If you suspect you have it, but don't know what psoriasis looks like and how to treat it, it's a good idea to know more about the disease and see a dermatologist urgently.
What does psoriasis look like in the early stages: symptoms, photos
For psoriasis of any stage, a rash on the skin is characteristic. Even at the very beginning of its development, the disease manifests itself in different ways. In some cases, it begins actively, develops rapidly, in other cases, manifests itself small and slow. In all cases, without medical attention, the disease will progress and take up more and more large areas of skin.
The early stages of the disease in the form of a small rash (papules) can make diagnosis difficult. Over time, the rash grows larger, coalescing into patches covered with horny scales. It is very important to diagnose psoriasis in its early stages so that treatment can be started immediately. Treatment results will be in remission for a long time, in some cases as long as 3-4 years.
Psoriasis is characterized by the following places on our skin:
- small on the back
- knee and elbow
- inguinal folds
- head
- shins
The disease has several forms, each with its own unique characteristics. Depending on where and exactly how the papules appear, it will depend on the type of psoriasis your dermatologist diagnoses.
A skin rash in any case is not healthy, but given the following symptoms, it is most likely related to psoriasis:
- These pimples are red, slightly swollen, and covered with flakes (dead cells) that fall off.
- The patches appear anywhere, usually the knees and elbows. Sometimes they itch.
- Scaly, deformed nails.
- On the feet, the palms of the hands develop painful blisters that may itch.
What are the forms of psoriasis?
The most common form is plaque psoriasis. It is also often referred to as casual or vulgar. In all cases, up to 90% of diseases are of this form.
Psoriasis vulgaris is characterized by raised red patches with gray or white scales. The infected skin becomes inflamed, easily injured, and bleeds when the scabs fall off. Over time, the patches on the skin get bigger, coalesce into large patches. called "paraffin lake".
Called converse, psoriasis of the flexural surface is smooth red patches that are slightly raised and barely peel. Localization of spots is mainly in the skin folds: inguinal and axillary, external genitalia, folds under the abdomen and mammary glands (with obesity).
The spread to other skin areas is very little, but the treatment of this form is very complicated due to the natural friction when exercising, sweating. Inverse psoriasis, if left untreated, can be accompanied by pyoderma due to streptococci or fungal diseases.
Intestinal psoriasis is not so common, it is a complication after a streptococcal infection. It is characterized by small, teardrop-shaped lesions. Another distinguishing feature of guttate psoriasis is the coloration of the psoriasis patches, which range from red to purple. The affected area is very large, usually the hips, but other areas of the skin may appear.
One of the most severe forms is thought to be caused by pustular psoriasis. Its symptom is blisters (pustules) with clear fluid. The skin under and around them is hot and inflamed. When the blisters are infected, the clear fluid is accompanied by pus, which is easy to peel off but very difficult to treat. Place of localization - shin and forearm.
Psoriatic nail dystrophy develops on the fingernails and feet. This form leads to nail changes. They may change color, appearing as dots or horizontal lines. More severe forms are characterized by delamination or complete loss of the nail.
Psoriatic arthritis accounts for only 10% of cases. This form affects joints and connective tissues. It mainly affects the fingers. In some cases, psoriasis can affect the hips, knees, and spine. This leads to psoriatic spondylitis. With pronounced forms of psoriatic spondylitis, the patient cannot move independently.
Dermatologic psoriasis is characterized by large areas of inflammation, which may occur against the background of an exacerbation of psoriasis vulgaris. With widespread foci of inflammation, it can be fatal, as natural thermoregulation is lost.
Psoriasis development
Psoriasis can affect different parts of the body, with different symptoms. Let's consider different cases.
Appears on the scalp, behind the ears. The papules in these places are itchy, may be chapped, and wet.
On the body
The nature of the patches on the body and their intensity depends on the form of psoriasis. The initial psoriasis on the body manifests itself in a variety of ways: from a single rash to large areas.
On hand
The patches first appear on the elbows and forearms, then spread to the palms and fingers.
By foot
Symptoms first begin in 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 palm
Plaques in these places develop as other areas become infected. The danger is that if left untreated, psoriatic arthritis can develop.
On face
Rarely happens in this field. Affects nasolabial folds, eyes, cheeks. Sometimes it spreads to the lining of the tongue and cheeks.
