Primary psoriasis. Types and forms of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a well-known chronic skin condition that causes raised red patches with silvery white scales. According to statistics, about 3 percent of people from the entire population of the planet suffer from the disease.

The main symptoms of psoriasis are characterized by the appearance of a monomorphic rash on the skin: bright pink nodules covered with silvery scales. The elements of the rash can merge into various configurations, resembling a geographical map. Accompanied by mild itching.

As a rule, the disease affects areas of the skin on the head, elbow and knee joints, in the lower back. Psoriasis of the nails, vulva and joints is also known, however, these forms are much less common compared to skin lesions.

The disease can develop at any age, but most often psoriasis affects young people. In this article we will tell you everything about psoriasis - symptoms, treatment, diet and folk remedies which will help to treat the disease at home.

Causes of psoriasis

The cause of psoriasis is unknown, but immunological changes in the body (autoimmune aggression), neurological disorders, and metabolic disorders can provoke the disease. Contribute to the occurrence of psoriasis heredity, decreased immunity after illness, stress.

One of the main theories of the occurrence of psoriasis is the hypothesis of the so-called genetic factor. As a rule, psoriasis in children under 10 years old is precisely a hereditary form of the disease - in the family of crumbs, you can almost always find a relative suffering from a similar disease. But if psoriasis manifests itself at a more mature age, doctors suggest that the disease has a different nature of origin - bacterial or viral.

Factors that contribute to the development psoriasis:

• hereditary predisposition;
• thin dry skin;
• external irritating factors;
• excessive hygiene;
• bad habits;
• taking certain drugs can provoke the disease (beta-blockers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants and antimalarials);
• infections (fungi and staphylococcus aureus);
• stress.

International Psoriasis Day (World Psoriasis Day) is celebrated annually on October 29 under the patronage of the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA). This day was first celebrated in 2004.

Is psoriasis contagious?

Numerous studies have confirmed that psoriasis is not contagious. The presence of several family members with psoriasis is explained by the possible hereditary (genetic) transmission of the disease.

Stages of development

There are three stages in the development of psoriasis:

1. progressive- new rashes appear, the patient is worried about intense itching.
2. Stationary - the appearance of new rashes stops, existing ones begin to heal.
3. Regressive - pseudo-atrophic rims form around the foci, areas of healthy skin are visible in the center of large plaques; however, hyperpigmentation reminds of the disease - in place of the affected areas, the skin has a darker color than healthy.

Also, psoriasis is usually classified by severity into mild (involving less than 3% of the skin surface), moderate(involving 3 to 10 percent of the skin surface) and severe (involving more than 10 percent of the skin surface). Joint damage is regarded as a severe form of psoriasis, regardless of the area of ​​skin damage.

First signs

1. Red raised spots (plaques) covered with dry white or silvery scales. Spots most often appear on the elbows and knees, but rashes can be on any part of the body: the scalp, hands, nails and face. In some cases, the spots are itchy;
2. Deformed, exfoliating nails;
3. Strong exfoliation of dead skin cells (reminiscent of dandruff);
4. Blisters on the palms and feet, painful cracks in the skin.

Symptoms of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a systemic disease that affects more than just the skin and nails. It affects the joints, tendons and spine, immune, nervous and endocrine system. Often affects the kidneys, liver, thyroid. The patient feels severe weakness, suffers from chronic fatigue and depression. In connection with such a complex effect on the body, the disease in last years called psoriatic disease.

Psoriasis and its symptoms are characterized by the presence of a homogeneous rash in the form of plaques with a diameter of 1-3 mm to 2-3 cm, pink-red in color, covered with loosely sitting silver-white scales. As a result of marginal growth, elements can merge into plaques of various sizes and shapes, sometimes occupying large areas of the skin. Plaques are usually located on the skin of the extensor surface of the limbs, especially in the elbow and knee joints, trunk and scalp.

