Psoriasis: a photograph of the initial stage, symptoms and treatment

Psoriasis is a long-lasting chronic skin disease.

Causes of the disease

Psoriasis is a pathology of skin cells in which the upper layer of the skin dies within 4-5 days, usually within a few weeks. The causes of the disease are not clear, but doctors identify several factors that provoke the disease:

• Hereditary predisposition - the disease manifests itself at a young age from the age of 15 and is more inherited. If one of the parents is diagnosed with psoriasis, the child has a 50% chance of getting sick.
• Autoimmune Conflict - With this type of disorder, the body's immune cells stop recognizing skin cells as part of the body and begin to attack them as foreign elements.
• Nerve shocks - helps to release into the bloodstream hormones that cause metabolic disorders and the development of the disease.
• Disorders of hormonal balance and metabolism.

Psoriasis is not contagious because there is no infectious agent that can be transmitted.

Psoriasis Symptoms

The main symptoms of the disease are characteristic rashes on the skin, mainly affecting the inner surface of the elbow and knee joints, as well as areas exposed to frequent friction trauma.

Rash and less typical localization may also occur at the edge of the scalp.

Skin rashes appear as grayish or white scales. Psoriasis skin rashes have three characteristics:

1. Stearin stain symptom:Black scales are easily peeled off and look like wax crumbs.
2. Terminal film- after removing the scales, a whitish film can be seen covering the surface of the stain underneath.
3. Bleeding- when the stain is scratched, the terminal film is removed, the skin papillae with small drops of blood on it are damaged.

In the initial stage, a pale edge forms around the papule, at this stage there is no peeling. Paleness around the spot is a vascular reaction to the body's rejection of the epidermis. The disease is accompanied by severe itching of the skin, cracks and small bleeding on the skin when scratched. A secondary infection can penetrate the damaged skin.

In addition to the skin, psoriasis affects the nails, causing the fragility of the nail plates, the appearance of transverse patterns and concave areas.

Autoimmune conflict can affect the joints, especially arthritis-like pain in the joints of the fingers.

types of psoriasis

Psoriasis of the first type occurs in people under the age of 30, is an inherited disease that mainly affects the skin and has a typical localization.

Type II psoriasis affects people over forty and is not inherited. More often it affects the nail plates and scalp, the rash is small and teary. In elderly patients, the disease is associated with a decrease in immunity against the background of chronic infectious diseases and improper lifestyle.

Clinical studies have confirmed the link between type 2 psoriasis and alcohol and unhealthy food consumption.

Psoriasis Forms

Psoriasis has varying degrees of severity:

1. Plaque psoriasis- characteristic papules appear on the skin, accompanied by itching and peeling.
2. Pustular formis ​​characterized by the appearance of bubbles, redness of the surrounding skin, severe itching and burning, and is considered a moderate form of the disease.
3. Erythrodermais ​​characterized by massive skin lesions accompanied by leakage and discharge of large layers of epidermis, especially difficult to tolerate, often accompanied by pustular lesions and fungal infections.

Stages of psoriasis

The disease develops in several stages:

1. The initial stageindicates the onset of the disease, during which one, less than a few, pale spots appear, the skin begins to peel.
2. Active phaseis ​​accompanied by severe symptoms, excessive flow of skin scales, itching and inflammation.
3. Stationary phase- indicates remission, at which stage the peeling practically stops, pale areas of pigmentation or pseudoatrophy appear instead of the stain.

Psoriasis Diagnostics

You should consult a dermatologist to make a diagnosis. The pathology has a clear clinical picture, confirmed by anamnesis and biopsy of skin elements with subsequent studies.

Psoriasis Treatment

It is necessary to take a comprehensive approach to the treatment of the disease, as well as to stop the external symptoms and influence the cause of the disease.

Drug treatment

In severe cases, measures are taken to reduce the body's immune attack against its own cells:

• Cytostatic;
• Antihistamines;
• corticosteroid hormones;
• Enterosorbents and hepatoprotectors are used to restore metabolism.

At the same time, measures are taken to saturate the body with the necessary vitamins and trace elements:

• Silicone is one of the important trace elements responsible for hormonal balance and skin health.
• Calcium and vitamin D3 are needed to bring the disease into remission. It is prescribed together to increase calcium absorption.

Local treatment

External ingredients are used in the form of ointments and creams to protect the skin:

• Glucocorticoids, which reduce the immune response, also reduce the symptoms of inflammation, relieve itching and swelling of the skin.
• Salicylic acid and herbal products are important for moisturizing the skin and protecting it from secondary infections.
• Local cytostatics are used only in the active phase of the disease with a severe course.

Procedures

Physiological procedures are prescribed to speed up the healing process:

• Cryotherapy;
• UV radiation;
• Laser work.

If necessary, plasmapheresis is performed to clean the blood plasma and stabilize the cells.

Prevention

When prone to disease, a number of preventive measures should be taken:

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, stop smoking and alcohol;
• Establish a daily routine, avoid stress, be rational in your work schedule;
• Diet, avoid excessive carbohydrates, spices and fatty foods. It is advisable to avoid preservatives and ready-to-eat foods;
• Spends enough time outdoors;
• Use soap and shampoo with a specially selected pH value, do not use stiff clothes and towels, dry the skin thoroughly after showering;
• Wear clothes made of natural materials that are not too close to the body;
• Get regular medical checkups, monitor your blood hormone levels, and start treatment early if necessary.

Such measures will help maintain healthy skin and significantly improve the quality of life.