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. In recent decades, the disease has spread to more and more areas, affecting babies and retirees, tilting statistics in a sad direction.

It is not in vain that scaly lichen has aroused so much 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 the early stages.

The first signs of psoriasis

The symptoms of this dermatosis are recognizable even to those who have never encountered such a problem. A common sign of lichen flaking is a variegated skin rash.

This rash appears in areas of inflammation of the epidermis, can be large or cut, with scaling and sometimes purulent filling. Each individual element of such a rash is called a papule. Observations of patients with psoriasis show that this disease may show the first signs 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 occurs a few days before the formation of the first papules. The problem is that patients with such symptoms do not see a reason to see a doctor. But even in the case of a timely visit to the doctor, the specialist is not always able to establish the true cause of such a condition and correctly establish the diagnosis.

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

Manifestations in children

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

In infants, scaly lichen occurs most often in the folds: on the inside of the thigh, armpits, between the toes and hands, in the folds of the skin on the neck. The appearance of papules is often accompanied by itching, so the baby may be very restless, not sleeping at night and refusing to eat.

Lesions resemble thrush, diaper rash or eczema. The inflamed skin becomes red or pink and hot to the touch. Pustules can appear in time or form whole spots - plaques. As a rule, such spots rise above healthy skin. A distinctive feature of psoriatic plaques is the presence of dry crusts and scales on the rash, but in the baby the papules and plaques are often found in places with profuse 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 from the older generation. If the newborn has a rash (of any nature), it should be urgently referred to a pediatrician and dermatologist. The treatment of psoriasis in infants does not differ much from the therapy for adults, the baby is attributed therapeutic non-hormonal ointments, in severe cases pills and injections.

In older children, the initial symptoms of scaly lichen do not differ from those in 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 with a hard crust with pale scales on the surface. They can appear anywhere, in the direction or consolidate into plaques. Itching most often, but not necessarily.
2. Purulent- characterized by the presence of fluid or pus inside the papules. The initial stage is the same as in the plaque: papules with clear edges, rising above the epidermis, but are filled with fluid.
3. The hairy part of the head- may look like dandruff, but over time it forms a very flaky crust on the entire surface of the head or part of it. The hair in the affected area thins, becomes thin. This type of psoriasis often occurs in the folds behind the ears.
4. Palmar-plantar- almost never found in children. It differs in the location of the palms and soles, while "lakes" with rough skin and scales appear.
5. Flexion surfaces- most often formed on the elbows, knees, genitals. It differs from other types of psoriasis in the absence of scales. The affected skin is covered with a smooth and hard crust, resembling a single spot raised above the surface of a healthy epidermis. Color - pale pink, gray-white, pink.

For any manifestation 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, to prevent scratching wounds and new injuries on the body and to follow a diet.

Manifestations in women

The first stage of psoriasis can occur at any age, but most often the first outbreaks occur before the age of 20, although the disease can "sleep" up to 50 years. Older men and women experience the same symptoms as adolescents. In older age the risk of developing psoriasis of the feet, nails, joints increases.

World disease statistics reveal that women suffer from scaly lichen almost one and a half times more often, while the bulk struggles with plaque psoriasis. It is not known exactly what caused this selectivity, but scientists have suggested a hormonal factor among the causes of psoriasis.

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

Other causes of exacerbation of the disease are:

• 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 exacerbations in the future, the patient should carefully monitor their lifestyle.

The symptoms of psoriasis in women are the same as in men, with the only difference between the sexes occurring when the external genitalia are affected. In the genital area, girls face a plaque-like and reverse appearance, sometimes pustular. The first symptoms are inflammation of the skin of the labia or pubis, rarely the mucosa is affected.

Small pinhead papules can appear in multiple or as a single patch. Flakes in genital psoriasis are rare, as the site of localization does not allow air to enter. A distinctive feature of the psoriatic rash is that the papules and plaques protrude slightly above the surface and are hot. In case of such symptoms you should immediately contact a dermatologist and gynecologist.

Manifestations in men

The male half, as already noted, suffers from scaly lichen a little less often than women. However, the course of the disease and the symptoms remain the same for both halves. A study and analysis of patients revealed that in men the first symptoms appear at the age of 22 to 25 years, while in women it occurs from the age of 15 years. Such "late" symptoms are related to the fact that the hormonal balance in the stronger half comes later.

Psoriasis begins in men in 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 parts of the body at once, but with separate small joints.

You can also differentiate psoriasis from other skin conditions at home if you carefully examine the inflamed elements:

1. A thick, rough crust forms on the surface of the papules and plaques, which peels off. White flakes on the surface are easily removed by scraping, resembling sawdust.
2. If you completely remove the scales from the papule, a thin transparent film remains on it.
3. When removing the film from the psoriatic element, large drops of blood appear at this site, as there are many capillaries in the papules.

In addition to the obvious symptoms, scaly lichen is sometimes accompanied by general weight loss, depression, and fever. Psoriatic elements can be different in shape, for example, small individual papules in small numbers appear with a punctate lesion. Infection of a large part of the body at once (entire back, sides, abdomen, legs) occurs in drop-shaped psoriasis, while papules resemble drop-shaped. Large, localized spots are a sign of coin psoriasis.

