SYMPTOMS OF PSORIASIS

Timely detection of the disease is the key to successful treatment. This rule is especially true for those diseases that are very difficult to treat. These include scaly lichens, better known as psoriasis. Over the past decades, this disease has covered more and more territories, affecting newborns and pensioners, tilting the statistics in a sad direction.

It was not in vain that scaly lichen aroused such serious interest. Today, psoriasis has shifted from the classification of common skin diseases to systemic pathologies. Patients with this disease have been found to be more susceptible to infections, heart disease, depression and diabetes. Given the lack of a unified treatment system, it is very important to identify psoriasis in its early stages.

The first signs of psoriasis

The symptoms of this dermatosis are recognizable even to those who have never faced a similar problem. A common sign of scaly lichen is a colorful rash on the skin.

This rash occurs in areas of inflammation of the epidermis, may be large or chiseled, with scaling and sometimes purulent filling. Each individual element of such a rash is called a papule. Observations of patients with psoriasis have shown that this disease can show the first signs even before the appearance of papules on the body.

In most cases, the appearance of a rash is preceded by a change in mood, loss of appetite and indigestion. It has been observed that a depressive condition, often for no reason, very often appears a few days before the formation of the first papules. The problem is that patients with similar symptoms do not see a reason to go to the doctor. But even in the case of a timely visit to the doctor, the specialist is not always able to determine the true cause of such a condition and make a correct diagnosis.

A rash on the body is the main symptom of psoriasis. Depending on the type of scaly lichen (and there are dozens of them), the location of the lesion, the age of the patient, the disease can manifest in different ways.

Manifestations in children

Scaly lichens can even occur in babies. This is very rare, but is often made worse by the parents themselves. The first signs of the disease may resemble prickly fever or allergies, so adults rely on their knowledge and treat the child themselves. In most cases, newborns with psoriasis go to the doctor when the disease progresses.

In newborns, scaly lichens most often appear in the folds: on the inside of the thighs, armpits, between the fingers and hands, in the folds of the skin on the neck. The appearance of papules is often accompanied by itching, so the baby can be very restless, does not sleep at night and refuses to eat.

Lesions resemble thrush, diaper rash or eczema. Inflammation of the skin becomes red or pink and hot to the touch. Pustules can appear correctly or form whole spots - plaques. Such spots generally rise above healthy skin. A characteristic feature of psoriatic plaques is the presence of dry crusts and scales on the rash, but in babies, papules and plaques are often found in places of heavy sweating, which makes the surface of the inflammation moist.

When these symptoms appear, it is important not to waste time on folk remedies and advice of the older generation. If a newborn has a rash (of any nature), it should be urgently shown to a pediatrician and dermatologist. The treatment of psoriasis in newborns does not differ much from the therapy for adults, babies are attributed therapeutic non-hormonal ointments, in severe cases tablets and injections.

In older children, the initial symptoms of scaly lichen are no different from adults. However, children can suffer from any type of psoriasis:

1. Plaque- occurs most often. Its signs are dry, red, hot spots. The papules are covered on the surface with a hard crust with pale scales. They can appear anywhere, more precisely, or merge into plaques. It itches me most often, but not necessarily.
2. Pustular- characterized by the presence of fluid or pus inside the papule. The initial stage is the same as with plaque: papules with clear edges rise above the epidermis, but are filled with fluid.
3. Hairy part of the scalp- may look like dandruff, but over time it forms a very fluffy crust on the entire surface of the head or part of it. The hair in the affected area thins and becomes thin. This type of psoriasis often occurs in the folds behind the ears.
4. Palmar-plantar- almost never occurs in children. It is located on the palms and soles, while "lakes" with rough skin and scales appear.
5. Bending surfaces- most often formed on the elbows, knees, genitals. It differs from other types of psoriasis by the lack of scales. The affected skin becomes covered with a smooth and firm crust, resembling a spot raised above the surface of a healthy epidermis. Color - pale pink, gray-white, pink.

