Psoriasis is a disease whose mechanisms are not fully understood.However, it has been clearly shown that the immune system undergoes numerous malfunctions that cause skin cells to begin dividing at a very high rate without having time to undergo physiological death.This is how psoriasis plaques begin to form — itchy structures covered in white scales (cells that live too short a life span).
An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a dermatologist after 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.
Is it psoriasis?
The disease goes through 3 stages:
- Enterprising.The onset of the disease can be sudden and may be preceded by severe stress or hormonal imbalance.A small red spot the size of a pinhead appears on the skin.Gradually, the surface of the changed skin becomes raised - these are papules; on them the silvery scales of keratinized skin can be seen.The papules unite into plaques, and the skin becomes itchy and becomes moist due to surface damage after scratching.
- fixed.After a while, the pathological process ceases.No new spots or papules appeared; existing patches were covered with a gray crust that peeled off easily.This period is characterized by a decrease in inflammatory processes and a gradual disappearance of itching, but the symptoms do not completely disappear.
- Returning.At this stage, the plaques are significantly reduced and sunk, and the skin color is close to normal.Peeling and itching disappear.After the absorption of pathological components, a ring-shaped pigment pattern remains 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, leaving only mild foci of depigmentation reminiscent of psoriasis.
The duration of the described stages may vary for each patient.The resolution phase does not indicate recovery—exacerbations may begin suddenly and unpredictably.
How to identify psoriasis early?
Treatments for psoriasis are most effective in the early stages, illustrating the particular importance of accurate diagnosis.Only a dermatologist can determine whether it is psoriasis or another condition after examination and testing.However, if the patient pays enough attention to the symptoms that appear, he himself may suspect this pathology.
The following signs are more likely to indicate the development of this disease:
- The first patches appear on elbows, knees, hairline, or areas where skin rubs or comes into contact with clothing the most;
- The rash is accompanied by severe itching, and silver scales easily fall off the skin surface;
- After removing the scales, it was found that the skin was slightly moist and there were blood spots (symptoms of needle-like bleeding);
- Later, tiny indentations often appear on the nails, as if caused by the tips of needles.
Psoriasis can easily be confused with various types of lichen, dermatitis and eczema, so it's best to consult a dermatologist the first time your skin changes to avoid harming yourself with inappropriate products.The prescribed comprehensive treatment inhibits uncontrolled proliferation of epidermal cells, reduces itching and flaking, restores the skin's barrier function and prevents infection.