Psoriasis is a disease whose mechanisms of occurrence are still not fully understood.However, it has been proven precisely that a series of failures occur in the immune system, as a result of which skin cells begin to divide at a very high speed, without having time to die physiologically.This is how a psoriatic plaque begins to form - an itchy formation covered with white scales (the cells themselves, whose life cycle turned out to be very short).
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 skin changes that appear.
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;silvery scales of keratinized skin are visible on it.The papules merge into plaques, the skin itches a lot, and when scratched, it becomes wet due to damage to the surface layer.
- Stationary.After a certain time, the pathological process stops.No new spots and papules appear;the existing plaques are covered with a gray scaly crust that is easily removed.This period is characterized by a decrease in the inflammatory process, the gradual disappearance of itching, but the symptoms do not go away completely.
- Regressive.At this stage, a decrease and reduction of plaques is observed, the skin takes on a shade close to normal.Peeling and itching disappear.After the resorption of the pathological elements, pigmented patterns in the form of a ring 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 light foci of depigmentation remind psoriasis.
The duration of the described stages may vary for each patient.The regressive phase does not indicate recovery - deterioration can begin unpredictably and suddenly.
How to recognize psoriasis in an early stage?
Therapeutic measures for psoriasis give the best effect at an early stage, which explains the special importance of correct diagnosis.Only a dermatologist can determine whether it is psoriasis or another disease after examination and testing.However, the patient himself may suspect this pathology if he pays enough attention to the symptoms that appear.
The following signs are more likely to indicate the development of this disease:
- The first plaques appear on the elbows, knees, hairline or where the skin experiences more friction or contact with clothing;
- The rash is accompanied by severe itching, the silver scales are easily removed from the surface of the skin;
- after removing the scales, a slightly moist skin with blood spots is found (symptom of accurate bleeding);
- later, small indentations often appear on the nails, as if made by the tip of a needle.
Psoriasis can be easily confused with different types of lichen, dermatitis and eczema, so at the first changes in the skin it is better to consult a dermatologist in order not to harm yourself by using inappropriate products.The prescribed complex treatment suppresses the uncontrolled proliferation of epidermal cells, reduces itching and flaking, restores the barrier function of the skin and prevents infection.