1. Plaque psoriasis, or psoriasis vulgaris, psoriasis vulgaris, simple psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris) (L40.0) is the most common form of psoriasis. It is observed in 80% - 90% of all patients with psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis vulgaris most commonly presents as typical raised, inflamed, red, hot skin patches covered with gray or silvery-white, easily flaky, scaly, dry, and thickened skin. Red skin under an easily removable gray or silvery layer is easily injured and bleeds, as it contains a large number of small vessels. These areas of a typical psoriatic lesion are called psoriatic plaques. Psoriatic plaques tend to grow in size, merge with neighboring plaques, forming whole plates of plaques (“paraffin lakes”).
2. Psoriasis of the flexion surfaces(flexural psoriasis), or " reverse psoriasis» (inverse psoriasis) (L40.83-4) usually appears as smooth, non-scaly or minimally scaly, red, inflamed patches that do not particularly protrude above the skin surface, located exclusively in the folds of the skin, with no or minimal involvement of other areas of the skin. Most often, this form of psoriasis affects the folds in the vulva, in the groin, on the inner thighs, armpits, folds under the abdomen enlarged with obesity (psoriatic pannus), and on the folds of the skin under the mammary glands in women. This form of psoriasis is particularly susceptible to aggravation by friction, skin trauma, and sweating, and is often accompanied or complicated by a secondary fungal infection or streptococcal pyoderma.
3. Guttate psoriasis(guttate psoriasis) (L40.4) is characterized by the presence of a large number small, raised above the surface of healthy skin, dry, red or purple (up to purple), similar in shape to drops, tears or small dots, circles of lesions. These psoriatic elements usually cover large areas of the skin, most commonly the thighs, but can also be seen on the shins, forearms, shoulders, scalp, back, and neck. Guttate psoriasis often first develops or worsens after a streptococcal infection, typically after strep throat or streptococcal pharyngitis.
4. Pustular psoriasis(L40.1-3, L40.82) or exudative psoriasis is the most severe of the skin forms of psoriasis and looks like vesicles or blisters raised above the surface of healthy skin, filled with uninfected, transparent inflammatory exudate (pustules). The skin under and above the surface of the pustules and around them is red, hot, edematous, inflamed and thickened, easily peels off. Secondary infection of the pustules may occur, in which case the exudate becomes purulent. Pustular psoriasis can be limited, localized, with its most common localization being the distal ends of the limbs (arms and legs), that is, the lower leg and forearm, this is called palmoplantar pustulosis (palmoplantar pustulosis). In other, more severe cases, pustular psoriasis may be generalized, with widespread pustules over the entire surface of the body and a tendency for them to coalesce into larger pustules.
5. Psoriasis of the nails, or psoriatic onychodystrophy (L40.86) results in a variety of changes in the appearance of fingernails or toenails. These changes may include any combination of discoloration of the nails and nail bed (yellowing, whitening, or graying), dots, spots, striations on the nails and under the nails, thickening of the skin under and around the nail bed, peeling and thickening of the nail , complete loss of nails (onycholysis) or the development of increased fragility of the nails.
6. Psoriatic arthritis(L40.5), or psoriatic arthropathy, arthropathic psoriasis is accompanied by inflammation of the joints and connective tissue. Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint, but most commonly the small joints of the distal phalanges of the fingers and/or toes. This typically causes a sausage-like swelling of the fingers and toes, known as psoriatic dactylitis. Psoriatic arthritis can also affect the hips, knee joints, humeroscapular joint, joints of the vertebrae (psoriatic spondylitis). Sometimes psoriatic arthritis knee or hip joints and especially psoriatic spondylitis is so pronounced that it leads to severe disability of the patient, inability to move without special adaptations, and even bedridden. Mortality in these most severe forms of psoriatic arthritis increases, as immobilization of the patient in bed contributes to the occurrence of bedsores and pneumonia. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of psoriasis patients also have psoriatic arthritis.
7. Psoriatic erythroderma(L40.85), or erythrodermic psoriasis, is manifested by widespread, often generalized inflammation and flaking, skin detachment over all or a large part of the skin surface. Psoriatic erythroderma may be accompanied by intense skin itching, swelling of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, and skin soreness. Psoriatic erythroderma is often the result of an exacerbation of psoriasis vulgaris in its unstable course, especially with the sudden abrupt withdrawal of systemic treatment or topical glucocorticoids. It can also be observed as a result of alcohol provocation, neuropsychic stress, intercurrent infections (in particular colds). This form of psoriasis can be fatal because the extreme inflammation and flaking or flaking of the skin disrupts the body's ability to regulate body temperature and barrier function skin, which can be complicated by generalized pyoderma or sepsis. However, limited, localized psoriatic erythroderma may even be the first symptom of psoriasis, subsequently transforming into plaque psoriasis vulgaris.

The symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on the specific season and stage. Many patients have a “winter” type of the disease, in which periods of exacerbation occur in late autumn or winter.

Psoriasis photo

What does psoriasis look like in the initial and other stages in the photo:

Click to view

[hide]

Course of the disease

Psoriasis is a chronic disease, usually characterized by an undulating course, with periods of spontaneous or caused by certain therapeutic effects of remission or improvement and periods of spontaneous or provoked by adverse external influences (alcohol consumption, intercurrent infections, stress) relapses or exacerbations.

• The severity of the disease can vary in different patients and even in the same patient during periods of remission and exacerbation in a very wide range, from small local lesions to complete coverage of the entire body with psoriatic plaques.

Often there is a tendency for the disease to progress over time (especially in the absence of treatment), to increase in severity and frequency of exacerbations, increase the area of ​​the lesion and involve new skin areas. In some patients, there is a continuous course of the disease without spontaneous remissions, or even continuous progression. The nails on the hands and/or toes are often also affected (psoriatic onychodystrophy). Nail lesions may be isolated and occur in the absence of skin lesions.

Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the joints, the so-called psoriatic arthropathy or psoriatic arthritis. From 10 to 15% of patients with psoriasis also suffer from psoriatic arthritis.

Treatment of psoriasis

For successful treatment, it is necessary to take into account what stage the disease is currently in - depending on this, the intensity of therapy changes. In addition, the treatment of psoriasis always consists of a whole range of remedies: external ointments, physiotherapy procedures, general regimen. It is also necessary to take into account other existing diseases, age, gender, the influence of professional factors and the general state of human health.

In the case of psoriasis, emollients, keratoplastic preparations, topical preparations (ointments, lotions, creams) containing glucocorticoids (,), preparations containing zinc pyrithionate, ointments containing analogues of vitamin D3, tar, naftalan, hydroxyanthrones are used for treatment.

At severe forms psoriasis, ineffectiveness external therapy or damage to more than 20% of the skin surface, systemic drug therapy, which includes cytostatics (methotrexate), synthetic retinoids (retinol acetate, retinol palmitate, tretinoin), glucocorticoids.

How to treat psoriasis without the use of medications - the essence is the use of cryotherapy, plasmapheresis, as well as the appointment of systemic photochemotherapy:

1. Photochemotherapy- this is the combined use of ultraviolet radiation (wavelength from 320 to 420 nm) with the ingestion of drugs that increase sensitivity to light. The use of photosensitizers is based on their ability to increase skin sensitivity to ultraviolet rays and stimulate the formation of skin pigment - melanin. The dose of drugs is selected individually, taking into account the weight of the patient. The procedures are carried out 3-4 times a week, 20-25 sessions are prescribed for the course. PUVA therapy is contraindicated in acute infectious diseases, with exacerbation of chronic diseases, cardiovascular decompensation, oncology, severe diabetes mellitus, severe damage to the liver and kidneys.

To the question of how to treat psoriasis, modern medicine is not able to give a clear answer, therefore, in addition to traditional treatment Patients with psoriasis are advised to follow a special diet, as well as try folk remedies for the treatment of psoriasis.

