If you suspect that you have this disease, but you do not know what psoriasis looks like and how to treat it, you should find out more about this disease and consult a dermatologist urgently.
What does psoriasis look like at the initial stage: 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, develops rapidly, in others small and slow manifestations. In any case, in the absence of medical care, the disease progresses and seizes more and more extensive areas of skin.
The initial stage of the disease in the form of small rashes (papules) can make diagnosis difficult. Over time, the rash grows, uniting into patches covered with horny scales. It is very important to diagnose psoriasis in the initial 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 places on our skin:
- lower back
- knees and elbows
- inguinal folds
- head
- shins
The disease has several forms, each of them has distinctive features. Exactly where and how the papules appear will depend on the type of psoriasis diagnosed by the dermatologist.
The rash is in any case unhealthy, but with the following symptoms it is most likely associated with psoriasis:
- The spots are red, slightly swollen and covered with scales (dead cells) that are flaking off.
- Plaques appear anywhere, most often in the knees and elbows. Sometimes they itch.
- The nails exfoliate, become deformed.
- On the feet, palms, painful blisters that can itch.
What are the forms of psoriasis
The most common form is plaque psoriasis. It is also commonly called ordinary or vulgar. In any case, up to 90% of diseases of this form are accounted for.
Psoriasis vulgaris is characterized by raised red patches with gray or white scales. The infected skin is inflamed, easily injured and bleeds when the scales peel off. Over time, the patches on the skin grow, uniting into large areas, because. called "paraffin lakes".
Called inverse, flexural surface psoriasis is slightly raised, smooth red patches that barely flake off. Location of spots mainly in skin folds: groin and armpits, external genitalia, folds under the abdomen and mammary glands (with obesity).
The spread to other areas of the skin is minimal, but the treatment of this form is complicated due to natural friction during movement, sweating. Inverse psoriasis, if left untreated, can be accompanied by streptococcal pyoderma or fungal diseases.
Guttate psoriasis is not so common, it is a complication after streptococcal infections. It is characterized by small drop-shaped lesions. Another distinctive feature of guttate psoriasis is the color of psoriatic plaques, ranging from red to purple. The affected area is extensive, most often it is the hips, can occur in other areas of the skin.
One of the most severe forms is attributed to pustular psoriasis. Its symptoms are blisters (pustules) with clear fluid. The skin under and around them 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 fingernails and toenails. This form leads to nail changes. They may change color, dots or cross lines appear. The most severe forms are characterized by delamination or complete loss of the nail.
Psoriatic arthritis represents only 10% of cases. This form affects joints and connective tissues. It mainly affects the fingers. In some cases, psoriasis can affect the joints of the hip, knee, and spine. 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 an exacerbation of vulgar psoriasis. With extensive foci of inflammation, this can be fatal, since the natural ability for thermoregulation 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 are itchy, can be cracked, moist.
On the body
The nature of the plaques on the body and their intensity depend on the form of psoriasis. The initial psoriasis on the body manifests itself in different ways: from single rashes to large areas.
on the hands
The plaques first appear on the elbows, forearms, then spread to the palms and fingers.
Walk
The first manifestations begin on the knees or feet, progressing to other areas.
On elbows and knees
Psoriasis in these areas looks like a red, scaly rash, the skin in these places is rough.
On the palms
Plaques in these places grow when other areas become infected. It is dangerous that, if left untreated, psoriatic arthritis can develop.
On the face
Rarely occurs in this region. Affects the area of the nasolabial folds, the area of the eyes, cheeks. Sometimes it spreads to the mucous membrane of the tongue, cheeks.
On the nails
In appearance, it can be confused with a fungus, it begins with dots, furrows and ends with complete exfoliation.
The appearance of psoriasis in children
The children's version of the disease, especially in infants, is symptomatic and can often be confused with diaper rash or diaper rash. Subsequently, in places where redness appears, peeling of the upper layers of the skin occurs, accompanied by severe itching. It is extremely important not to bring the disease to this stage, as it bothers infants.
Also, psoriasis can be expressed in a child on the head, such cases are characterized by crusts, when they peel off, small wounds remain. In any case, you should not treat your child on your own just because you know what psoriasis looks like in order to avoid complications from 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 in children, namely up to 10 years, is due to genetics, that is. there were relatives in the family with a similar disease. Later cases are associated with other causes.
If we combine all the factors that cause psoriasis, the following can cause its manifestation:
- alcohol abuse
- genetic inheritance
- excessive hygiene
- dry skin
- stress
- to take pills
- staph and fungal infections
Treatment at the initial stage
If you have been diagnosed with psoriasis, it is imperative that you follow a diet and start treatment as soon as possible, as the onset of psoriasis is easier and faster to heal. Until psoriasis plaques begin to grow, the dermatologist will most likely recommend external treatment with the following ointments:
- Naftalane ointment. Prescribed in the initial stages and healing. Relieves inflammation and soothes 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, thanks to which scales are softened and easily removed.
medications
In addition to ointments, the treatment includes physiotherapy 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 certain group of drugs:
- antihistamines,
- diuretics,
- immunomodulators,
- immunosuppressants,
- antidepressants,
- NSAIDs (a group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs),
- enterosorbents,
- vitamin complexes.
Folk remedies
Traditional treatment, especially in the primary stages, can be combined with traditional treatment recipes. One of these recipes suggests the use of celandine juice. It is necessary throughout the summer to smear the spots with fresh juice, then by the end of the summer the size of the plaques will decrease significantly. If you perform the procedures for three consecutive summers, the stains should disappear forever.
With early psoriasis, the following recipe is suitable - an ointment from beaten eggs. Simple preparation: 2 eggs, 1 tbsp. I. vegetable oil, beat well and add 0. 5 tbsp. I. acetic acid. This mixture can be stored, but only in a closed container and in a dark place. Use as follows: Coat areas affected by psoriasis at night, daily.
You can also prepare fat-based ointment, which helps a lot in the treatment of psoriasis. You need to take 300 g of fat, 2 chicken yolks and 100 g of linden honey. Use within two weeks. To coat painful points 3 times a day, leave on for 2 hours, then rinse. After two weeks, another batch is prepared by adding 2 tbsp. I. celandine powder. This composition is designed for one hour.
In addition to ointments for psoriasis, you can take therapeutic baths with the addition of sea salt or, for example, nuts. It is useful 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, then strain. The filtered solution is intended for a therapeutic bath, it must be taken within half an hour.
How to Prevent Psoriasis
We know why plaque psoriasis appears, but we don't fully understand why it takes certain forms. The disease can manifest itself after stress, failures of the immune system, past infections or at the genetic level.
To protect yourself from relapses, you need to give up bad habits. In addition, doctors advise to moisturize dry skin well and, if possible, to avoid burns, hypothermia and skin lesions. Also, you should be careful when taking antibiotics, vaccines and beta-blockers, as they can cause an exacerbation.
Avoiding infections, leading a healthy lifestyle, not overworking yourself and avoiding stressful situations and worries - these measures will also help prevent psoriasis to some extent.
Psoriasis is a disease that requires treatment, but it can be confused with a similar skin disease. This is why you should not make a diagnosis from a photo, and even more so, prescribe a treatment without having the necessary knowledge for it.