In clinical dermatology, there are three stages of psoriasis: progressive, stationary and relapsing.They differ in duration, degree of skin damage and symptoms.Some dermatologists divide the course of pathology into four stages, taking into account the initial stage.
Initial phase
At an early stage, the patient develops small rashes.Depending on the type of disease, they can be localized:
- on arms, elbows and legs;
- on the head and face;
- on the stomach, thighs and back.
The rashes are rarely larger than 2-3 mm and are characterized by a pale pink color.3-4 days after the outbreak, the rash becomes covered with a grayish coating.This process causes the skin to die.
In people who have suffered from psoriasis for a long time, the epidemic layer does not have time to renew itself, as the skin immediately becomes covered with plaques.In new patients, a similar process lasts 3 weeks, during which the development of the disease can be stopped.
Treatment
In dermatology, topical medications are used to treat lichen planus at an early stage of development.Ointments and creams help the patient get rid of unpleasant sensations, and also have a healing effect.Most often, drugs from the group of keratolytics are prescribed.
Traditional methods
Recommended traditional therapy methods include:
- Natural oils (juniper or lavender).They have a healing and calming effect and have a positive effect on the condition of the skin.How to use: Add a few drops of oil to the cream and apply directly to the rashes.
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%).It can be applied precisely and does not wash off.Before use, you should consult a dermatologist.
Progressive
Features of the stage: damage to large areas of skin, formation of plaques (in vulgar psoriasis) or other pronounced papules.The rash can vary in size and shape.As this stage progresses, the rashes merge together and distinct gray scales form on the plaques.
One of the main symptoms of this stage is the Kebnera phenomenon (isomorphic actor), which consists in the formation of papules on the affected areas of the skin layer.That is, if the patient injures the skin, after some time a psoriatic rash appears on the irritated area.
The final sign of a progressive stage: a capillary layer that becomes visible by removing the scales from the plaques.When the plaque is removed, pinpoint bleeding occurs.
Treatment
At this stage, all major treatment methods are used - oral and topical medications, diet and physical therapy.Physiotherapy includes procedures such as: UV irradiation, PUVA therapy.
Among the medicines it should be noted:
- Vitamin complexes.Used to strengthen the immune system.Such treatment is necessary so that the body can resist the disease.
- Retinoids.Similar products also refer to vitamins.Retinoids are analogues of retinol (vitamin A), affect the membrane structures of cells and inhibit skin death.
- Steroids.They are taken less often than other medications because they have a negative effect on the body.Steroid drugs affect metabolic processes and have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects.
Traditional treatment methods use the same oils and hydrogen peroxide.
You can add a celandine-based tincture to them.To prepare it you need 3 tablespoons of this plant (dry or fresh) and salt water.Under no circumstances should you use alcohol as it can dry out the skin.
How to prepare the remedy:
- the components must be mixed together;
- let it rise for a few hours.
Stationary stage
The stationary period of disease development lasts indefinitely.All rashes are covered with a thick crust, not even a pink border remains.The layer formed on the papules can be gray or grayish-white.In the stationary stage, the skin becomes rough and peels.
The symptoms of psoriasis are mild: if in the progressive stage the patient feels unbearable itching and burning, then in the stationary stage these symptoms lose intensity.Despite this, the rashes still won't stop itching.
In the photo you can see what a psoriasis rash looks like during the stationary phase.
Treatment
Some new drugs may be used to treat the stationary form of psoriasis, but in general the treatment regimen will not change.Strong medications should only be prescribed by a dermatologist.
At home, the patient can only try proven means:
- sulfur ointment;
- salicylic solution;
- Vishnevsky ointment.
The drugs on this list have a minimum of contraindications and are quite inexpensive.
Traditional methods
Several effective recipes for treating dermatosis:
- Mix 30 grams of propolis with 250 ml of heated vegetable oil.The prepared mixture must be applied to dissolve the dead layer of the epidermis and restore skin elasticity.
- Beeswax.This product has an anti-inflammatory and emollient effect.Beeswax should be melted in a water bath and then gently applied to the crust covering the papules.
- Honey.The main waste product of bees has a positive effect on the human body in psoriasis.It should be consumed in limited quantities – 2 tablespoons per day.
Declining phase
This stage is characterized by Voronov's symptom (pseudoatrophic Voronov rim), in which white rings form around the papules.During the regression phase, the spikes begin to subside.Initially, the rash changes color, initially becoming pale pink and then adapting to the color of healthy skin.In the regression stage, the itching disappears completely.
The appearance of new papules during this period is ruled out.The final stage is the most painless and leads to remission.Squamous cell lichen can occur in a latent form over several months to several decades.To prevent the disease from worsening, you need to regularly visit a dermatologist and monitor your health.
Treatment
How to treat?Therapy at this stage does not require the addition of new drugs.During the regression phase, the patient is recommended to concentrate on internal healing, that is, to actively take vitamin complexes.You should continue to take medications that previously gave a positive result.The use of hormonal medications should be avoided entirely, as they have a negative effect on the body and weaken the immune system.
A common and effective method for quick healing: leech therapy (hirudotherapy).This method belongs to alternative medicine, but is recognized by many specialists.Such therapy should be discussed with a doctor in advance.The duration is 3 to 10 days, depending on the patient's condition and stage of the disease.During the period of remission, the duration of treatment with leeches is 2-4 days.
With repeated exacerbations, the patient learns to independently determine the stage of the disease.It should be borne in mind that severe forms of psoriasis can manifest themselves ambiguously.Only comprehensive treatment will help avoid a relapse.Usually, psoriasis worsens in winter when a person's skin comes into contact with clothing and does not breathe.