Ointment for psoriasis

In mild forms of the course of psoriasis, sometimes external treatment of psoriasis with the help of masks is sufficient. There are many drugs used in the external treatment of psoriasis, here are some of them:

1. helps to soften the horny scales of the skin and their speedy removal, which helps to better absorb other drugs. 0.5 -5% salicylic ointment is applied in a thin layer in the affected areas of the skin (the stronger the inflammation of the skin, the less the ointment is applied) 1-2 times a day. Salicylic acid also found in psoriasis ointments Diprosalik, Akriderm SK, etc.
2. Naftalan ointment used in the stationary and regressing stages of psoriasis (never with exacerbation, progression of psoriasis). Naftalan ointment reduces skin inflammation and itching. In the treatment of psoriasis, 5-10% naftalan ointment is used.
3. Sulfur-tar ointment 5-10% helps to reduce inflammation of the skin, but is contraindicated in the exudative form of psoriasis (with weeping scales and crusts). Sulfur-tar ointment should not be applied to the skin of the face. For psoriasis of the scalp, shampoos containing tar are used (Friderm tar, etc.)
4. Anthralin is an ointment that inhibits cell division of the surface layers of the skin and reduces peeling. Anthralin is applied to the skin for 1 hour and then washed off.
5. Ointments for psoriasis with vitamin D (Calcipotriol) have an anti-inflammatory effect, help improve the course of psoriasis. Calcipotriol is applied to the inflamed areas of the skin 2 times a day.
6. - These are creams, aerosols and shampoos that are used in the treatment of scalp psoriasis. Shampoos are used for psoriasis of the scalp three times a week, aerosols and creams are applied to the skin surface 2 times a day.

In the event that the treatment did not give the expected effect, then hormonal-based ointments are prescribed. Treatment begins with lighter drugs that have minimal side effects. If improvement could not be achieved, then stronger ointments with glucocorticosteroids are prescribed.

1. Ointment flumethasone. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-edematous, antipruritic effect. Suitable for patients with exudative forms of psoriasis, reduces bleeding. Apply a thin layer to limited areas 2-3 times a day. Treatment lasts 10-14 days.
2. Ointment triamcinolone acetonide. Local anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and anti-allergic agent. Reduces wetting of the skin. Apply to the affected area 2-3 times a day for up to two weeks. Used during an exacerbation.
3. Hydrocortisone. Suppresses the increased activity of leukocytes, prevents their movement into the skin, eliminates the feeling of tightness and itching.

In which sanatoriums is shown rest?

For the rehabilitation of patients with psoriasis in the resorts use: mineral water, treatment with fish, light fractions of oil and physiotherapy. Sea water, warm climate also have a powerful influence.

Russian resorts that specialize in the treatment of patients with psoriasis: Sochi, Anapa, Gelendzhik. The mild subtropical climate, the abundance of sun and long sea bathing have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, nails and joints. The Elton sanatorium near Volgograd (mud therapy), the Assy sanatorium near Ufa offer a range of physiotherapy procedures and clean air.

What can be done at home?

It is important to understand that the success of therapy largely depends on the actions of the patient himself. That is why people suffering from psoriasis are advised to completely change their lifestyle and make every effort to create conditions conducive to recovery.

• observe the regime of rest and work;
• avoid emotional and physical stress;
• resort to the use of folk remedies (in consultation with a dermatologist);
• follow a hypoallergenic diet.

How to treat psoriasis folk remedies

There are many recipes you can use at home. traditional medicine to help treat psoriasis. Let's consider some of them.

1. In a clay dish, it is necessary to grind fresh St. John's wort flowers (20 g), celandine root, propolis, calendula flowers (10 g). Vegetable oil is added to the resulting mixture. Store in a cool place, protected from sunlight. Method of application - 3 times a day, carefully lubricate psoriatic rashes.
2. Tar is applied to the affected areas cotton swab. In the early days, start with 10 minutes, then wash off the tar with tar soap. And gradually increase the time to 30-40 minutes (this can be done in 10-12 days). The procedure is done once a day, preferably in the evening, because the smell of tar remains even after prolonged rinsing. And overnight the smell, as a rule, completely disappears.
3. The celandine is uprooted, ground, the juice is squeezed out and each speck is generously smeared with it. Do it all season. Repeat next summer if necessary.
4. In the early stages of the disease, you can use an ointment that can be obtained from a mixture of two eggs and one tbsp. tablespoons of vegetable oil. All this must be beaten, and then add half st. spoons of acetic acid. The container with this agent should be kept tightly closed and in a place where light does not reach. Apply, spreading on the spots, should be at night.
5. Alternative treatment of psoriasis includes the use of certain herbs. The infusion of agrimony copes well with the disease. In particular, this folk method should be tried by those who suffer not only from psoriasis, but also from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver or gallbladder. The infusion helps to normalize the work of the affected areas and improve metabolism. One tablespoon of dry agrimony should be poured into an enamel bowl with a glass of boiling water, cover and leave for an hour, then strain, squeeze, bring the amount of liquid with boiling water to the original volume and drink a quarter cup four times a day before meals.

Psoriasis cannot be cured. modern medicine does not offer a single drug that can cure psoriasis once and for all. However, if it is treated with medications and other methods, then a rather unstable remission can be achieved.

Diet for psoriasis

It is difficult to say unequivocally which diet for psoriasis will be the most effective. The fact is that in addition to products that are undesirable for consumption or useful, individual tolerance of the same food products is correlated in different patients.

In this regard, specific recommendations are given for each person suffering from psoriasis. The generally recommended form of nutrition provides for the rejection of certain foods, but provides a balanced diet that supplies the human body with all the necessary substances.

What not to eat with psoriasis patients:

• spices;
• nuts;
• spicy, smoked and salty foods;
• citrus peel;
• fat meat;
• alcoholic drinks;
• blue cheese;

Nutrition for psoriasis should be rich in fatty acids, which are found in abundance in fish. The essence of the disease is this: a failure in the activity of the immune system provokes the body to produce more and more new skin cells, not having time to get rid of the old ones. As a result, skin cells layer and stick together, itching, irritation, and peeling occur.

Why the immune system behaves like this is unknown. Doctors say one thing - psoriasis is incurable, so you have to fight not with the disease itself, but with its manifestations.

Quality of life of patients

It has been shown that psoriasis can worsen the quality of life of patients to the same extent as other severe chronic diseases: depression, previous myocardial infarction, hypertension, heart failure or diabetes 2nd type. Depending on the severity and localization of psoriatic lesions, patients with psoriasis may experience significant physical and/or psychological discomfort, difficulties with social and professional adaptation, and even require disability.

