Psoriasis is a chronic disease and has an undulating course.This disease affects the human skin and, less commonly, the joints.The worsening of the pathology occurs due to the influence of some negative factors and is characterized by the worsening of symptoms.Then the disease subsides, a period of remission begins, which can also be replaced by an aggravation.
Features of the course of the disease
The disease manifests differently in different patients.Furthermore, symptoms can vary from one patient to another, from small local lesions to extensive lesions affecting large areas of the skin.
Typically, the disease progresses with age.Over time, periods of remission become shorter and shorter and the affected area increases significantly.
It is important to know what psoriasis looks like in its early stages and how it can be treated to prevent further progression of the disease.
Causes of the disease
According to most experts, this disease is a genetically determined pathology.If the parents suffer from dermatosis, there is a high probability that the child will develop psoriasis when exposed to certain factors.
The factors that determine the beginning of the development of the pathology are:
- allergic reactions;
- serious infectious diseases;
- decrease in the body's immune defense;
- diseases of the endocrine system;
- exhaustion of the nervous system.
Also, the impetus for the development of the disease in a person prone to dermatosis can be the long-term use of some medications used to treat chronic diseases.
Types and stages of the disease
There are two types of psoriasis - the disease type 1 and type 2. The pathology of the first type is diagnosed in children and adolescents.The disease of this form is determined genetically, while the child's parents may be healthy, and there are cases of psoriasis in older generations.
As a rule, this disease can be transmitted through 3-4 generations.The first type of disease affects the skin and almost never affects the joints.
The second type of disease appears mainly in middle-aged people over 45 years old.A characteristic feature of this form of the disease is joint damage.
The disease develops slowly.There are 4 stages or stages of psoriasis development:
- early (initial stage of psoriasis);
- progressive;
- stationary;
- in regression.
Favorite places for the disease are the elbows, head and torso.In rare cases, severe cases of the disease affect the flexor parts of the upper and lower extremities.
The initial stage of the disease
Psoriasis in the initial stage has symptoms and signs of an allergic skin reaction.The disease begins suddenly, small reddish rashes appear on the skin.In childhood, the symptoms and signs of psoriasis are often confused with diathesis or the occurrence of a food allergic reaction, which makes timely treatment difficult.
In young children, the manifestation of stage 1 psoriasis can be localized in areas that are subject to friction while wearing clothing, while in adults, the first signs of the disease are noticed on the hands or body.
Over time, the papules (as pimples in psoriasis are called) group together, forming smooth plaques.Islands of the disease can be covered with gray scales, which separate painlessly from the rash.All this is accompanied by swelling and irritation of the epidermis.
Many people are interested in whether psoriasis itches in the initial stage and how to recognize the symptoms of skin psoriasis in stage 1. The following signs will help determine what initial psoriasis looks like:
- when the redness is removed, the plaque becomes white, the scales are easily removed;
- if you continue to scratch, a smooth reddish spot ("thermal film") forms at the site of the plaque;
- If you continue to scratch the resulting spot, it will be covered with small drops of blood due to clear hemorrhages.
The above techniques are used during the examination of a patient and help to identify psoriasis at an early stage.
The initial form of psoriasis can last up to a month.In some cases, exudate can be released at the places of formed plaques.Wounds are covered with a crust, under which they become wet due to the release of fluid.This course of the disease can be complicated by the addition of an infection and the beginning of an extensive inflammatory process.
Arthropathic form of the disease
If the disease affects the hands, palms and the area between the fingers, the arthropathic form of psoriasis is diagnosed.This form is considered the most severe, as over time the skin becomes inflamed and cracked.There is a high probability of joint damage, which leads to the development of arthritis.This is fraught with loss of work ability and disability for the patient.
This form of the disease is dangerous because it affects the nail plate, causing it to separate from the fingers.The arthropathic form of the disease is very difficult to treat and is characterized by frequent irritations.Due to the inflammation and swelling of the skin of the hands, the patient experiences serious discomfort at work and at home, since every movement of the hands leads to increased pain.
Drug treatment
To the question of whether psoriasis can be cured in the initial stage, doctors, unfortunately, cannot give a positive answer.However, timely treatment will remove the acute phase of the disease and return the patient to normal life.
If initial psoriasis is diagnosed, treatment should be selected only by a dermatologist after all examinations.Self-medication without consulting a specialist may not bring the expected result and only worsen the course of the disease.
Whether psoriasis can be cured in its early stages depends largely on the extent of damage and the location of the resulting plaques.
The initial form of psoriasis is treated using the following means:
- ointments for local skin treatment;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- physiotherapeutic methods;
- dietary adjustments;
- immunomodulators.
Ointments for the treatment of affected skin are selected by the doctor depending on the degree of damage.Typically, preparations based on tar or fat are used.For extensive skin lesions, treatment may be with ointments containing corticosteroids.Such drugs have a number of side effects, so they are prescribed only in cases of severe disease.The course of treatment should not be long, and after the relief of acute symptoms, such ointments should be replaced with milder preparations.
If psoriasis is diagnosed at a very early stage, only a doctor can tell you how to treat the disease.In some cases, a good effect is observed when using physiotherapy - paraffin baths or ultraviolet radiation.
For psoriasis in the initial stage, home treatment should be agreed with a doctor.Once you have understood how psoriasis appears in the initial stage, it is necessary not to delay a visit to a specialist, as the disease progresses quickly.
A deterioration may begin suddenly;in this case, folk remedies will help alleviate the patient's condition.For this purpose, medicinal baths are used with the addition of honey, medicinal plants (chamomile, calendula), as well as natural oils.The goal of this treatment is to reduce itching and swelling, but it should be used in conjunction with medications recommended by a doctor.
The answer to the question of whether psoriasis can be cured in the early stages and whether psoriasis can be cured in the initial stage in children can only be given by the attending physician, based on the characteristics of the disease in the patient.