Psoriasis, an early stage that can occur under a combination of certain factors, manifests itself in the form of reddish plaques with clear boundaries.After that, they are covered with silvery white scales, merging with each other.Usually, plaques are found on the head, knees and elbows.
Psoriasis can affect patients of any age and gender.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 you start therapy in the early stages of the development of psoriasis, adequately assessing the early signs of psoriasis.
Early symptoms of the disease
To recognize the early stages of the disease, it is important to know what the main symptoms look like.
Initially, a single papule appears, which can be from a few mm to 2-5 cm and has the form of a plaque covered with white scales.When they are scraped off, the characteristic symptoms of the psoriatic triad appear:
- "stearic stain" (slight separation of scales when scraped);
- "terminal film" (exposed shiny, thin and moist skin after removing scales);
- "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 most often experience trauma of any kind.As a rule, this is the elbow, knee area in the place of scratches or scratches.This manifestation is called "Koebner's sign."
Initially, the papular rash spreads linearly, directly at the site of irritation and can exist for a long time without dynamics.This rash is called a "sentinel" rash.The rash is very itchy and itchy.
The initial stage lasts for several weeks.After that, the papules enlarge and coalesce into psoriatic plaques, which can cover large areas of the body.
Psoriasis can appear anywhere.The most dangerous rash is on the face, but this early-stage form develops very rarely.
Characteristic sites of localization of the disease in the early stages
The most common rashes observed are:
legs. The initial stage of psoriasis on the feet develops from a single small rash, which is mostly located on the feet and knees, but can appear on any surface of the feet.
Elbow. This type of plaque most often occurs on the elbows, the symptoms of which are characterized by small red rashes with severe peeling.In this case, skin roughness is observed on the elbow (photo).In addition, the rash on the elbow can be symmetrical.
head. Symptoms often affect the scalp, as well as the back of the head and ear area (pictured).A papular rash on the head accompanied by itching.Often, psoriasis on the scalp is characterized by moist scales.
nails On the hands and nails, psoriatic manifestations resemble fungal infections.First of all, longitudinal stripes (points) appear at the very edge of the nail (in the photo), and then they spread towards the root of the nail.At the same time, the nail plate begins to thicken and fade.As the symptoms of the disease develop, the nail area may peel off completely.
face Psoriasis occurs very rarely on the face, as this form of psoriasis is considered atypical.Hyperemic papules appear in the area of the eyelids, nasolabial folds, near the eyes and eyebrows (photo).In rare cases, a rash on the face appears near the red border of the lips and mucous membranes (cheeks and tongue).
The specificity of the rash on the face is associated with delicate, sensitive skin and the abundance of nerve endings.First, papules (small nodules, slightly raised above the skin) appear, accompanied by severe itching.After that, epithelium and plaque appear on the top of the nodule.
hand. Symptoms of psoriasis on the hands appear suddenly, appear in the form of small rashes (photo), which many patients mistake for allergies.And only when gray, dry scales appear on the arms, palms, and elbows, patients turn to dermatologists for help.It is characteristic that if there is a psoriatic rash on the palms, then the same manifestation is observed on the feet.Psoriatic manifestations on the palms are most often localized between the fingers, which is explained by the best environment in this place.The back of the hand is less commonly affected.When psoriatic spots appear on the fingertips, they may lose sensitivity.
Early stage development of psoriasis at an early age
Psoriasis can affect not only adults, but also small children, including babies.The initial stage of psoriasis in children, unlike adult patients, is mild and develops relatively slowly.
The first signs of psoriasis most often appear in children under the age of 2, which are associated with improper care and nutrition, which can trigger skin irritation.The first rash appears, as a rule, on the arms, elbows, in the folds of the skin (photo) on the legs and buttocks, which are caused by contact irritation (diapers, diapers, etc.).
Early symptoms of psoriasis should be differentiated from diaper dermatitis in babies.The surface of the head is affected by psoriasis in children over 10 years old, since from this age the clinical symptoms of the disease in children are the same as in adults.Often, psoriasis in children is triggered by a previous staphylococcal infection.
Important!A child can experience any form of psoriasis, except for guttate psoriasis, which only affects adult patients.
Treatment of early stages of psoriasis
To get rid of negative manifestations, you can use both traditional medicine and home therapy.Treatment of the early stages of the disease shows good results, allowing you to quickly get rid of the manifestations of visual pathology.
Therapeutic treatment in the early stages of the disease involves the use, first of all, of external agents, as well as ultraviolet treatment and the use of systemic drugs that actively suppress the inflammatory process.
In the early stages, this disease can be treated with ointments with salicylic acid and naphthalan oil.In addition, sedatives and antihistamines are prescribed.This product relieves tissue swelling and neutralizes painful itching.
It is important to remember that not all external products can be used on the face, so prior consultation with your doctor is required.In addition, psoriasis cannot be treated without proper nutrition and abandoning bad habits.
Treatment at home
There are many ways to get rid of psoriasis in the early stages at home. This treatment is mainly aimed at strengthening the immune system and relieving the inflammatory process.
- Honey and products containing it, oak bark, pine needles, chamomile, etc. are actively used in treatment.With the participation of these drugs, compresses are made to relieve psoriatic symptoms;
- folk methods involve cleansing the body by taking a decoction of lemon, rose hip, etc.In addition, using a bath with the addition of sea salt is effective;
- at home, it is recommended to moisturize the skin with natural oils (sea buckthorn, peach, olive).However, it should be remembered that traditional treatment methods are used as a complement to traditional medicine.
To prevent the development of the disease, certain preventive measures should be followed to minimize the symptoms of psoriasis:
- Skin damage such as scratches on arms and legs, insect bites, burns and so on should be avoided.
- It is necessary to constantly moisturize the skin with cream and avoid infectious diseases.
- It is recommended to stop drinking alcohol and smoking and only take medications prescribed by your doctor.
The effectiveness of treatment in the early stages of the disease depends on the time to seek professional help.Early treatment provides a high probability of preventing the transition of the acute process to a chronic form.