On the nail
In appearance, it can be confused with a fungus, it begins with dots, grooves and ends with complete peeling of the skin.
The onset of psoriasis in children
The childhood version of the disease, especially in infants, is symptomatic and can often be confused with diaper rash or diaper dermatitis. Then, in places of redness, the upper layers of the skin peel off, accompanied by intense itching. It is extremely important not to let the disease progress to this stage, as this brings discomfort to the newborn.
In addition, psoriasis can be manifested in children on the head, such cases are characterized by scaly layers, when they fall off, small lesions remain. Under no circumstances should you self-treat your child just because you know what psoriasis looks like to avoid complications.
Causes of Psoriasis
Scientists have identified several reasons for the appearance of psoriasis. In addition, it has been shown that psoriasis in childhood, namely up to 10 years of age, occurs genetically, ie. family members with similar illnesses. Later cases are associated with other causes.
If we combine all the factors that cause psoriasis, the following could be the cause of its manifestation:
- alcohol abuse
- hereditary inheritance
- excessive hygiene
- dry skin
- stress
- use medicine
- Staphylococcal and fungal infections
Treatment in the early stages
If you have been diagnosed with psoriasis, it is imperative that you follow a diet and start treatment as soon as possible, because psoriasis starts to get better and faster. Until patches of psoriasis begin to develop, a dermatologist will most likely recommend external treatment with the following ointments:
- Naftalan ointment. Prescribe in the early stages and cure. Reduces inflammation and soothes itching.
- Sulfur ointment. Reduces inflammation, suitable only for "dry" forms of psoriasis. Ointment should not be applied to the face.
- Salicylic ointment. Contains salicylic acid, thanks to which flakes are softened and easily removed.
drugs
In addition to ointments, the treatment includes physiotherapeutic procedures (electric sleep, magnetic therapy, ultraviolet radiation, etc. ), drugs, vitamin complexes. Full complex for advanced and severe cases.
Prescription of drugs is made only after examination and according to regulations, including certain drug groups:
- antihistamines,
- diuretic,
- immunoregulatory,
- immunosuppressive drugs,
- Antidepressants,
- NSAIDs (a group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs),
- absorbents,
- vitamin complex.
Folk methods of treatment
Traditional treatment, especially in the primary stage, can be combined with traditional treatment formulations. One of these recipes suggests the use of celandine juice. It is necessary during the summer to smear the pimples with fresh juice, then by the end of the summer the patches will decrease in size significantly. If you carry out the procedures for three consecutive summers, these spots will disappear forever.
With early psoriasis, the following recipe is suitable - ointment from beaten eggs. Simple preparation: 2 eggs, 1 tbsp. l. vegetable oil, beat well and add 0. 5 tbsp. l. Acetic acid. This mixture can be stored, but only in an airtight container and in a dark place. Use as follows: apply to psoriasis affected areas at night, daily.
You can also prepare a lubricating 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 honey. Use within two weeks. To apply to sores 3 times a day, leave for 2 hours, then rinse. After two weeks, another batch is prepared by adding 2 tbsp. l. celandine powder. This component was designed in an hour.
In addition to psoriasis ointments, you can take a therapeutic bath with the addition of sea salt or, for example, walnuts. Such bathing is very useful not only in the initial stage, but also in the exacerbation of the disease. To take a bath once, you need to prepare about 400 g of leaves or peel, pour boiling water in, leave for 10 minutes and then filter the water. The filtered solution is used for therapeutic baths, it must be done within half an hour.
How to prevent psoriasis?
It is well known why plaque psoriasis occurs, but it is not fully understood why it takes on certain forms. The disease can manifest itself after stress, a weakened immune system, past infections, or at a genetic level.
To protect yourself from relapse, you need to give up bad habits. In addition, doctors recommend moisturizing dry skin well and, if possible, avoiding burns, hypothermia, and skin damage. In addition, you should be careful when taking antibiotics, vaccines, and beta-blockers, as they can cause exacerbations.
Avoiding infections, living a healthy lifestyle, not overdoing it, and avoiding stressful and anxious situations – 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. That's why you shouldn't diagnose yourself from a photo, and much less prescribe treatment without having the necessary knowledge about it.