For any manifestations of local peeling and inflammation of the skin, you should consult a dermatologist. Pediatric psoriasis progresses very quickly, especially if it is accompanied by itching.

Damaged papules are easily infected, grow and cover an increasing area. After the prescribed treatment regimen, it is important to constantly monitor the child, prevent scratches from wounds and new injuries on the body, and follow the diet.

Manifestations in women

The first stage of psoriasis can manifest at any age, but most often the first outbreaks occur before the age of 20, although the disease can "sleep" for up to 50 years. Adult men and women have the same symptoms as adolescents. At a more mature age, the risk of developing psoriasis on the soles, nails and joints increases.

World statistics of the disease have revealed that women are almost one and a half times more likely to get scaly lichen, while the main part is struggling with plaque psoriasis. It is not known exactly what caused this selectivity, but scientists suggest a hormonal factor among the causes of psoriasis.

Due to the same hormones, signs of scaly lichen in girls most often occur during PMS, when the hormonal background changes. Also, a woman's natural sensitivity makes her more vulnerable to stress, depression, and neurosis. For a person with a predisposition to psoriasis, any psychological instability can cause an outbreak.

Other causes of disease exacerbation include:

• skin damage (burns, cuts, open wounds);
• allergic reactions;
• infectious diseases;
• metabolic disorder;
• bad habits and unhealthy diet.

In fact, if a woman has a genetic predisposition to psoriasis, one of the irritating factors will sooner or later cause an outbreak. To avoid such worsening in the future, the patient must carefully monitor his lifestyle.

The symptoms of psoriasis in women are the same as in men, the only gender difference occurs when the external genitalia are affected. In the genital area, girls are faced with an inverse plaque-like appearance, sometimes pustular. The first symptoms are inflammation of the skin on the lips or pubic areas, the mucosa is rarely affected.

Small pincha head papules can appear in multiple amounts or as a single patch. Scales with genital psoriasis rarely occur because the site of localization does not allow air to enter. A characteristic feature of psoriatic rash is that the papules and plaques protrude slightly above the surface and are hot. With such symptoms you should contact a dermatologist and gynecologist immediately.

Manifestations in men

The male half, as we have already noted, suffers from scaly lichens somewhat less frequently than women. However, the course of the disease and the symptoms remain the same for both halves. Research and analysis of patients have revealed that the first symptoms appear in men at the age of 22 to 25, while in women it appears from the age of 15. Such "late" symptoms are related to the fact that the hormonal balance in the stronger half comes later.

Psoriasis in men starts the same way. In most cases, small papules with silvery scales appear first, and then they combine into large spots - plaques and "paraffin lakes".

Guttate psoriasis affects large areas of the body at once, but with separate small joints.

You can distinguish psoriasis from other skin diseases at home by carefully examining the inflamed elements:

1. On the surface of papules and plaques, a thick, rough crust forms that peels off. The white scales on the surface are easily removed when scraped, like sawdust.
2. If you completely remove the shell from the papule, a thin transparent film remains on it.
3. When removing the film from the psoriatic element, large drops of blood appear in this place, because there are many capillaries in the papules.

In addition to the obvious symptoms, scaly lichen is sometimes accompanied by a general weakening of the body, a depressed state and a rise in body temperature. Psoriatic elements can be of different shapes, for example, small individual papules in small numbers appear with a punctate lesion. Infection of a large part of the body at once (whole back, hips, abdomen, legs) occurs with tear-shaped psoriasis, while papules resemble drop-shaped. Large, localized spots are a sign of coin psoriasis.

Based on observations of patients of both sexes, the researchers concluded that scaly lichen is more severe in men and the incidence of exacerbation is higher than in women. Expert reviews noted that this was due to a banal unwillingness to treat. The weaker half, however, is more attentive to their health and visits a doctor much more often for prophylaxis than the stronger sex. The only type of psoriasis in which men do not hesitate to treat it is genital. Plaque-like plaques, backward or pustular may appear on the glans penis, scrotum, or pubis.