In a 2008 American National Psoriasis Foundation survey of 426 psoriasis patients, 71% of patients reported that the disease was a major problem in their daily lives. More than half of the patients noted a significant fixation on their appearance(63%), fear of looking bad or being rejected by others due to the presence of psoriasis, a feeling of embarrassment, shame or embarrassment when communicating (58%). More than one-third of patients reported that with the onset or progression of the disease, they began to avoid social activity and communication with people or limited the search for partners and intimate relationships due to the disease.

Severe skin itching or pain can interfere with basic life functions: self-care, walking, sleeping. Psoriatic plaques on the exposed parts of the arms or legs may prevent the sufferer from working certain jobs, playing certain sports, caring for family members, pets, or the home. Psoriatic plaques on the scalp often pose a special psychological problem for patients and generate significant stress and even social phobia, since pale plaques on the scalp can be mistaken for dandruff or the result of lice.

An even greater psychological problem is caused by the presence of psoriatic rashes on the skin of the face, earlobes. Treatment of psoriasis can be expensive and take a lot of time and effort from the patient, interfering with work, study, socialization of the patient, and the arrangement of his personal life.

Forecast

The prognosis for life in psoriasis is conditionally unfavorable, the disease is chronic, slowly progressing, timely and adequate treatment only improves the quality of life, but does not eliminate the disease itself.

During periods of exacerbation, there is a loss of ability to work. In the absence of adequate medical care, it can lead to disability.

Many people in life are faced with dermatological diseases. Unfortunately, many of them are incurable or the treatment is too expensive for reality.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a very common disease. It's a chronic disease skin, one of the symptoms of which is a rash on the skin. The rash is characterized by the appearance of dense pink nodules, they have a pronounced border, and the surface is covered with silvery-white scales.

This disease can appear in different ways, both suddenly, with the manifestation of numerous rashes, and gradually. The rash may cover areas of the skin in large volumes or may be located singly in certain areas. Psoriasis is very difficult to cure, but if you make an effort, you can achieve positive results.

Scale lichen (psoriasis) in most of its cases is observed at the age of 10-25 years, but for the first time it can manifest itself in people different ages. Among children, this disease is more often observed in girls, and among adults - in men.

Causes of psoriasis

Psoriasis- one of the most mysterious diseases. There are many different theories that try to explain the causes of psoriasis.

Symptoms of psoriasis in adults

Psoriasis- a pathology that extends not only to areas of the skin and nails, but can also affect the joints. Moreover, in psoriatic arthritis, it is often found and chronic illness kidneys.

Some of the initial manifestations of psoriasis are:

1. Weakness;
2. Feeling tired;
3. Depression and even depression.

Rounded papules with scales with shades of pink or red are one of the symptoms of psoriasis. The peculiarity is that the papules are located symmetrically on different parts of the head, lower back, and least of all - on the genitals. The sizes of papules can be different. For example, at the initial stage, they become a couple of millimeters, while in more advanced ones, they reach a size of about 10 centimeters.

Symptoms of the disease of the scalp

One of the symptoms of scalp psoriasis is the appearance of plaques. They are more like dandruff, and hair does not play a role in the process itself. Also, the rash can appear on the neck, behind the ears and on some areas of smooth skin.

Psoriasis of the extremities

This lichen affects the stratum corneum of the skin and makes it much thicker. Cracks appear on the skin and it becomes very rough. There is an excessive division of skin cells. At the first stage, transparent pustules are formed, but later they acquire White color(Dark scarring may also occur).

Nail psoriasis

There are two types of damage to the nail plate:

1. Thimble type(the nail plate is covered with multiple pits, which, in turn, resemble needle prick marks).
2. Onychomycosis type(similar to nail fungus - in which the nails can change color, thicken or peel off, also a noticeable light red rim of the papule).

Psoriasis in children

The symptoms of the disease in children are very different from those in adults. Psoriasis can begin with damage to the knees, elbows, and scalp. Small red plaques may spread throughout the body, which may disappear in a few weeks. The disease can cause inconvenience, discomfort in a child, as well as disgust of other children, which leads to psychological disorders.

In young children under 5 years of age, psoriasis is manifested by severe focal lesions, especially on the scalp, face, trunk and limbs. Papules are often weeping, edematous - which can create quite serious difficulties in diagnosis. In schoolchildren, the rash has great brightness, juiciness and a tendency to merge.

Psoriasis begins with the appearance of primary foci in places that are subject to injury, mechanical or chemical, often in the area of ​​the knees and elbows. At the initial stage of psoriasis, papules are placed linearly, the location of irritation is repetitive. In this area, the rash can be a very long period of time, without changes.

During the progressive stage of psoriasis, a rash develops, it is accompanied by peripheral growth and the appearance of formations, which very often have irritating itching. The papules are surrounded by a pink corolla of growth.

Localization of psoriasis depends on the classification of the disease. If not properly treated, it can affect the nails, mucous membranes, or joints.

Many patients experience this on a daily basis. unpleasant disease like psoriasis. Pathology refers to inflammatory chronic diseases not transmitted from person to person. It is impossible to completely cure the disease, it has a wave-like character and manifests itself in frequent changes in dormant states to new outbreaks of rashes. It is very important to start treating the disease at its first manifestations. The initial stage of psoriasis has its own signs and symptoms, which we will discuss later in the article.

Psoriasis - photo of the initial stage

So, let's try to answer the questions, what does the initial stage of psoriasis look like, does psoriasis itch at the initial stage and how to recognize psoriasis? Most often, pathology manifests itself with single or multiple rashes on various parts of the body. According to statistics, spots can most often be observed on the scalp, knees and elbow joints, palms, armpits and groin.

Many patients do not pay attention to such manifestations, attributing the appearance of spots and itching to allergic reaction and treat manifestations with antihistamines. It is also worth noting that most often the rash occurs in areas of the body that are most prone to mechanical damage, for example, in places where clothing is rubbed.