Based on observations on patients of both sexes, the researchers concluded that scaly lichen is heavier in men and the frequency of exacerbations is higher than in women. The comments of the experts note that this is due to a banal reluctance to treat. However, the weaker half is more attentive to their health and visits the doctor for prevention much more often than the stronger sex. The only type of psoriasis in which men do not hesitate to treat it is genital psoriasis. Plaque-like, back or pustular type of plaque can appear on the penis of the head, scrotum or pubis.

Given the sensitivity of the skin in these areas, the inflammation progresses very quickly and requires immediate treatment. When detecting genital rashes, it is not worth spending time on "self-examination" and self-treatment. 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 in men is also common. These two types, according to dermatologists, are most often released by men. Despite the fact that there are many pictures on the Internet with signs of the disease, the symptoms of scaly lichen are perceived as fungus or dandruff and they go to the doctor with an already progressive form.

In case of damage to the scalp, severe peeling, sometimes itching, rough crust in places or 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 compaction of the nail plate and the skin around it. We will look at the gradation of symptoms in more detail below.

So in children, women and men the symptoms of psoriasis are not different. 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 flake, 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 "slow down" by a week or more. In any case, the disease will sooner or later enter a full phase. Local psoriasis sites often mislead both patients and professionals. The same nail psoriasis at the first manifestations is very difficult to distinguish from a common fungal infection.

Manifestations of the scalp

In the early stages of development, psoriasis of the scalp looks like a slight flaking. Gradually the affected areas acquire a reddish tinge, can hurt and itch, sometimes go beyond the hairline: on the back of the head, behind the ears, on the forehead. The epidermis in the inflamed areas becomes denser, the dense structure of the psoriatic rash is considered one of the distinguishing 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 from them. In addition, psoriasis is characterized by roughness of the affected skin. If this rash is accompanied by severe itching, patients often aggravate 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 consult a specialist. Trichologist and dermatologist can accurately understand the nature of the inflammation, it is better to first show the child to the leading therapist.

Manifestations of the skin of the body

On the body most often the first papules appear in places of folds and friction: on the knees, in the armpits, in 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 are added to the list above.

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

1. Pustular,, which does not differ in symptoms in adults and children. It affects every part of the body and is characterized by a severe course. Often accompanied by fever and general weakness. The papules are first filled with clear fluid, which distinguishes this type of disease from the rest. If they are damaged and reinfected, pus appears in them.
2. Erythrodermic psoriasis.It is considered a very complex form of this disease, most often it does not appear immediately, but progresses from plaque or pustule. But an independent course is also possible. Unlike normal psoriasis, this affects large areas of the body and develops very quickly. The papules may be "empty" or filled with pus. If the psoriatic elements hurt and grow at a high rate, affecting large areas of the body, it is most likely erythroderma.
3. A form of tear,which, as we have already understood, is characterized by punctate and frequent skin lesions. At the beginning of the disease, the papules are very small, with well-defined edges and a convex teardrop shape. At the first signs, it affects small areas of the body, but gradually grows. It can appear on the arms, legs, abdomen, back, neck.

4. Arthritis psoriasis.The worst that can happen with this disease is joint damage. This most often happens in people who already have one of the types of psoriasis, but can also appear as a separate disease. It first affects the small joints: the phalanges of the toes and hands, often moving to more important places. The first signs of it are aches and pains in the joints, fever, swelling of the phalanges of the fingers.

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

Manifestations of the feet

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

Also, the feet are a common area of ​​a drop-shaped lesion. In this case, most of the legs are 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 painful.

Rough skin, painful itchy calluses on the legs indicate plantar psoriasis and it can simultaneously "touch" the palms. This is a very common form of the disease, as the legs are most susceptible to mechanical stress. The skin at the site of the lesion cracks, exfoliates, itches. It is important to seek advice in a timely manner, as fungi and infections can enter the cracks, causing severe complications.

Manifestations on the nails

Onychodystrophy affects the nail plate. It often accompanies other, more complex forms of psoriasis, but sometimes occurs on its own. In such a disease, patients also usually come very late, mistakenly considering this disease a fungus. The symptoms of the disease are:

• change the shape of the nail;
• indentations and tubercles of the nail plate;
• change in nail color (light brown, cloudy, with dark spots);
• roughening of the skin under and around the nail;
• overgrowth of the nail skin;
• nail peeling both along and along the entire plate.

It is also not worth the time to treat this type of disease. It progresses slowly but steadily, as a result of which the patient can completely lose the nail without further recovery. For advice in this case you should also contact a dermatologist.

Manual events

Psoriasis affects the hands as often as the rest of the body. The elbow is most often under his "gaze", as it is most exposed to friction, bending, 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 the knees.

There is a very problematic area in the armpit area. Here, any kind of disease progresses very quickly, as it is a warm and humid place, deprived of good air access. In this case, psoriasis is not always covered with scaly crusts, plaques and pustules may look like normal irritation or diaper rash.

If the inflamed spots grow and multiply - you should urgently consult a dermatologist.

Manifestations of the disease in case of joint damage

As already noted, the small joints of the fingers and toes are most commonly affected in psoriatic arthritis. In a difficult course, this 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 effects 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 distinctive 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 hurt a lot.

Finally

Today, there is no system for treating psoriasis, and no drug to help every patient with this disease equally effectively. Scaly lichen is classified as a systemic non-communicable disease that occurs in a chronic form. It is impossible to cure 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 purposes, doctors recommend a general examination and 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, you should immediately contact a specialist and not waste valuable time on dangerous self-medication.