Psoriasis: picture of the initial stage, symptoms and treatment

Psoriasis is a long-term chronic skin disease.

Reasons for the development of the disease

Psoriasis occurs due to skin cell pathology, when the top layer of skin dies within 4-5 days, while normally this time interval is several weeks. The causes of the disease are not fully understood, but doctors identify several factors that provoke the disease:

• Hereditary predisposition - the disease appears at a young age, starting at the age of 15 and is most often inherited. If one parent is diagnosed with psoriasis, the child is more than 50% likely to get sick.
• Autoimmune conflict - with this type of disorder, the body's immune cells stop recognizing skin cells as part of the body, starting to attack them as foreign elements.
• Nerve shocks - contribute to the release of hormones into the bloodstream, which leads to metabolic disorders and provokes the development of the disease.
• Disruption of hormonal balance and metabolism.

Psoriasis is not contagious, as there are no infectious agents that can be transmitted.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

The main symptoms of the disease are the characteristic skin rashes, which mainly affect the inner surface of the elbow and knee joints, as well as those areas of the skin that are subject to frequent friction traumas.

Redness along the scalp and other less typical localization may also occur.

Skin rashes appear as spots covered with gray or white scales. Skin rashes in psoriasis have three characteristic features:

1. Stearin spot symptom:The white scales peel off easily, resembling the wax crumbs of candles.
2. Terminal film- once the scales have been removed, a white film can be seen under them covering the point surface.
3. Bleeding in spots- when the site itches, the terminal film is removed, the skin papillae are damaged, in which small drops of blood appear.

At an early stage, the pale circle forms a pale edge, at this stage no skin occurs. Surrounding pallor is a vascular reaction of the body to rejection of the epidermis. The disease is accompanied by severe itching of the skin, small cracks and bleeding are formed on the skin when scratched. A secondary infection can coalesce, penetrating through the damaged skin.

In addition to the skin, psoriasis affects the nails, causing brittleness of the nail plates, the appearance of a transverse pattern and concave areas.

Autoimmune conflict can affect the joints, causing arthritis-like pain, especially in the finger joints.

Types of psoriasis

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

Type 2 psoriasis affects people over forty and is not inherited. Most often it affects the nail plates and the scalp, the rash is small and teardrop-shaped. The disease in elderly patients is due to a decline in immunity against the background of chronic infectious diseases and improper lifestyle.

Clinical studies have shown an association between type 2 psoriasis and alcohol and unhealthy food abuse.

Forms of psoriasis

Psoriasis has several forms of varying severity:

1. Plaque psoriasis- characteristic papules form on the skin, accompanied by itching and flaking.
2. The pustular formis ​​characterized by the appearance of blisters, redness of the skin around them, itching and severe burning, is considered a moderate form of the disease.
3. Erythrodermais ​​characterized by massive skin lesions, accompanied by leakage and discharge of large layers of the epidermis, is particularly difficult to tolerate, often accompanied by pustular lesions and fungal infection.

Stages of psoriasis

The disease develops in several stages:

1. The initial stagesignals the onset of the disease, during this period one appears, rarely a few faint spots, the skin begins to peel.
2. Active phaseis ​​accompanied by severe symptoms, profuse discharge of skin scales, itching and inflammation.
3. Stationary phase- indicates forgiveness, the cortex at this stage virtually stops, instead of a spot, pigmentation or faint areas of pseudoatrophy form.

Diagnosis of Psoriasis

To make a diagnosis, you should consult a dermatologist. The pathology has a clear clinical picture, confirmed by the anamnesis and biopsy of skin elements with their subsequent study.

Treatment of Psoriasis

Treatment of the disease should be treated comprehensively, at the same time stopping the external symptoms and influencing the possible cause of the disease.

Drug therapy

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

• Cytostatics;
• Antihistamines;
• Corticosteroid hormone;
• Enterosorbents and hepatoprotectors are used to restore metabolism.

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

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

Local remedies

For skin protection, external agents are used in the form of oils and creams:

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

Procedures

To speed up the healing process, physiological procedures are described:

• Cryotherapy;
• UV radiation;
• Laser processing.

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

Prevention

If a predisposition to the disease is identified, a number of preventive measures should be taken:

• Live a healthy lifestyle, stop smoking and alcohol;
• Build a daily routine, avoid stress, approach rationally to organize a work schedule;
• Follow a diet, avoid excessive amounts of carbohydrates, spices and fatty foods. It is advisable to avoid preservatives and immediate foods;
• Spend enough time outside;
• Use soap and shampoo with a specially selected pH value, do not use washing cloths and strong towels, dry the skin completely after showering;
• Wear clothes made from natural materials that are not too close to the body;
• Periodically undergo a medical examination, check the level of hormones in the blood and, if necessary, start treatment early.

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