaves or shells, about 400 gr, pour boiling water, leave for 10 minutes and then drain. The filtered solution is intended for a therapeutic bath, it should be taken within half an hour.
How to prevent psoriasis
It is known why plaque psoriasis occurs, but it is not fully understood why it takes certain forms. The disease can appear after stress, failures in the immune system, past infections or at the genetic level.
To protect yourself from relapse, you need to give up bad habits. Doctors also advise you to hydrate dry skin well and, if possible, avoid burns, hypothermia and skin damage. In addition, you need to be careful when taking antibiotics, vaccines and beta-blockers, as they can provoke a worsening.
Avoiding infections, living a healthy lifestyle, not overworking and avoiding stressful situations and worries - these measures will also help prevent psoriasis to some extent.
Psoriasis is a disease that requires treatment but can be confused with a similar skin disease. This is why you should not make a diagnosis yourself from a photo, and even more so, prescribe treatment without having the necessary knowledge about it.