The initial stage of psoriasis, which can occur under a certain combination of factors, manifests itself in the form of reddish plaques with clear boundaries.Later, they merge with each other and are covered with silver-white scales.Typically, plaques are found on the head, knees and elbows.
Psoriasis can affect patients of all ages and genders.The etiology of the disease, which is not fully understood, does not allow to cure psoriasis completely, but if you start therapy at the initial stage of psoriasis development by adequately evaluating the initial symptoms of psoriasis, it is possible to significantly reduce the symptoms of the disease and achieve long-term remission.
Symptoms of the initial stage of the disease
To recognize the initial stage of the disease, it is important to know what the initial symptoms look like.
At the very beginning, single papules appear, which can be from a few mm to 2-5 cm and have the form of a plate covered with white scales.When they are scraped off, a characteristic symptom of the psoriatic triad appears:
- "stearic stain" (slight separation of scales when scraped);
- "terminal film" (exposure of shiny, thin and moist skin after removing scale);
- "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 most often characterized by the appearance of psoriatic lesions in places exposed to any trauma.As a rule, these are the knee area in the places of elbows, scratches or scratches.These manifestations are called "Koebner's sign".
At the very beginning, the papular rash spreads linearly, directly at the site of irritation, and can exist for a long time without dynamics.These rashes are called "sentinel" rashes.The rash is very itchy and itchy.
The initial stage lasts several weeks.Later, the papules enlarge and coalesce into psoriatic plaques, which can cover large areas of the body.
Psoriasis can appear anywhere.The most dangerous rashes are on the face, but this form of the initial stage develops very rarely.
Characteristic places of localization of the disease in the initial stage
The most common rashes are:
Feet. The initial stage of psoriasis on the legs develops from a single small rash that is mainly located on the feet and knees, but can appear on any surface of the legs.
Elbows. The plaque type occurs most often on the elbows, its symptoms are characterized by small red rashes with severe peeling.At this time, roughening of the skin on the elbows is observed (in the picture).In addition, rashes on the elbows can be symmetrical.
Head. Symptoms often affect the scalp as well as the back of the head and the ear area (pictured).A papular rash on the head is accompanied by itching.Often, psoriasis on the scalp is characterized by moist scales.
Nails. Psoriatic manifestations on the hands and nails resemble a fungal infection.First, longitudinal stripes (points) appear at the very edge of the nails (pictured), and then spread towards the roots of the nails.At the same time, the nail plate begins to thicken and fade.As the symptoms of the disease progress, the nail area may completely peel off.
face Psoriasis occurs very rarely on the face, because this form of psoriasis is considered atypical.Hyperemic papules appear in the eyelid area, nasolabial folds, near the eyes and eyebrows (pictured).Rarely, a rash appears on the face near the red border of the lips and mucous membranes (cheeks and tongue).
The specificity of rashes on the face is associated with delicate, sensitive skin and an abundance of nerve endings.First, papules (small, slightly raised nodules on the skin) appear, accompanied by severe itching.Later, epithelium and plaques appear in the upper part of the nodule.
Hands. Symptoms of psoriasis on the hands appear suddenly, appearing in the form of a small rash (pictured), many patients mistake it for allergies.And only when gray, dry scales appear on the arms, palms and elbows, patients turn to a dermatologist for help.It is characteristic that if there is a psoriatic rash on the palms, similar manifestations are observed on the feet.Psoriatic manifestations on the palms are most often localized between the fingers, which is explained by the most favorable environment in this place.The back of the hands is less affected.When psoriatic spots appear on the tips of the fingers, they may lose sensitivity.
The development of the initial stage of psoriasis at an early age
Psoriasis can affect not only adults, but also young children, including infants.The initial stage of psoriasis in children, in contrast to adult patients, is mild and develops quite slowly.
The first signs of psoriasis appear most often in children under 2 years old, which is due to improper care and nutrition, which can cause skin irritation.The first rashes appear, as a rule, on the arms, elbows, legs and buttocks caused by contact irritation (diaper, diaper, etc.) in folds of the skin (pictured).
The initial symptoms of psoriasis in babies should be distinguished from diaper dermatitis.In children over 10 years old, the surface of the head is affected by psoriasis, because from this age, the clinical signs of the disease in children are the same as in adults.Often, psoriasis in children is triggered by previous staphylococcal infections.
It is important!A child can develop any form of psoriasis, except for guttate psoriasis, which affects only adult patients.
Treatment of the initial stage of psoriasis
To get rid of negative manifestations, you can use both traditional medicine and home therapy.Treatment of the initial stage of the disease shows good results, allows to get rid of visual pathological manifestations quickly.
Therapeutic treatment of the early stage of the disease primarily involves the use of external agents, as well as ultraviolet treatment and the use of systemic drugs that actively suppress the inflammatory process.
In the early stages, the disease can be treated with ointments with salicylic acid and naphthalene oil.In addition, sedatives and antihistamines are prescribed.These products eliminate tissue swelling and neutralize painful itching.
It is important to remember that not all external products can be used on the face, so a preliminary consultation with your doctor is required.In addition, psoriasis cannot be treated without proper nutrition and giving up bad habits.
Treatment at home
There are many ways to get rid of psoriasis in the early stages at home. This treatment is primarily aimed at strengthening the immune system and eliminating the inflammatory process.
- Honey and its products, oak bark, pine needles, chamomile, etc. are actively used in the treatment.With the presence of these drugs, compresses are prepared to eliminate psoriatic symptoms;
- folk methods lemon, hips, etc.it consists of cleansing the body by taking a decoction. In addition, it is effective to use baths with added sea salt;
- it is recommended to moisturize the skin at home with natural oils (sea buckthorn, peach, olive).However, it should be noted that traditional treatment methods are used in addition to traditional medicine.
To prevent the development of the disease, certain preventive measures should be followed to minimize the symptoms of psoriasis:
- Scratches on hands and feet, insect bites, burns, etc.such as skin damage should be avoided.
- It is necessary to regularly moisturize the skin with creams and avoid infectious diseases.
- It is recommended to give up alcohol and smoking and take only medicines prescribed by your doctor.
The effectiveness of treatment in the initial stage of the disease depends on the time to seek professional help.Early treatment provides a high probability to prevent the acute process from turning into a chronic form.