Dermatology
Dermatology

Psoriasis, what is it? First signs and symptoms, stages, treatment

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What is it? Psoriasis is a skin disease of non-infectious nature, so it is impossible for them to become infected. It affects not only the skin, but also has a negative effect on the entire body as a whole. It is characterized by a chronic course with periods of exacerbations and remissions.

The disease causes immune cells of its own organism, that is, it is an autoimmune disease. Rising from the depths of the skin to the upper layers, these cells provoke inflammation, excessive division of epidermal cells, leading to excessive growth, the emergence of new small capillaries.

Externally it looks like the formation of red or purple spots - psoriatic plaques.

The first signs and symptoms of psoriasis, photos

  • 2 The psoriasis types
  • 3 The stages of psoriasis development, symptomatology
    • 4 The effective treatment of psoriasis
    • 5 The diet for psoriasis

    The first signs and symptoms of psoriasis, photo

    Psoriasis photo, initial stage

    Psoriasis photo, the initial stage

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    Because psoriasis is a systemic disease that affects allsystem of the body - the patient suffers from general weakness, fast fatigue.

    The main symptom of the initial stage of psoriasis is psoriatic rashes and plaques, however, it accompanies the person and with the further development of the disease.

    They arise because of the accelerated uncontrolled division of cells located in the uppermost layer of the skin - keratinocytes. Defective cells are formed, and the skin in these areas thickens, acquires a red color because of the increased formation of new capillaries. This leads to small droplet bleeding at any, even slight, trauma to the plaques.

    The surface of the plaques is often covered with a gray coating, similar to paraffin. Even the term "paraffin lakes" was formed. This plaque consists of dead cells of the epithelium that accumulate on the surface of the plaques due to a violation of the rejection process.

    the onset of psoriasis photos

    the onset of psoriasis photo

    The spots can reach quite large sizes, merge with each other. To the touch, they are hot, often accompanied by severe itching. Brushing can lead to infection.

    Nails begin to change with time. Their surface becomes striated, depressions appear, under the nail plate there are noticeable pink spots - the accumulation of fluid, the nail turns yellow, thickens, acquires the appearance of a claw of a bird. All this is due to malnutrition of the nails and circulation.

    Nail bed is subjected to excessive keratinization, which leads to nail rejection and loss. Often around the nails is a red inflamed rim.

    Affects the disease and small joints - it is accompanied by pain and inflammation.

    psoriasis close-up photo

    In addition to plaques, psoriasis on the skin produces papules - small( about 1 mm) protruding formations that resemble a rash. Often localized on the elbows and knees, remain even in the period of remission.

    During the improvement, the plaques begin to lighten from the middle, take the form of rings and can completely disappear. In their place remain pigmented areas.

    Psoriasis on the scalp has the same symptoms as on the body. However, the structure of the hair does not change. Eruptions cover the adjacent skin areas - behind the ears, on the neck.

    Types of psoriasis

    On emerging symptoms, the disease is divided into two types: pustular and non-pustular. Within these groups there are several varieties of the disease.

    Forms of pustular psoriasis:

    • generalized;
    • is an annular one;
    • palmoplacental( mainly affecting the limb);
    • palmar-plantar;
    • is psoriatic impetigo.

    Non-Pustular Psoriasis:

    • common( chronic plaque-like psoriasis);
    • is erythrodermic.

    In addition, the following types of disease are distinguished:

    • psoriasis of Napkin;
    • psoriasis of skin folds and flexor surfaces;
    • seborrheic-like;
    • medicinal.

    Forms by severity:

    • is mild( affects less than 3% of the body surface);
    • average( affects up to 10% of the body surface);
    • is heavy( more than 10% of surfaces are affected).

    Depending on the form of the , the rashes distinguish these kinds of psoriasis:

    • point;
    • teardrop;
    • is coin-like.

    Stages of psoriasis development, symptomatology

    Stages of development of psoriasis

    growth of new plaques with association in "lakes" photo

    The first plaques appear on sites with the most dry skin and never happen where the skin is too wet, for example, under the armpits. First, the appearance of spots can be seen on the inside of the elbows, under the knees, along the border of the hair on the head, and also in places that are subject to any trauma or friction. The location is usually symmetrical.

    Allocate such stages in the course of the disease:

    • progressing( the formation of new spots, the growth of existing, itching, noticeable peeling);
    • stationary( deceleration or suspension of plaque growth, absence of newly formed spots);
    • regressive( reduction or absence of peeling, disappearance of spots and plaques with appearance of pigmented areas of skin in their place, signs of psoriasis are almost absent).

    No special tests are available to establish the diagnosis. The diagnosis is based on external characteristics. One of these signs will be the occurrence of bleeding when scraping plaque, the so-called bloody dew.

    Another specific feature of psoriasis will be the presence of a pale border around the young papule, not yet covered with scales. This is how the vascular reaction of the skin looks, which means the progression of the disease.

    In severe forms of the disease can change the picture of blood. There are signs of a flowing inflammatory process.
    In some cases, you have to do a biopsy to exclude other skin diseases and confirm the presence of psoriasis.

    Effective treatment of psoriasis

    treatment of psoriasis

    In the treatment of psoriasis use both local remedies, as well as internal, physiotherapy, sanatorium treatment.

    In the initial mild course of the disease, preparations are used in the form of ointments. First, ointments and creams of simple composition are used, then they pass to ointments containing hormones. The cream for psoriasis should be applied only to plaques and spots.

    Ointment for psoriasis: an overview of hormonal and non-hormonal agents

    With an average and severe course of the disease, internal remedies are used that affect the entire body, but give the best results. This group includes preparations of vitamin A, immunosuppressants, cytostatics.

    Physioprocedures bring tangible relief to patients with psoriasis, can inhibit the development of the disease and sometimes replace the use of certain medicines.

    Apply UV irradiation( phototherapy), laser, ultrasound and magnetotherapy, sessions of hyperthermia, electrosleep, electrophoresis.

    Psoriasis is able to eventually become resistant to the treatment used, so it is recommended to change methods from time to time( rotation of treatment).

    A disease with manifestations on the head is treated in the same way as in other parts of the body with the use of ointments and physiotherapy procedures.

    Treatment of psoriasis at home

    Diet for psoriasis

    Food should help to correct the metabolism and prevent the appearance or worsening of skin symptoms. Since practically all patients have a violation of lipid metabolism, the preference should be given to products with low fat content.

    Widely known were special diets Ognevoy, Pegano.

    When compiling a diet, you should try to observe some simple rules:

    1. Refusal of alcoholic beverages;
    2. Meals up to 6 times a day, little by little;
    3. To exclude from the diet fried, smoked;
    4. Reduce the salt content of food;
    5. If possible, do not use products containing dyes, stabilizers and other food additives;
    6. Exclude citrus fruits;
    7. Increase the share of vegetables and cereals in the diet;
    8. Mandatory use of vegetable oils.

    Compliance with these simple rules will help to avoid exacerbation of psoriasis and independently make up a therapeutic diet.

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