In order to recognize the disease, it is worth having a clear idea of ​​its manifestations. So, the symptoms of psoriasis in the first stage are as follows:

1. The appearance on the skin of papules of a reddish or pink hue. They can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. The edges of the spots are clearly defined, the rashes are round or oval in shape.
2. Already through a short time spots are covered with characteristic scales that are easily removed. Papules protrude above the surface of the skin and are very itchy.
3. The inflammatory process joins the spots, the patient begins to experience severe discomfort, it is very difficult not to comb the rashes. Often a bacterial infection can join psoriatic rashes due to mechanical damage.

There are also certain signs by which you can determine the presence of the disease. They are referred to.

The appearance of a stearin stain

The appearance of characteristic scales that are easily scraped off. When the scales are removed, the peeling process intensifies.

After removing the scales, the patient has a red, thin and shiny surface of the skin. This is the so-called thermal film. It is easily damaged and, if done, slight bleeding can be seen.

blood dew

If the plaques or thermal film are damaged, drops of blood appear on the surface of the stain. Often bloody issues are observed on the border of the spot and healthy skin.

Methods for the treatment of psoriasis in the first stage

Treatment of the initial stage of psoriasis at home is the use of drugs to local application. This type therapy consists in applying various creams, ointments, lotions to the affected areas, as well as using sprays and shampoos with healing effect. All actions are aimed at eliminating the main manifestations of the disease and achieving stable remission. Most often, doctors prescribe drugs with minimal side effects. Next, consider how to treat initial stage psoriasis with creams and ointments.

Means for topical application

To soften papules and plaques, relieve itching and inflammation, as well as accelerate the healing process in medical practice, the following agents are used:

• calcipotriol;
• salicylic ointment;
• zinc ointment;
• taclonex;
• kartalin and others.

If the use of ointments is not enough, doctors apply complex therapy, which consists in the use of drugs of the following group:

1. Antiallergic drugs. Loratodin, diazolin, suprastin are used here.
2. Antidepressants and sedatives. Persen, valerian, motherwort and others are often used.
3. Anti-inflammatory drugs. It's nurofen, ibuprofen.
4. In especially severe cases, drugs that have a hormonal basis are used. These include bensalitin, cortisone, celestoderm.

Physiotherapy methods

• cryotherapy;
• phototherapy.

The advantage of these therapies is safety and good efficacy. Among the disadvantages are the high cost and the possibility of treatment only in a hospital.

The use of folk recipes

Often, patients with this pathology use traditional medicine recipes for home treatment. For these purposes, various plants and materials of nature are used, for example, propolis, various oils, tar, medicinal herbs and much more.

Traditional therapy is used mainly as an adjunctive treatment and is often used in conjunction with medications.

Very useful for psoriasis is the intake of decoctions of chamomile, succession, St. John's wort, calendula. Also, these plants can be used to add to baths.

Using folk methods treatment, it is worth remembering that even ordinary herbs can cause an allergic reaction and many side effects. Before starting treatment, you should always consult with your doctor.

Treatment of psoriasis at the initial stage is very important. Timely response to the problem will help to avoid negative consequences and long-term treatment.

Content

A complex systemic disease that is accompanied by skin lesions is psoriasis. In a healthy body, cells live for 30-40 days, then they are renewed. With the development of psoriasis, the life of skin cells is 4-5 days. When they die, peeling, plaques, dryness, etc. occur. Treatment of psoriasis of the initial stage is always easier, so it is important not to start the disease. Methods of therapy in the progressive phase differ significantly. You will read about the treatment of only the initial stage of psoriasis in the article.

Causes of the disease

With psoriasis, several systems are disrupted at once: endocrine, immune, nervous. Until the end, doctors did not find out the causes of this disease, just as they did not invent a cure for psoriasis. Experts put forward the following hypotheses for the development of the disease:

1. Viral. The causative agent of psoriasis can be retroviruses that are inherited. In many patients, changes were found in the peripheral lymph nodes, which may indicate the viral nature of the disease.
2. Immune. With weakened immunity and violation of protective mechanisms at the cellular level, favorable conditions for the progression of psoriasis. Among the causes of the disease is also autoimmune aggression, a process in which lymphocytes begin to attack their own healthy cells in the body.
3. Infectious. Many researchers have searched for the causative agents of psoriasis. Epidermophytons, spirochetes, streptococci were suspected, but all assumptions remained incorrect. However, scientists have found that infectious diseases: ARVI, influenza, tonsillitis are a push mechanism in the development of psoriasis. In 90% of cases, this disease is accompanied by tonsillitis.
4. Genetic. Psoriasis is transmitted to the child from the parents. 60% of patients have relatives suffering from this skin disease. If a mother or father is diagnosed with psoriasis, then the risk of such a disease in a child increases by 25%, if both parents are ill - by 60%.
5. Metabolic. Metabolic disorders (lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals) can cause psoriasis. Patients often have problems with work thyroid gland and other glands of the endocrine system.

Main signs and symptoms

This local disease is not contagious. Skin, nails and hair are damaged. Small rashes appear on the epidermis, on which papules form over time - areas of red or bright pink color that protrude above the skin. From above they are covered with silvery scales (plaques). Papules may itch a little or not bother at all, peeling is imperceptible. At first, the size of the affected areas of the skin is 1-2 mm, over time, their size is estimated at 10 cm or more.

Psoriasis initial stage: what parts of the body can be affected by the disease? The main symptoms of the disease of different localization:

• On the head. The scalp is covered with red scaly patches with a large number of scales resembling dandruff. Hair is not involved in the pathological process. Patients experience itching. Skin lesions may extend to the neck and behind the ears.
• On the face. At the initial stage, psoriatic plaques form on the skin around the eyes, on the eyelids, in the area of ​​the nasolabial folds and eyebrows. Occasionally, psoriasis affects the mucous membrane of the mouth, cheeks, lips, tongue, and a little more often the contour of the lips.
• On hands. Solitary red papules appear on the palms and between the fingers. The back of the hand is affected much less frequently. If spots form on the fingertips, their sensitivity is lost over time. Psoriasis can move to the nails.
• On the elbows. At the initial stage, single elements of psoriasis appear, covered with silvery scales. Then they grow into a continuous affected area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin, from which scales and a thin film are easily removed. After this action, the affected area takes on a pink-red color, drops of blood appear on it.
• On foot. The skin of the foot and the back of the leg suffer. Symptoms are similar to those that occur with psoriasis of the elbows: at the initial stage, small lesions appear, growing into large areas, a symptom of blood dew is observed.

