A complex systemic disease accompanied by skin lesions is psoriasis. In a healthy body, the cells live for 30-40 days, after which they renew themselves. With the development of psoriasis, the life of skin cells is 4-5 days. When they die, peeling, plaques, dryness appear. Treatment of the initial stage of psoriasis is always easier, so it is important not to start the disease. The methods of therapy in the progressive phase differ significantly. For the treatment of only the initial stage of psoriasis you will read in the article.
Causes of the disease
Psoriasis disrupts the functioning of several systems: endocrine, immune and nervous. Until the end, doctors have not found the causes of this disease, nor have they invented a cure for psoriasis.
Experts present the following hypotheses for the development of the disease:
- Virus.Retroviruses that are inherited can cause psoriasis. In many patients, changes in the peripheral lymph nodes have been found, which may indicate the viral nature of the disease.
- Immune.With a weakened immune system and impaired defense mechanisms at the cellular level, favorable conditions are created for the progression of psoriasis. Among the causes of the disease is autoimmune aggression, a process in which lymphocytes begin to attack the body's own healthy cells.
- Contagious.Many researchers have looked for psoriasis pathogens. Epidermophytes, spirochetes, streptococci are suspected, but all assumptions remain incorrect. However, scientists have found that infectious diseases: ARVI, influenza, tonsillitis are a pushing mechanism in the development of psoriasis. In 90% of cases, this disease is accompanied by tonsillitis.
- Genetically.Psoriasis is transmitted to a child by parents. 60% of patients have relatives with this skin disease. If the mother or father is diagnosed with psoriasis, then the risk of such a disease in a child increases by 25%, if both parents are sick - by 60%.
- Metabolic.Metabolic disorders (lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals) can cause psoriasis. Patients often have dysfunction of the thyroid gland and other glands of the endocrine system.
Main signs and symptoms
This local disease is not contagious. Skin, nails and hair are damaged. Small rashes appear on the epidermis, on which papules form over time - areas of red or bright pink color, protruding above the skin. On top they are covered with silver scales (plaques).
Papules may itch a little or not at all, the peeling is invisible. Initially, the size of the affected skin areas is 1-2 millimeters, over time their size is estimated at 10 centimeters or more.
Psoriasis in the early stages: which parts of the body can be affected by the disease? The main symptoms of the disease with different localization:- On the head.The scalp is covered with red scaly spots with many dandruff-like scales. In this case, the hair is not involved in the pathological process. Itching is observed in patients. Skin lesions can spread to the neck and ears.
- On the face.In the initial stage, psoriatic plaques form on the skin around the eyes, on the eyelids, in the area of the nasolabial folds and eyebrows. Sometimes psoriasis affects the mucous membranes of the mouth, cheeks, lips, tongue, a little more often the contour of the lips.
- By hand.Single red papules appear on the palms and between the fingers. The back of the hand is affected much less often. If spots form on the fingertips, they will lose sensitivity over time. Psoriasis can also spread to the nails.
- On the elbows.In the initial stage, single elements of psoriasis appear, covered with silvery scales. They then grow in a continuously affected area of skin, from which the scales and thin film are easily removed. After this action, the affected area acquires a pink-red color, drops of blood appear on it.
- On your feet.The skin of the foot and the back of the foot suffers. The symptoms are similar to those that appear in psoriasis of the elbows: in the initial stage, small lesions appear, spreading in large areas, there is a symptom of blood dew.
How and how to treat psoriasis in the early stages
Cure psoriasis forever - how realistic is it? Unfortunately, for now the answer is disappointing - this autoimmune disease can be corrected, but it is impossible to get rid of it completely.
Treatment of psoriasis in the initial stage gives excellent results and allows you to get rid of the visible manifestations of pathology. Traditional medicine uses ointments, creams, solutions, therapeutic ultraviolet radiation, systemic medical treatment. There are also grandmother's medicines, but they do not give a stable result.
Hypoallergenic diet
Patients with different types of psoriasis should learn the basics of an alkaline diet. Patients should eat foods that alkalize the internal environment. Their share should be 65-75%, part of the acidic food - 25-35%.
General guidelines:
- One third of the diet is unprocessed vegetables and fruits. Include in the menu beets, cabbage, carrots, herbs, cucumbers, onions, garlic, celery.
- Another third of the daily menu for psoriasis are complex carbohydrates and natural sweets in limited quantities. Eat porridge (barley, buckwheat), dried fruits (raisins, dried apricots, dates).
- The last part of the diet is animal and plant proteins. Eat lean meat, fish, peas, beans, seeds, eggs, nuts. Polyunsaturated fatty acids should also be present in the menu.
- Drink at least 7-10 glasses of clean water a day. Alcohol is prohibited.
- For effective treatment, give up citrus fruits, fatty dairy products and meat, chocolate, red products. Use honey to a minimum.
- It is important to exclude from the diet sweets, spicy, smoked and sour foods, as they have a bad effect on the skin. The amount of salt should be reduced to a minimum.