Due to the sensitivity of the skin in these areas, the inflammation progresses very quickly and requires urgent treatment. Detecting any rash on the genitals is not worth spending time on “self-examination” and self-medication. Even copious peeling of the skin, without red inflammation and itching, is considered a reason to go to the doctor.

Psoriasis of the nails (onychodystrophy) and scalp is also common in men. These two types, according to dermatologists, are most often started by men. Despite the fact that there are a lot of photos on the Internet with signs of the disease, the symptoms of scaly lichen are perceived as a fungus or dandruff, and they go to the doctor in an already progressive form.

In case of damage to the scalp, severe dandruff appears, sometimes itching, rough or crusty on the entire surface of the scalp. Nail psoriasis is manifested by a change in the color of the nail, the appearance of dents and bumps, and the compaction of the nail plate and the skin around it. The gradation of symptoms will be discussed in more detail below.

Thus, in children, women and men, the symptoms of psoriasis do not differ. Any inflammation on the skin of the body, head or nails is a reason to visit a doctor. If the affected areas do not itch or peel, it does not mean that the skin is not affected by psoriasis.

Symptoms of psoriasis

The first signs of the disease usually last for a few days, after which they begin to progress rapidly. Sometimes the disease can develop very slowly and the initial symptoms are “delayed” for a week or more. In any case, the disease will sooner or later enter a full-fledged phase. The localization of psoriasis sites often misleads patients and professionals themselves. The same nail psoriasis at the first manifestations is very difficult to distinguish from the usual fungal infection.

Topical manifestations

In the early stages of development, psoriasis on the scalp looks like a slight dandruff. Gradually the affected areas take on a reddish hue, they can hurt and itch, sometimes they go beyond the hairline: on the back of the head, behind the ears, on the forehead. The epidermis in inflamed areas becomes denser, the dense structure of psoriatic rash is considered one of the recognizable features.

This manifestation is often confused with seborrhea, in which the scalp is also very scaly. However, unlike seborrhea, psoriatic elements bleed if the upper scaly layer is removed. In addition, psoriasis is characterized by the roughness of the affected skin. If this rash is accompanied by severe itching, patients often worsen the situation by traumatizing plaques and papules. Open wounds quickly become infected and the disease progresses.

This type of scaly lichen occurs in children and adults. Attempts at self-medication often only worsen the picture of the disease, so at the first suspicion of psoriasis it is better to seek a specialist. A trichologist and a dermatologist can accurately understand the nature of the inflammation, it is better to show the first child to a leading therapist.

Manifestations on the skin of the body

On the body, the first papules most often appear at the places of wrinkles and friction: on the knees, in the armpits, on the elbows, on the neck. Depending on the type of psoriasis, the manifestations can vary. As with children, adults can experience many types of this disease, but a few more points have been added to the list above.

In addition to the most common types of scaly lichen, people over the age of 18 can also experience:

1. Pustular,which does not differ in symptoms in adults and children. It affects any part of the body and is characterized by a heavy flow. Often accompanied by fever and general weakness. The papules are first filled with clear fluid, which distinguishes this type of disease from others. If they are damaged and re-infected, pus appears in them.
2. Erythrodermic psoriasis.It is considered a very complex form of this disease, it usually does not appear immediately, but progresses from plaque or pustules. But an independent course is also possible. Unlike normal psoriasis, this affects large areas of the body and develops very quickly. Papules can be "empty" or filled with pus. If the psoriatic elements hurt and grow at a rapid rate, affecting large areas of the body, it is most likely erythroderma.
3. Tears,which, as we have already learned, are characterized by spotty and frequent skin lesions. At the onset of the disease, the papules are very small, with well-defined edges and a convex lacrimal shape. At the first sign it affects small parts of the body, but gradually grows. It can appear on the arms, legs, abdomen, back, neck.