How and how to treat psoriasis at the initial stage

Cure psoriasis forever - how realistic is it? Unfortunately, while the answer is disappointing - this autoimmune disease can be corrected, but it is impossible to completely get rid of it. Treatment of psoriasis at the initial stage gives excellent results and allows you to get rid of the visible manifestations of the pathology. traditional medicine applies ointments, creams, solutions, therapeutic ultraviolet radiation, systemic treatment drugs. There are also grandmother's remedies, but they do not give a stable result.

hypoallergenic diet

Patients with different types psoriasis, you need to learn the basics of an alkaline diet. Patients need to eat foods that alkalize the internal environment. Their share should be 65-75%, part of the acid food - 25-35%. General recommendations:

• A third of the diet is raw vegetables and fruits. Include beets, cabbage, carrots, herbs, cucumbers, onions, garlic, celery in the menu.
• Another third of the daily menu for psoriasis is complex carbohydrates and natural sweets in limited quantities. Eat cereals (barley, buckwheat), dried fruits (raisins, dried apricots, dates).
• The last part of the diet is animal and vegetable proteins. Eat lean meats, fish, peas, beans, seeds, eggs, nuts. Polyunsaturated fatty acid should also be on the menu.
• Drink at least 7-10 glasses clean water in a day. Alcohol is prohibited.
• For effective treatment give up citrus fruits, fatty dairy products and meat, chocolate, red foods. Use honey to a minimum.
• Sweets, spicy, smoked and sour foods are important to exclude from the diet, as they have a bad effect on the skin. The amount of salt should be kept to a minimum.

Medical therapy

Treatment of psoriasis at the initial stage is successful when administered medicines. There are several groups:

Local preparations: creams and ointments. Medicines consist of water, emulsifier and oil. They are enough to treat the initial stage of psoriasis. Vitamin D creams are effective:

• Akriderm, Betaderm. The skin should be treated twice a day, in mild forms once every 24 hours. The duration of drug treatment is 2-4 weeks.
• "Mesoderm". The frequency of skin treatment is 1-2 times a day, the duration of treatment is 1-2 weeks, but not more than 3 weeks.

Ointments are hormonal and non-hormonal. The second group is safer, but not as effective. Specialists often prescribe such drugs for psoriasis:

• Treatment with triamcinolone acetonide (Triacort, Kenalog, Fluorocord). Hormonal drugs rubbed into the skin 1-3 times in 24 hours for 5-10 days, maximum 25.
• Treatment with flumethasone, fludcortonol, fluocinonide acetonide (Locacorten, Flucinar, Flukort). Apply to the skin surface 1-3 times in 24 hours for 1-2 weeks.
• Treatment for psoriasis non-hormonal ointments: salicylic, Akrustal, Kartalik, Daivobet. For each drug - a separate dosage and duration of use.

Tablets. Treatment of psoriasis with medications is more often used to combat the progressive stage. Popular tablets:

• "Psoril". They are the answer to the question "how to treat psoriasis on the head?". However, the remedy is effective if the skin lesions are no more than 20%. The course is 2-3 months, then a break for 30 days. It is recommended to drink tablets 30 minutes before meals or 60 minutes after, three times a day. The daily number of tablets is 8 pieces.
• "Neotigazon". Used to treat advanced forms of psoriasis. Dosage for adults - 25-30 mg per day for 2-4 weeks, then increase the dose to 25-50 mg, drink 6-8 weeks. The drug should be taken only as directed by a doctor!

Systemic therapy. Its nature (dosage, duration of therapy) is determined only by a doctor for the treatment of advanced forms of pathology. One of effective drugs from chronic psoriasis - "Methotrexate":

1. It speeds up cell division.
2. It is administered intravenously.

Other powerful medicines for the treatment of psoriasis are drugs:

1. "Reamberin".
2. "Diprospan".

The complex uses:

• vitamins;
• fatty acid;
• hepatoprotectors;
• immunomodulators;
• anti-allergic agents;
• preparations for removing toxins from the intestines.

Physiotherapy

What is psoriasis and how is it treated? Complexity of therapy is important. At the initial stage of psoriasis, this proper nutrition, application local preparations and physiotherapy treatments. The latter are aimed at:

• decreased excitability of the central nervous system;
• normalization psychological state patient;
• reduction of itching;
• acceleration of resorption of psoriatic papules.

Electrosleep:

1. An excellent soothing treatment.
2. Thanks to the full recovery of the body, the papules decrease in size, and the disease goes into remission.
3. A patient with psoriasis needs to undergo 8-10 procedures lasting 20-60 minutes.
4. In the first sessions, patients are immersed in a superficial sleep, and then they move into a deep one.

X-ray therapy:

1. The affected areas of the skin are treated with X-rays, which accelerate the process of resorption of psoriasis plaques.
2. The treatment method involves the use of soft x-rays.
3. One session is carried out every 4-7 days, the total dose of radiation is safe (3.5-4 Gy).

Ultrasound treatment:

1. The skin is treated with ultrasound with a frequency of 800-3000 kHz.
2. The procedure eliminates inflammation, itching and pain, reduces sensitivity to allergens and kills bacteria.
3. The cycle of procedures covers 8-14 sessions, each of which lasts a quarter of an hour.

Among other physiomethods effective against psoriasis, it is worth noting cryotherapy, immersion in a magnetic field, treatment with current, laser. Treatment of psoriasis at home may be accompanied by taking baths with sea salt (5 g of salt per 1 liter of water, temperature - 37-38 ° C, duration 15 minutes, 15-20 daily sessions). With the advent of the disease, it is important to go to sanatoriums and participate in wellness programs.

ultraviolet irradiation

Psoriasis is effectively treated by treating the affected areas of the skin with ultraviolet light. The wavelength should be 311-313 nm, but a specialist may recommend a different emission spectrum. The patient is immersed in a special chamber equipped with ultraviolet lamps. Before that, he takes photosensitizing drugs that increase the effectiveness of treatment. Effective Method UV therapy - PUVA therapy. The wavelength is 320-400 nm. To achieve a good treatment result, the patient undergoes 25 irradiations, due to which 80% of the affected areas disappear.

