According to official figures, about 3% of people in the world suffer from psoriasis. However, it should be noted that the actual number of patients with this type of dermatosis is much higher. The first signs of such a disease appear at the age of 10-25 years, although cases of psoriasis have been reported in both infants and the elderly. It is not yet known exactly why it develops, but doctors have information about what the early stages of psoriasis look like. Therefore, by consulting a specialist in a timely manner, you can stop the development of the disease in the early stages.
Early stage symptoms
Initially, small round papules begin to appear on the patient's skin, the size of which usually does not exceed the diameter of a pin. These formations have a smooth, shiny surface and clear contours, but literally begin to peel after a few days. As a result, the scales are silvery-white and are easily removed from the surface of the papules. Over time, the number and size of the rash elements increase and the disease progresses to a more advanced stage.
Most papules are red or pink, although in some cases they are blue. This is observed in the formation of the main elements of an argument in the legs. Depending on the type of disease, the initial stage of psoriasis manifests itself in the elbows (extensor surfaces), knees, body, limbs or scalp.
If you remove all the scales from acne, you will find a completely smooth shiny surface under them - a terminal film. However, with more shaving, it is quickly damaged and the smallest drops of blood begin to appear.
Thus, psoriasis is characterized by three specific events:
![photo of the initial stage of psoriasis](/images/articles/609/photo%20of%20the%20initial%20stage%20of%20psoriasis.jpg)
- stearin stain- increased peeling when removing the scales;
- psoriatic film- exfoliation of the thinnest layer of skin;
- blood clot- the exact appearance of blood droplets after spooning.
But it's easier to see the initial stage of psoriasis in a photo.
Despite all the advances in medicine, no cure has yet been developed to completely cure psoriasis. The disease is characterized by a wavy course, so not only those who first encounter a similar disease, but also those who have lived with it for many years, go through the initial stage of development.
I want to emphasize that there is no cure for psoriasis. With the help of modern medicines, physiotherapy procedures and other therapies, you can "drive" the disease into a stable state of remission and forget about it for several years. However, an unfavorable combination of these conditions does not mean that the patient will no longer feel the characteristic rashes on the hands and other parts of the body that indicate the onset of psoriasis.
How to understand that psoriasis is progressing?
The transition of psoriasis to the second or progressive stage is evidenced by the growth and aggregation of previously single papules, as well as the addition of previously unprecedented itching. In addition, the nature of peeling is changing. Now it is observed only in the center of the formations, and the edges remain without scales. This clearly shows the growth of the elements.
You can use some kind of test to confirm the transition of psoriasis to the second stage. Its essence is a small damage to the skin of the affected area. If, after about a week, an element of psoriasis of the same shape with the lesion occurs in the same place, it clearly indicates the development of the disease. In the specialized literature, such a test is described as Kebner's symptom. In addition, it is observed with a banal combing of the affected skin.
In some cases, patients have exudative psoriasis. It is characterized by the release of a special fluid. The scales are absorbed into it, resulting in dense crusts. If one of these shells is removed or damaged, the leaking skin area is exposed.