4. Arthritic psoriasis.The worst that can happen with this disease is joint damage. It most often occurs in people who are already suffering from one of the types of psoriasis, but they can also appear as an independent disease. It first affects the small joints: the phalanges of the toes and hands, often moving to more important places. The first signs for him are aches and pains in the joints, fever, swelling of the phalanges of the fingers.

Arctic and erythrodermic psoriasis are considered particularly dangerous because they entail more serious complications. In the case of joint damage, the disease threatens real disability. However, most often the most severe forms of the disease occur in those patients who already have psoriasis.

Manifestations on the feet

The legs are most commonly affected in the knee area, it can be inverse or plaque psoriasis. In this case, the knee is completely or partially covered with a thick crust of a rough white surface. Most often with knee defeat the same happens on the elbows, but not necessarily. We have already learned how to determine psoriasis by papules.

Also, the feet are a common tear-shaped lesion area. In this case, most of the leg is covered with small papules, which at the same time occupy the area from the lower leg to the thigh. The elements are inflamed, hot, sometimes itchy and sore.

Rough skin, painful itchy blisters on the feet indicate plantar psoriasis, while at the same time it can "touch" the palms. This is a very common form of the disease because the feet are most sensitive to mechanical stress. The skin at the site of the lesion cracks, peels, itches. It is important to seek advice in time, as fungi and infections can get into the cracks, causing serious complications.

Manifestations on nails

Onychodystrophy affects the nail plate. It often accompanies other, more complex forms of psoriasis, but sometimes it occurs on its own. With such a disease, patients usually arrive very late, replacing this disease as a fungus. The symptoms of the disease are:

• change the shape of the nail;
• indentations and tubercles on the nail plate;
• discoloration of nails (light brown, dull, with dark spots);
• roughness of the skin under and around the nail;
• healing of the skin on the nail;
• Peeling nails along and across the plate.

It is also not worth the time to treat this type of disease. It progresses slowly but steadily, resulting in the patient being able to completely lose the nail without further recovery. You should also contact a dermatologist for advice in this case.

Manifestations on the hands

Psoriasis affects the hands as often as the rest of the body. The elbow is most often under his "sight", because it is most exposed to friction, bending, and damage. Reverse plaque-like pustular psoriasis is localized in this area. In this case, the first signs of the disease develop in the same way as on the knees.

A very problematic area on the hands is located in the armpit. Any kind of disease progresses very quickly here, as it is a warm and humid place, deprived of good access to air. In this case, psoriasis is not always covered with a scaly crust, plaques and pustules may resemble normal irritation or diaper rash.

If inflamed spots grow and multiply - you need to see a dermatologist immediately.

Manifestations of the disease in case of joint damage

As already mentioned, the small joints on the fingers and toes are most often affected by psoriatic arthritis. In severe cases, the disease affects the spine and pelvic joints. It is very difficult to recognize the disease in its early stages, especially at home. Unfortunately, the diagnosis is very difficult. Today, even clinics can only determine the consequences of joint damage, not prevent the disease.

In most cases, arthropathic psoriasis is a complication of another form of the disease and rarely acts as an independent disease. A characteristic feature is that it affects the connective tissue around the joint. For example, if the finger joints are affected, the patient develops dactylitis - an inflammation of all the tissues in the fingers. At the same time, they increase in volume, do not bend and are very painful.

In conclusion

Today, there is no single psoriasis treatment system, nor is there a single drug that would help every patient with this disease equally effectively. Scaly lichens are classified as a systematic non-communicable disease that occurs in a chronic form. It is impossible to cure it once and for all, but it is quite possible to achieve long-term remission. Early detection of the disease greatly simplifies this task.

For prevention, doctors recommend undergoing a general examination and taking tests every six months or a year, even if there is no suspicion of any disease. With the appearance of a rash, prolonged irritation, large areas of peeling on the skin, consult a specialist immediately and do not waste precious time on dangerous self-medication.