Effective folk remedies for home treatment

At the initial stage of psoriasis, you can use folk recipes:

1. Egg oil treatment. To get half a glass of funds, you need 20 eggs. Boil the product for 15 minutes after boiling. You will need yolks. Mash them into a gruel and fry in a frying pan without oil over low heat for 45 minutes. Transfer the prepared mass to gauze and squeeze. Apply oil to the affected areas 1-2 times a day until the symptoms of psoriasis are completely eliminated.
2. Treatment of the initial stage with a complex ointment for psoriasis. Ingredients: 50 g of birch tar, 20 g of grease or petroleum jelly, 10 g of boric acid, 30 g of honey, 1 egg white, 10 g of fish oil. Store the product in a dark corner. Lubricate the papules 1-2 times a day.
3. Treatment with celandine juice. Use fresh juice from the roots to treat areas of the skin affected by the disease. This should be done at the initial stage daily throughout the summer for three consecutive seasons.

Learn more about what is and the causes of the disease.

Features of treatment in children

Do not use folk remedies for a growing organism. They are not always effective, and delays in this case are completely unacceptable. When the initial stage of psoriasis occurs, parents should show the child to a dermatologist who will prescribe a comprehensive examination and treatment. If the disease has not spread much, children are prescribed topical ointments and creams for the skin: keratolytics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

With the help of tar-sulfur or salicylic ointment, the top layer of psoriasis plaques is removed. To do this, make a bandage on the skin, impregnated with an active agent, which is removed after 3-5 hours. Then the child should take a bath with a string - it will help to painlessly remove the crusts. The last stage of treatment - drugs with glucocorticoids are applied to the skin in the dosage prescribed by the doctor. Children are prescribed antihistamines and vitamin complexes.

What does the initial stage of psoriasis look like - photo

The first stage of psoriasis is accompanied by damage to certain areas of the skin of the body. If you notice a rash like in the photo, hurry to a dermatologist. Don't hope in vain that the problem will be solved by itself. This skin disease is complex and requires rapid and complex treatment. The sooner a person goes to a specialist, the more favorable the outcome will be. Successful therapy leads to rapid remission and restoration of quality of life.

Attention! The information provided in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials of the article do not call for self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and make recommendations for treatment, based on individual characteristics specific patient.

FROM initial signs Anyone can experience psoriasis. The disease, according to experts, can have the most different reasons and provoking factors for their occurrence - from a severe stressful situation to violations in the diet. Therefore, it is timely to recognize and correlate the suddenly formed pink spot with scales on its surface with psoriasis on early stage maybe not every person. You can't do without the help of a specialist. Timely treatment and following all the doctor's instructions in the future is the key to a quick recovery.

Manifestations of psoriasis at the stage of its appearance as inflammatory process skin directly depend on the type of pathology and the background on which the disease was formed. It is generally accepted to distinguish the following forms of pathology:

• ordinary;
• pustular;
• point;
• drop-shaped;
• nail.

Typical places of localization of the disease are the plantar-palmar part, body, scalp, elbows. Initial psoriasis may well be confused with dermatitis. However, the main elements - plaques - have a number of features by which the doctor makes a diagnosis, for example, whitish scales.

The layers of the epidermis with psoriasis on the skin become more loose, flaky, change color to a pink tint. The number of elements of the rash in psoriasis is different - from single to multiple, merging into a huge defect.

The first symptoms of guttate psoriasis are often mistaken by people for an allergy - food or drug:

The spots in this case are small, pink, single. They form in places that are most prone to friction with clothing. Skin peeling is practically not observed.

Spot psoriasis at all at the initial stage is easy to mistake for symptoms of other dermatological problems - from allergic urticaria to atypical rubella.

Only an experienced dermatologist can carry out an adequate differential diagnosis. Therefore, it is not recommended to delay the consultation of a specialist.

The appearance of plaque-like psoriasis is one of the most common variants of the disease. There may be pronounced symptoms - multiple rounded red rashes, as well as subtle elements.

Plaque psoriasis of the initial stage is shown in the photo:

The following changes will be observed on the surface of the skin:

• rounded elements with clear boundaries - Voronov's rim;
• rashes in psoriasis are necessarily accompanied by peeling;
• for the first time, elements, as a rule, single ones, can quickly disappear;
• in the center of the spot, barely noticeable exfoliation of the epidermis appears - whitish scales.

Typical sites of skin lesions are elbows and knees, head and face. On other parts of the body, plaque elements are diagnosed less frequently.

If you have the above symptoms, when psoriasis appears, it is recommended to immediately consult a dermatologist.

When treating the initial stage of psoriasis, you can quickly get rid of it.

Pustular type of disease

The most severe course is the pustular type of the disease. The early stage of psoriasis will be characterized by the rapid capture of all new skin areas.

Generalized pustular psoriasis at an early stage can be quickly recognized from the photo:

The formation of papules occurs rapidly, they are located on large areas of the body. May be accompanied by intense pain and fever. Bubbles with purulent contents form in the affected area.

How does psoriasis manifest itself?:

• against the background of a pink spot, a small bubble appears;
• the contents of the bubble from light becomes purulent;
• in the neighborhood there are several more similar elements;
• gradually they merge into one huge bubble;
• after the opening of the defect in this area, erosion or an ulcer is formed, covered with a crust.

If single papules appear, for example, in the area of ​​the pubis, armpits, then we can talk about a local type of psoriasis with pustules. What the initial stage looks like can be seen in the photo:

The wounds are covered with yellowish crusts, which bleed when removed. In the case of accession of a secondary infection, the course of the disease is complicated. Treatment of psoriasis will require not only local therapies, but also taking systemic drugs in a hospital setting.

Symptoms of spot psoriasis

The first signs of psoriasis in women with a point type of disease are a small point diameter. In this case, there may not be peeling of the epidermis, or it is expressed poorly - barely.

