Psoriasis is a disease whose mechanism of occurrence is still not fully understood.However, it has been precisely established that some failure occurs in the immune system, as a result of which skin cells begin to divide at a very high speed, without having time to die physiologically.This is how psoriatic plaques begin to form - itchy formations covered with whitish scales (cells whose life cycle turns out to be too short).
An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a dermatologist after an examination, but knowledge of the characteristics of the stage of the disease will help to draw the first conclusions about the nature of the skin changes that appear.
Psoriasis or not?
This disease goes through 3 stages:
- Progressive.The onset of the disease can occur suddenly and may be preceded by severe stress or hormonal imbalance.Small red spots about the size of a needle head appear on the skin.Gradually, the surface of the changed skin rises - this is a papule;silvery scales of keratin skin are visible on it.Papules coalesce into plaques, the skin is very itchy, and when scratched, it becomes wet due to injury to the surface layer.
- Stationary.After a certain time, the pathological process stops.No new spots and papules appear;existing plaque is covered with a gray crust with scales that peel off easily.This period is characterized by a decrease in the inflammatory process, a gradual loss of itching, but the symptoms do not disappear completely.
- Regressive.At this stage, the reduction and reduction of plaque is significant, the skin acquires an almost normal shade.Peeling and itching are gone.After the absorption of pathological elements, a pigmented pattern in the form of a ring remains on the skin, which is caused by the uneven loss of the plaque from the center.After a few weeks, the last traces of spots and papules disappear, only foci of mild depigmentation are reminiscent of psoriasis.
The duration of the described stage may be different for each patient.The Regressive stage does not show recovery - worsening can start unexpectedly and suddenly.
How to recognize psoriasis in the early stages?
Therapeutic measures for psoriasis give the best effect in the early stages, which explains the special importance of accurate diagnosis.Only a dermatologist can determine whether it is psoriasis or another disease after examination and testing.However, the patient himself may suspect this pathology if he pays enough attention to the emerging symptoms.
The following signs are more likely to indicate the development of this disease:
- The first plaques appear on the elbows, knees, hairline, or where the skin experiences the most friction or contact with clothing;
- rash accompanied by severe itching, silvery scales easily peel off from the surface of the skin;
- after removing scales, slightly moist skin with blood spots is found (symptoms of point bleeding);
- then, small indentations often appear on the nail, as if made by the point of a needle.
Psoriasis can be easily confused with various types of lichen, dermatitis and eczema, so at the first change in the skin it is better to consult a dermatologist so as not to harm yourself by using inappropriate products.The prescribed complex treatment suppresses the uncontrolled proliferation of epidermal cells, reduces itching and peeling, restores the skin's barrier function and prevents infection.