Drug therapy
The treatment of psoriasis in the initial stage is carried out successfully by prescribing drugs. There are several groups of them.
Topical preparations: creams and ointments. Medicines consist of water, emulsifier and oil. They are sufficient to treat the initial stage of psoriasis.
Ointments are hormonal and non-hormonal. The second group is safer, but not as effective.
Pills. Drug treatment of psoriasis is more commonly used to combat the progressive stage.
Systemic therapy. Its nature (dosage, duration of therapy) is determined only by a physician for the treatment of advanced forms of pathology.
The complex uses:
- vitamins;
- fatty acids;
- hepatoprotectors;
- immunomodulators; antiallergic agents;
- preparations for removing toxins from the intestines.
Physiotherapy
What is psoriasis and how is it treated? The complexity of the therapy is important. In the initial stage of psoriasis, this is proper nutrition, the use of topical medications and treatment with physiotherapy procedures. The latter are aimed at:
- decrease in CNS excitability;
- normalization of the patient's psychological state;
- reduce itching;
- accelerating the resorption of psoriatic papules.
Electrosleep:
- Excellent treatment with a calming effect.
- Due to the complete recovery of the body, the papules decrease in size and the disease goes into remission.
- A patient with psoriasis should undergo 8-10 procedures lasting 20-60 minutes.
- In the first sessions, patients fall into shallow sleep and then go into deep sleep.
X-ray therapy:
- Affected areas of the skin are treated with X-rays, which accelerate the process of resorption of psoriatic plaques.
- The method of treatment involves the use of soft X-rays.
- One session is held every 4-7 days, the total radiation dose is safe (3, 5-4 Gy).
Ultrasound treatment:
- The skin is treated with ultrasound with vibrations 800-3000 kHz.
- The procedure eliminates inflammation, itching and pain, reduces sensitivity to allergens and kills bacteria.
- The cycle of procedures includes 8-14 sessions, each lasting a quarter of an hour.
Among other physiological methods effective against psoriasis, it is worth noting cryotherapy, immersion in a magnetic field, current therapy, laser. Treatment of psoriasis at home can be accompanied by taking baths with sea salt (for 1 liter of water 5 g of salt, temperature - 37-38 ° C, duration 15 minutes, 15-20 daily sessions). With the onset of the disease, it is important to travel to a sanatorium and participate in health programs.
Ultraviolet radiation
Psoriasis is effectively treated by treating the affected areas of the skin with ultraviolet light. The wavelength should be 311-313 nm, but a specialist may recommend a different radiation spectrum. The patient is immersed in a special chamber equipped with ultraviolet lamps. He has previously taken photosensitizing drugs that increase the effectiveness of treatment. An effective method of UV therapy is PUVA therapy. The wavelength is 320-400 nm. To achieve a good treatment result, the patient is subjected to 25 irradiations, due to which 80% of the affected areas disappear.
Effective folk remedies for home treatment
In the initial stage of psoriasis you can use folk recipes:
- Treatment with chicken egg. To get half a cup of the product, you need 20 homemade eggs. Boil the product for 15 minutes after boiling. You need egg yolks. Mash them to a pulp and fry them in a pan without oil on low heat for 45 minutes. Transfer the prepared mass to cheesecloth and drain. Apply to the affected areas 1-2 times a day until the symptoms of psoriasis are completely eliminated.
- Initial treatment with a complex ointment for psoriasis. Ingredients: 50 grams of birch tar, 20 grams of fat or Vaseline, 10 grams of boric acid, 30 grams of honey, 1 chicken egg white, 10 grams of fish oil. Store in a dark corner. Lubricate the papules 1-2 times a day.
- Treatment with celandine juice. Treat the affected areas of the skin with fresh juice from the roots. This should be done at the initial stage every day during the summer for three seasons in a row.
Features of treatment in children
Do not use folk remedies for body growth. They are not always effective and delays in this case are completely unacceptable. When the initial stage of psoriasis occurs, parents should refer the child to a dermatologist who will prescribe a comprehensive examination and treatment. If the disease has not spread much, children are prescribed topical ointments and skin creams: keratolytics and anti-inflammatory drugs.
The top layer of psoriatic plaques is removed with tar-sulfur or salicylic ointment. To do this, make a bandage on the skin soaked with the active substance, which is removed after 3-5 hours. Then the child should bathe consistently - this will help painless removal of crusts. The last stage of treatment - drugs with glucocorticoids are applied to the skin in a dosage prescribed by a doctor. Children are prescribed antihistamines and vitamin complexes.
What does the initial stage of psoriasis look like - photo
The first stage of psoriasis is accompanied by lesions on certain areas of the skin of the body.
If you notice a rash as in the picture, hurry to the dermatologist. There is no need to hope that the problem will be solved by itself.
This skin disease is complex and requires prompt and comprehensive treatment. The earlier a person goes to a specialist, the more favorable the result will be.
Successful therapy leads to rapid remission and restoration of quality of life.