Psoriasis, the initial stage of which can occur under a certain combination of factors, manifests itself in the form of reddish plaques with clear boundaries.Later, they are covered with silvery-white scales, fusing with each other.Typically, the plates are found on the head, knees, and elbows.
Psoriasis can affect patients of any age and sex.The etiology of the disease, which is not fully understood, does not allow psoriasis to be completely cured;However, it is possible to significantly reduce the symptoms of the disease and achieve long-term remission if therapy is started at the initial stage of psoriasis development, properly evaluating the initial signs of psoriasis.
Symptoms of the initial stage of the disease
To recognize the initial stage of the disease, it is important to know what the primary symptoms are like.
At first, single papules appear, which can measure from a few mm to 2-5 cm and have the shape of a plaque covered with white scales.When they are scratched, a characteristic symptom of the psoriatic triad appears:
- “stearic spot” (slight separation of scales when scraped);
- “terminal film” (exposure of shiny, thin, moist skin after removing lime);
- "Blood dew" (with further removal of the terminal film, small drops of blood resembling dew appear on the surface of the skin).
The initial stage of the disease is characterized by the appearance of psoriatic lesions in places that are most often subject to trauma of any kind.As a rule, these are the elbows, the knee area in places of scratches or scrapes.These manifestations are called "Koebner's sign."
At first, the papular rash spreads linearly, directly at the site of irritation and can exist for a long time without dynamics.These eruptions are called "sentinel" eruptions.The rash is very itchy and itchy.
The initial stage lasts several weeks.The papules subsequently increase in size and merge into psoriatic plaques, which can cover large areas of the body.
Psoriasis can appear anywhere.The most dangerous rashes are found on the face, but this form of the initial stage develops very rarely.
Characteristic sites of localization of the disease in the initial stage.
The most common rashes observed are:
Legs. The initial stage of leg psoriasis develops from small, single rashes, which are mainly located on the feet and knees, but can appear on any surface of the legs.
Elbows. The type of plaque occurs most frequently on the elbows, the symptoms of which are characterized by small red rashes with intense peeling.In this case, roughness is observed on the skin of the elbows (pictured).Additionally, rashes on the elbows can be symmetrical.
Head. Symptoms usually affect the scalp, as well as the back of the head and ear area (pictured).A papular rash on the head is accompanied by itching.Most often, psoriasis on the scalp is characterized by wet scales.
Nails. On the hands and nails, psoriatic manifestations resemble a fungal infection.First of all, longitudinal stripes (dots) appear on the very edge of the nails (in the photo), and then extend to the roots of the nails.At the same time, the nail plate begins to thicken and fade.As the symptoms of the disease progress, the nail area may come off completely.
Face. Psoriasis occurs very rarely on the face, as this form of psoriasis is considered atypical.Hyperemic papules appear in the eyelid area, nasolabial folds, near the eyes and eyebrows (pictured).In rare cases, a rash appears on the face near the red border of the lips and mucous membranes (cheeks and tongue).
The specificity of rashes on the face is associated with delicate, sensitive skin and a large number of nerve endings.First, papules appear (small nodules slightly raised above the skin), accompanied by intense itching.Subsequently, epithelium and plaques appear on the top of the nodule.
Hands. The symptoms of psoriasis on the hands appear suddenly and manifest themselves in the form of a small rash (pictured), which many patients mistake for an allergy.And only when dry, gray scales appear on the arms, palms and elbows, patients turn to a dermatologist for help.It is characteristic that if there is a psoriatic rash on the palms, similar manifestations are observed on the legs.Psoriatic manifestations on the palms are most often located between the fingers, which is explained by the more favorable environment in this place.The backs of the hands are affected much less frequently.When psoriatic spots appear on the fingertips, they may lose sensitivity.
Development of the initial stage of psoriasis at an early age.
Psoriasis can affect not only adults, but also young children, including babies.The initial stage of psoriasis in children, unlike adult patients, is mild and develops rather slowly.
The first signs of psoriasis appear more frequently in children under 2 years of age, which is associated with inadequate care and feeding, which can cause skin irritations.The first rashes appear, as a rule, on the arms, elbows, in the skin folds (pictured) of the legs and buttocks, caused by contact irritation (diapers, diapers, etc.).
The initial symptoms of psoriasis must be distinguished from those of diaper rash in babies.The surface of the head is affected by psoriasis in children over 10 years old, since from this age onwards the clinical symptoms of the disease in children are exactly the same as in adults.Most often, psoriasis in children is caused by previous staphylococcal infections.
Important!A child can develop any form of psoriasis, except for guttate psoriasis, which only affects adult patients.
Treatment of the initial stage of psoriasis.
To get rid of negative manifestations, you can use both traditional medicine and home therapy.Treatment of the initial stage of the disease shows good results, allowing you to quickly get rid of visual pathological manifestations.
Therapeutic treatment of the early stage of the disease involves the use, first of all, of external agents, as well as treatment with ultraviolet rays and the use of systemic drugs that actively suppress the inflammatory process.
At an early stage, the disease can be treated with an ointment with salicylic acid and naphthalane oil.Additionally, sedatives and antihistamines are prescribed.These products relieve tissue swelling and neutralize painful itching.
It is important to remember that not all external products can be used on the face, so prior consultation with the doctor is necessary.In addition, psoriasis cannot be treated without proper nutrition and giving up bad habits.
Home treatment
There are many ways to get rid of psoriasis at an early stage at home. This treatment mainly aims to strengthen the immune system and relieve the inflammatory process.
- Honey and products containing it, oak bark, pine needles, chamomile, etc. are actively used in the treatment.With the participation of these drugs, compresses are made to relieve the symptoms of psoriasis;
- Folk methods involve cleansing the body by taking a decoction of lemon, rose hips, etc.Additionally, it is effective to use baths with the addition of sea salt;
- At home it is recommended to moisturize the skin with natural oils (sea buckthorn, peach, olive).However, it must be taken into account that traditional treatment methods are used as a complement to traditional medicine.
To prevent the development of the disease, certain preventive measures must be followed to minimize the symptoms of psoriasis:
- Skin damage such as scratches on arms and legs, insect bites, burns, etc. should be avoided.
- It is necessary to periodically moisturize the skin with creams and avoid infectious diseases.
- It is recommended to quit alcohol and smoking and take only those medications prescribed by your doctor.
The effectiveness of treatment at the initial stage of the disease depends on the time of seeking professional help.Early treatment provides a high probability of preventing the transition from an acute process to a chronic form.