If you suspect that you have this disease, but you do not know what psoriasis looks like and how to treat it, you should know more about this disease and urgently consult a dermatologist.
What does psoriasis look like in the initial stages: symptoms, photos
For psoriasis at any stage, rashes are characteristic. Even at the very beginning of development, the disease manifests itself in different ways. In some cases, it begins actively, developing rapidly, in others small and sluggish manifestations. In any case, the disease progresses without medical care and covers ever larger areas of skin.
The initial stage of the disease in the form of small rashes (papules) on the skin can complicate the diagnosis. Over time, the rash grows and coalesces into plaques covered with horny scales. It is very important to diagnose psoriasis in its 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 locations on our skin:
- Cross
- knees and elbows
- groin folds
- head
- shins
The disease has several forms, each of them has distinctive features. Depending on where and how exactly the papules appear depends on what type of psoriasis the dermatologist is diagnosing.
The rash is always unhealthy, but is most likely associated with psoriasis if you have the following symptoms:
- The spots are red, slightly convex, and covered with scales (dead cells) that flake off.
- Plaques appear anywhere, more commonly around the knees and elbows. Sometimes they itch.
- Nails peel, deform.
- Painful blisters on feet, palms of hands that may itch.
What forms of psoriasis are there?
The most common form is plaque psoriasis. It is also commonly referred to as common or vulgar. In all cases, up to 90% of diseases of this form are taken into account.
Psoriasis vulgaris is characterized by raised red plaques with gray or white scales. Infected skin is inflamed, easily injured, and bleeds when the scales slough off. Over time, plaques on the skin grow and coalesce into large areas because. called "paraffin lakes".
Referred to as reversal, flexor surface psoriasis are smooth, slightly protruding red patches that rarely flake off. Localization of spots mainly in the skin folds: inguinal and armpits, external genitalia, folds under the abdomen and mammary glands (in obesity).
Spread to other areas of the skin is minimal, but treating this form is complicated due to natural friction during exercise and sweating. Left untreated, reverse psoriasis can be accompanied by streptococcal pyoderma or fungal diseases.
Guttate psoriasis is not that common, it is a complication of streptococcal infections. It is characterized by small, teardrop-shaped lesions. Another distinguishing feature of guttate psoriasis is the color of the psoriatic plaques, which ranges from red to purple. The affected area is extensive, most often it is the hips, which can also appear in other areas of the skin.
One of the most severe forms is attributed to pustular psoriasis. The symptoms are blisters (pustules) with clear liquid. The skin underneath and around her is hot and inflamed. When the blisters become infected, the clear fluid fills with pus, flakes off easily, but is difficult to treat. Place of localization - lower legs and forearms.
Psoriatic onychodystrophy develops on the nails of the hands and feet. This form leads to nail changes. They can change their color, dots or cross lines appear. More 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 tissue. The fingers are particularly affected. 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, since 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.
Appears on the scalp behind the ears. Papules in these places itch, can be cracked, wet.
on the body
The type 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.
on hands
The plaques first appear on the elbows and forearms and then spread to the palms and fingers.
On foot
The first manifestations begin on the knees or feet and spread to other areas.
On elbows and knees
Psoriasis in these areas looks like a red, scaly rash, and the skin in these areas is rough.
On the palms
Plaques at these sites develop when other areas are infected. It is dangerous for psoriatic arthritis to develop if left untreated.
On the face
Rare in this area. Affects the area of \u200b\u200bthe nasolabial folds, the area around the eyes, cheeks. Sometimes it spreads to the mucous membrane of the tongue and cheeks.
On nails
In appearance, it can be confused with a fungus, it starts with spots, furrows and ends with complete peeling.
The onset of psoriasis in children
The child version of the disease, especially in infants, is symptomatic and can often be confused with diaper rash or diaper rash. Subsequently, in places with redness, there is peeling of the upper layers of the skin, accompanied by severe itching. It is extremely important not to bring the disease to this stage, as this will cause discomfort to the infants.
Psoriasis can also express itself 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 alone just because you know what psoriasis looks like 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 occurs in childhood, namely up to 10 years of age, due to genetic factors, i. H. There were relatives in the family with a similar illness. Later cases are associated with other causes.
If we combine all the factors that provoke psoriasis, the following may be responsible for its manifestation:
- alcohol abuse
- genetic inheritance
- excessive hygiene
- dry skin
- emphasize
- take medications
- Staph and fungal infections
treatment in the initial phase
If you have been diagnosed with psoriasis, it is imperative that you start dieting and treatment as early as possible, as incipient psoriasis is easier and quicker to heal. Until the psoriasis plaques start to grow, the dermatologist will most likely recommend topical treatment with the following ointments:
- naftalan ointment. Prescribed in the initial stages and 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. Contains salicylic acid, which softens and easily removes dandruff.
medication
In addition to ointments, treatment consists of physiotherapeutic procedures (electrosleep, magnetotherapy, ultraviolet radiation, etc. ), drugs, 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 specific group of drugs:
- antihistamines,
- diuretics,
- immunomodulators,
- immunosuppressants,
- antidepressants,
- NSAIDs (a group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs),
- enterosorbents,
- vitamin complexes.
home remedies
Traditional treatment, especially in the primary phase, can be combined with traditional treatment recipes. One of these recipes suggests using celandine juice. It is necessary all summer to smear the spots with fresh juice, then by the end of summer the plaques will be significantly smaller. If you carry out the procedures for three summers in a row, the spots should disappear forever.
With early psoriasis, the following recipe is suitable - ointment from beaten eggs. Preparation simple: 2 eggs, 1 tbsp. 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 daily at night.
You can also prepare a fat-based ointment, which is very useful in the treatment of psoriasis. You need to take 300 g of fat, 2 chicken egg yolks and 100 g of linden honey. Use within two weeks. To lubricate sore spots three times a day, leave for 2 hours, then rinse. After two weeks, another batch is made by adding 2 tbsp. l. celandine powder. This composition is designed for an hour.
In addition to ointments for psoriasis, you can take therapeutic baths with the addition of sea salt or, for example, walnuts. It makes sense 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, and then strain. The filtered solution is intended for a medicinal bath, it must 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 specific forms. The disease can manifest itself after stress, failure of the immune system, past infections or at a genetic level.
To protect yourself from relapse, you need to give up bad habits. In addition, doctors advise to keep dry skin well moisturized and, if possible, to avoid burns, hypothermia and skin injuries. You should also be careful when taking antibiotics, vaccines and beta-blockers as these can make it worse.
Avoiding infections, leading a healthy lifestyle, not overexerting yourself and avoiding stressful situations and worries - these measures also help to a certain extent to prevent psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a disease that requires treatment, but it can be mistaken for a similar skin condition. For this reason, you should not make a diagnosis based on a photo, and certainly not prescribe treatment without having the necessary knowledge to do so.