Psoriasis is a disease whose mechanisms of formation are still not fully understood.However, it is well established that a series of failures occur in the immune system, as a result of which skin cells begin to divide at a very high rate before they have time to die physiologically.This is how psoriatic plaque begins to form - an itchy form covered with whitish scales (cells that turn out to have a very short life cycle).
An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a dermatologist after an examination, but knowing the characteristics of the stages of the disease will help to draw the first conclusions about the nature of the changes that occur in the skin.
Psoriasis or not?
The disease goes through 3 stages:
- Progressive.The onset of the disease may be sudden and may be preceded by severe stress or hormonal imbalance.A small reddish spot the size of a pinhead appears on the skin.Gradually, the surface of the changed skin rises - this is a papule;silver scales of keratinized skin are visible on it.Papules merge into plaques, the skin is very itchy, and when scratched, it becomes wet due to damage to the surface layer.
- Stationary.After a certain period of time, the pathological process stops.New spots and papules do not appear;the existing plates are covered with gray bark with scales that peel off easily.This period is characterized by a decrease in the inflammatory process, the gradual disappearance of itching, but the symptoms do not disappear completely.
- Regressive.At this stage, the reduction and collapse of plaques is noticeable, the skin acquires a shade close to normal.Peeling and itching disappear.After the resorption of pathological elements, ring-shaped pigmented patterns remain on the skin, which is due to the uneven disappearance of plaques from the central part.After a few weeks, the last traces of spots and papules disappear, only mild depigmentation centers remind of psoriasis.
The duration of the described stages may be different for each patient.The regressive stage does not indicate recovery - exacerbation can begin unexpectedly and suddenly.
How to recognize psoriasis at an early stage?
Therapeutic measures for psoriasis have the best effect at an early stage, which explains the special importance of an accurate diagnosis.Only a dermatologist can determine whether it is psoriasis or another disease after examination and examination.But if he pays enough attention to the emerging symptoms, the patient himself may suspect this pathology.
The following symptoms are more likely to indicate the development of this disease:
- The first plaques appear on the elbows, knees, hairline, or where the skin is most likely to rub or come into contact with clothing;
- the rash is accompanied by severe itching, silvery scales easily peel off from the surface of the skin;
- after removing the scales, a slightly moist skin with blood spots is found (accurate bleeding symptom);
- then small indentations as if made with the tip of a needle often appear in the nails.
Psoriasis can be easily confused with different types of lichen, dermatitis and eczema, so it is better to consult a dermatologist in order not to harm yourself by using inappropriate products at the first changes in the skin.The prescribed complex treatment suppresses the uncontrolled proliferation of epidermal cells, reduces itching and swelling, restores the barrier function of the skin and prevents infection.