If you suspect you have this disease, but you don't know what psoriasis looks like and how to treat it, you should know more about this disease and visit a dermatologist urgently.
What is psoriasis in the early stage like: symptoms, photos
For psoriasis at any stage, rashes are characteristic. Even at the beginning of development, the disease manifests itself in different ways. In some cases, it begins actively, develops quickly, in other cases small and slow. Either way, in the absence of medical care, the disease progresses and captures more and more large areas of the skin.
The early stage of the disease in the form of small rashes (papules) can make diagnosis difficult. Over time, the rash grows, uniting into plaques covered in horny scales. It is very important to diagnose psoriasis in the early stages so that treatment can begin 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 places on our skin:
- small from the back
- knees and elbows
- inguinal folds
- head
- shins
The disease has several forms, each with different characteristics. Depending on where and how exactly the papules appear will depend on what type of psoriasis the dermatologist diagnoses.
The rash is unhealthy, but with the following symptoms, it is more likely to be associated with psoriasis:
- The spots are red, have a slight bulge and are covered with scales (dead cells) that flake off.
- Plaques appear anywhere, most often in the knee and elbow area. Sometimes they itch.
- Nails exfoliate, deform.
- On the feet, palms, painful blisters that can 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 are thus accounted for.
Psoriasis vulgaris is characterized by raised red patches with gray or white scales. Infected skin becomes inflamed, easily bruised, and bleeds when scales come off. Over time, the plaques on the skin grow, joining together in large areas because. called "paraffin lakes".
Referred to as the reverse, psoriasis of flex surfaces are smooth, slightly raised red patches that hardly flake off. Location of spots mainly in skin folds: 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 this way is complicated due to natural friction during movement, sweating. Inverse psoriasis, if left untreated, can be accompanied by streptococcal pyoderma or fungal diseases.
Guttate psoriasis is not as common, it is a complication after streptococcal infections. It is characterized by small drop-shaped lesions. Another distinguishing feature of guttate psoriasis is the color of the psoriatic patches, ranging from red to purple. The affected area is extensive, most often on the hips, and may occur in other areas of the skin.
One of the most serious 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 the blisters become infected, the clear fluid fills with pus, flakes off easily, but is difficult to treat. Location location - legs and forearms.
Psoriatic onychodystrophy develops in the fingernails and toenails. This shape leads to nail changes. They may change color, dots or transverse lines 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 predominantly affects the fingers. In some cases, psoriasis can affect the hip, knee, and spine joints. 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, it can occur against the background of exacerbation of psoriasis vulgaris. With extensive foci of inflammation, it can be fatal as the natural ability to thermoregulate is lost.
development of psoriasis
Psoriasis can affect different parts of the body, with different symptoms. Let's consider different cases.
It appears on the scalp, behind the ears. Papules in these places itchy, they may be cracked, wet.
On body
The nature of plaques on the body and their intensity depend on the form of psoriasis. Initial psoriasis on the body manifests itself in different ways: from single rashes to large areas.
In hands
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 elbows and knees
Psoriasis in these areas looks like a red, scaly rash, the skin in these places is rough.
in the palms
Plaques in these locations develop when other areas become infected. It is dangerous that if left untreated, psoriatic arthritis can develop.
In the face
It rarely occurs in this area. It affects the area of the nasolabial folds, the eye area, cheeks. Sometimes it spreads to the mucous membrane of the tongue, cheeks.
on the nails
In appearance, it can be mistaken for a fungus, it starts with spots, grooves and ends with complete exfoliation.
The onset of psoriasis in children
The infantile version of the disease, especially in babies, is symptomatic and can often be confused with diaper rash or diaper dermatitis. Later, in places of redness, desquamation of the upper layers of the skin occurs, accompanied by intense itching. It is extremely important not to bring the disease to this stage as this brings discomfort to the babies.
In addition, psoriasis can be expressed in a child on the head, such cases are characterized by crusts, when they peel off, small sores remain. In any case, you should not treat your child on your own just because you know what psoriasis is like to avoid complications from 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, that is, up to 10 years old, occurs due to genetics, that is, there were relatives in the family with a similar disease. Later cases are associated with other causes.
If we combine all the factors that cause psoriasis, the following can be to blame for its manifestation:
- alcohol abuse
- genetic inheritance
- excessive hygiene
- dry skin
- stress
- taking medicine
- staphylococcal and fungal infections
Early stage treatment
If you have been diagnosed with psoriasis, it is imperative that you follow a diet and start treatment as early as possible, because the onset of psoriasis is easier and quicker to heal. Until the psoriasis plaques begin to grow, your dermatologist will likely recommend external treatment with the following ointments:
- Naphthalan ointment. Prescribed in the early stages and in healing. Relieves inflammation and relieves itching.
- Sulfur tar ointment. Relieves inflammation, suitable only for "dry" forms of psoriasis. The ointment should not be applied to the face.
- Salicylic ointment. It contains salicylic acid, thanks to which the scales are smoothed and easily removed.
medicines
In addition to ointments, the 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.
The prescription of drugs is carried out only after the examination and, as a rule, includes 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 early stages, can be combined with traditional treatment recipes. One such recipe suggests using celandine juice. It is necessary throughout the summer to smear the spots with fresh juice, and by the end of the summer the plaques will significantly decrease in size. If you carry out the procedures for three summers in a row, the stains should disappear forever.
With early psoriasis, the following recipe is suitable - ointment from beaten eggs. Simple preparation: 2 eggs, 1 tbsp. I. vegetable oil, beat well and add 0. 5 tbsp. I. Acetic Acid. This mixture can be stored, but only in a closed container and in a dark place. Use as follows: Spread over psoriasis-affected areas at night, daily.
You can also prepare a grease-based ointment, which helps a lot in treating psoriasis. You need to take 300 g of fat, 2 chicken yolks and 100 g of linden honey. Use within two weeks. To stain sore spots 3 times a day, leave for 2 hours and then rinse. After two weeks, another batch is prepared by adding 2 tbsp. I. celandine powder. This composition is designed for one hour.
In addition to ointments for psoriasis, you can take 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 g. Pour boiling water over them, leave for 10 minutes, then strain. The filtered solution is intended for a therapeutic bath, 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 certain forms. The disease can manifest itself after stress, immune system failures, past infections, or at the genetic level.
To protect yourself from relapse, you need to give up bad habits. In addition, doctors advise to moisturize dry skin well and, if possible, avoid burns, hypothermia and skin injuries. Also, you should be careful when taking antibiotics, vaccines and beta blockers as they can trigger an exacerbation.
Avoiding infections, living a healthy lifestyle, not working too hard and avoiding stressful situations and worries - these measures will also help to prevent psoriasis to some extent.
Psoriasis is a condition that needs treatment, but it can be confused with a similar skin condition. That's why you shouldn't make a diagnosis from a photo, and even more so, prescribe treatment without having the necessary knowledge to do so.