If you suspect that you have this disease, but do not know what psoriasis looks like and how to treat it, you need to know more about this disease and urgently visit a dermatologist.
What does psoriasis look like in the initial stage: symptoms, photos
Skin rashes are characteristic of psoriasis at every stage. From the very beginning of its development, the disease manifests itself in different ways. In some cases it begins actively, develops quickly, in others small and slow manifestations. In any case, in the absence of medical care, the disease progresses and captures more and more large areas of skin.
The initial stage of the disease in the form of small rashes (papules) can be difficult to diagnose. Over time, the rash grows, merging into plaques covered with 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 areas of our skin:
- small part of the back
- knees and elbows
- inguinal folds
- head
- squeaked
The disease has several forms, each of which has distinctive features. Depending on where and exactly how the papules appear, it will depend on what type of psoriasis the dermatologist diagnoses.
The skin rash is unhealthy in any case, but the following symptoms are most likely associated with psoriasis:
- The spots are red, have a slight bulge and are covered with scales (dead cells) that flake off.
- Plaques appear everywhere, more often in the knees and elbows. Sometimes they itch.
- The nails become exfoliated, 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 usually called plain or vulgar. In all cases, up to 90% of diseases of this form are reported.
Psoriasis vulgaris is characterized by raised red plaques with gray or white scales. Infected skin is inflamed, easily injured and bleeds when the scales come off. Over time, the plaques on the skin grow, uniting in large areas, becausecalled "paraffin lakes".
Called back, psoriasis of the flexion surfaces is smooth, slightly protruding red spots that hardly flake off. Localization of spots mainly in the skin folds: groin and armpits, external genitalia, folds under the abdomen and mammary glands (in obesity).
The spread to other areas of the skin is minimal, but the treatment of this form is complicated due to the natural friction during movement, sweating. Reverse psoriasis, if left untreated, can be accompanied by streptococcal pyoderma or fungal diseases.
Guttate psoriasis is not so 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 psoriatic plaques, ranging from red to purple. The affected area is large, most often the thighs, it can occur 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 the blisters become infected, the clear fluid fills with pus, peels off easily, but is difficult to treat. Location - lower leg and forearms.
Psoriatic onychodystrophy develops on the nails of the hands and feet. This form leads to changes in the nails. They may change color, dots or transverse lines appear. More severe forms are characterized by stratification or complete loss of the nail.
Psoriatic arthritis accounts for only 10% of cases. This form affects the joints and connective tissue. It mainly affects the fingers. In some cases, psoriasis can affect the hips, knees and spine. This leads to psoriatic spondylitis. In severe forms of psoriatic spondylitis, the patient cannot move independently.
Erythrodermic psoriasis is characterized by large areas of inflammation, may occur against the background of exacerbation of psoriasis vulgaris. In large foci of inflammation 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 look at different cases.
It appears on the scalp, behind the ears. The papules in these places are itchy, can be cracked, wet.
On the body
The nature of the plaques on the body and their intensity depends on the form of psoriasis. The initial psoriasis on the body manifests itself in different ways: from single rashes to large areas.
On hands
The plaques first appear on the elbows, forearms, then spread to the palms and fingers.
On foot
The first manifestations begin on 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.
On the palms
Plaques in these places develop when other areas are infected. It is dangerous that if left untreated, psoriatic arthritis can develop.
On the face
Rare in this area. Affects the nasolabial folds, eyes, cheeks. Sometimes it spreads to the mucous membranes of the tongue, cheeks.
On the nails
In appearance it can be confused with fungus, starting with dots, furrows and ending with complete exfoliation.
The onset 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 rash. Subsequently, peeling of the upper layers of the skin appears at the sites of redness, accompanied by severe itching. It is extremely important not to bring the disease to this stage, as it brings discomfort to infants.
Also, psoriasis can be expressed in a child on the head, such cases are characterized by crusts, when they peel off, small wounds remain. In any case, you should not treat your child alone, just because you know what psoriasis looks like to avoid complications.
Causes of psoriasis
Psoriasis is not contagious, scientists have identified several reasons for its occurrence. In addition, it has been proven that psoriasis in children, namely up to 10 years, occurs due to genetics, ie there were relatives in the family with a similar disease. Later cases are related to other reasons.
If we combine all the factors that provoke psoriasis, then the following may be to blame for its manifestation:
- 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 to follow a diet and start treatment as early as possible, as the onset of psoriasis is easier and faster to treat. Until the psoriasis plaques start to grow, the dermatologist will most likely recommend an external treatment with the following ointments:
- Naphthalene ointment. It is prescribed in the initial stages and healing. Relieves inflammation and soothes itching.
- Sulfur-tar ointment. Relieves inflammation, suitable only for "dry" forms of psoriasis. The ointment should not be applied to the face.
- Salicylic ointment. Contains salicylic acid, thanks to which the scales soften and are easily removed.
drugs
In addition to ointments, treatment consists of physiotherapy procedures (electrosleep, magnetic therapy, ultraviolet radiation, etc. ), medications, vitamin complexes. The complete complex is designed for cases with progressive and severe forms.
Prescribing drugs is done only after examination and usually 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 initial stages, can be combined with traditional healing recipes. One of these recipes involves the use of celandine juice. It is necessary to smear the spots with fresh juice throughout the summer, after which the plaques will significantly decrease in size by the end of the summer. If you perform the procedures for three summers in a row, the stains should disappear forever.
The following recipe is suitable for early psoriasis - ointment from broken eggs. Prepare simply: 2 eggs, 1 tbsp 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: apply to areas affected by psoriasis at night, daily.
You can also prepare a grease ointment, which helps a lot in the treatment of psoriasis. You need to take 300 g of fat, 2 chicken yolks and 100 g of linden honey. Use within two weeks. To lubricate sore spots 3 times a day, leave for 2 hours, then rinse. After two weeks, prepare another batch by adding 2 tablespoons of powdered celandine. 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, 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. Fill them with boiling water, leave for 10 minutes and then strain. 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 occur after stress, immune system failures, past infections or at the genetic level.
To prevent relapse, you need to give up bad habits. Doctors also advise to moisturize dry skin well and, if possible, to avoid burns, hypothermia and skin injuries. You should also be careful when taking antibiotics, vaccines and beta-blockers, as they can provoke an exacerbation.
Avoiding infections, leading a healthy lifestyle, not overloading and avoiding stressful situations and worries - these measures will also help prevent psoriasis to some extent.
Psoriasis is a disease that needs treatment, but can be confused with a similar skin condition. That is why you should not diagnose yourself from a photo and even more so prescribe treatment without the necessary knowledge.