Typical locations of elements are the face, body, limbs. Rashes are observed on other parts of the body that are most prone to friction with clothing, for example, the folds of the groin, armpits.

In the photo, psoriasis of the initial stage can be confused with other pathologies of the dermis:

The final diagnosis will be made by a dermatologist after laboratory and instrumental studies. Treatment at home is allowed, but under the strict supervision of a doctor: diet therapy, ointments and creams for external use, traditional medicine recipes.

Provoke the appearance of a guttate type of psoriasis can be transferred by a person viral infections leading to a significant weakening of the immune system. This version is followed by many dermatologists.

Typical areas of localization of the elements of the rash are the feet, palms, and also on the head, psoriasis on which is often mistaken for allergic symptoms. What psoriasis looks like at the initial stage can be seen in the photo:

Rashes initially have a pale pink hue and a small size. Then they noticeably begin to grow, acquire a rich red color, and become covered with crusts. Sometimes the spots merge.

Most often they ask: does psoriasis itch at the initial stage? With this type of disease, the answer to the question is yes. The main complaint of the patient at the doctor's appointment will be itching, and the nature of the rash will be indicated to him much later. The tactics of treatment is reduced to diet, taking antihistamines applying a healing ointment.

Typical localization sites at the initial stage with a photo

Typical areas of the body on which psoriatic elements are detected are the scalp, elbows, as well as knees and nails. In babies, the disease can begin with natural skin folds - inguinal, axillary. Therefore, the elements of the rash are taken for the symptoms of diaper dermatitis, allergies. And only a doctor after examination is able to correctly diagnose.

However, in some cases, spots and plaques may be located atypically - for example, between the toes on the foot or on the nail plates, behind the neck, between the shoulder blades. In this case, the person does not even pay attention to them, self-medicates. The first signs of psoriasis in men and women pass into the next stage - an extended clinical picture illness. This requires specialized treatment.

What does psoriasis look like at the initial stage on the body

In most diagnosed cases of psoriasis on the body, the nature of the elements is largely determined by the type of pathology. In places of skin friction, defects of the plaque variant are localized.

The initial stage of psoriasis is shown in the photo:

Signs of body psoriasis are expressed as follows:

• the appearance of rounded spots, shade - from pink to flesh;
• moderate elevation of the defect above the surrounding areas of the skin;
• the size of the spots is different - from punctate to large, confluent type;
• peeling - from single scales to abundant crusts of different colors;
• there may be cracks, erosion on the surface of the elements;
• itching - from barely noticeable to intense, interfering with work and rest;
• rarely - fever, with a severe course of the disease.

In direct proportion to the stage, the treatment will be prescribed by a doctor - from external agents, for example, ointments, decoctions and lotions, to tablets with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hormonal effects.

At the beginning of their appearance, lesions of the scalp appear as small areas of peeling - as a rule, along the hairline. It is often mistaken for commonplace dandruff, so effective measures - specific treatment - may be late.

Photo of the initial stage:

Over time, intense peeling, itching, as well as papules and pustules with serous contents join, in place of which crusts form after opening. The skin becomes inflamed, thickened, becomes painful. Hair, however, does not fall out, since the lesion affects the upper layers of the epidermis, without involving the hair follicles in the process.

Initially, the treatment is symptomatic - diet, anti-inflammatory shampoos and ointments are used. If a bacterial or fungal microflora has already joined, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate medications.

Initial nail damage

Nail damage in psoriasis resembles a fungal infection - longitudinal stripes on the nail plate, dots along the edge, increased fragility. The root itself may not be involved in the pathological process.

As the pathology progresses, the nail plate thickens and loses its transparency. There are processes of longitudinal striation, stratification of the nail. In severe cases, it completely flakes off from the underlying tissue.

Timely recognition of the disease and differential diagnosis help modern laboratory methods research. Treatment of nails on the legs and hands - specific ointments, tea tree oil, lotions with healing decoctions - must necessarily take place under the supervision of a doctor. When applying early medical care disease can be quickly cured.

First appearance of psoriasis of the hands and feet

Peeling of the skin of the palmar and plantar areas of the body is far from being immediately differentiated as psoriasis. At first, people mistake such symptoms for allergic dermatitis or a fungus.

However, as the pathology progresses, characteristics- plaque spots, psoriatic scales and crusts, itching. The rash quickly spreads over the entire foot, rising to the knees and above. From the palms of the spots can go to the body or face.

Remission seems to be a subsidence of the main symptoms, however, there may be a preservation of the dark color of the epidermis, but without itching and flaking. Symptoms of psoriasis on the hands last longer due to the fact that this area of ​​the body accounts for more aggressive external factors.

Therapeutic tactics are based on the same principles: strict diet therapy, refusal to bad habits, the use of healing creams, lotions, ointments. The success of the fight against psoriasis lies in the observance of all the doctor's recommendations.

The development of psoriasis at an early age

Young children are also at risk for illness, including infants and newborn babies. This is interconnected with the fact that the predisposition to the disease can be inherited, and under certain conditions, for example, improper care, artificial feeding, the symptoms of the disease will make themselves felt.

How is psoriasis treated in children? early age You can check with your pediatrician. Attention should be paid to the slightest change skin coloration - typical spots and peeling will not always be observed. The first rashes are more often detected in the folds - inguinal, axillary region.

What to do at the first signs of psoriasis in young children, the doctor should decide. As a rule, measures are taken to eliminate provoking factors, improve the personal hygiene of babies, as well as correct nutrition.

First aid at the initial stage of psoriasis

Faced with the first clinical manifestations disease, it is important not to get confused, but to get a doctor's advice and start treatment. It is important to take care of yourself:

• adhere to an alkaline diet for psoriasis - products should alkalize the internal environment, for example, vegetable salads, puree soups;
• completely eliminate the use of alcoholic beverages, because;
• carefully monitor personal hygiene - take a warm shower, wear underwear made from natural fabrics, lubricate the affected skin with emollient creams and oils;
• walk more in the fresh air - ultraviolet has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin;
• avoid stressful situations - nervous overload and psycho-emotional shocks aggravate the course of the disease;