SYMPTOMS OF PSORIASIS

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

It is not in vain that scaly lichen has caused such a serious interest. Today, psoriasis has moved from the classification of common skin diseases to systemic pathologies. It has been established that patients with this disease are more susceptible to infections, heart disease, depression, and diabetes. Given the lack of a unified system of treatment, it is very important to identify psoriasis in the initial stages.

The first signs of psoriasis

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

This rash appears in areas of inflammation of the epidermis, it can be large or chiseled, with scaling, and sometimes purulent filling. Each individual element of such a rash is called papules. 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 noticed that a depressed state, 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 the reason for going to the doctor. But, even in the case of a timely visit to a doctor, a specialist is far from always able to establish the true cause of such a condition and correctly establish a 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 site of the lesion, the age of the patient, the disease can manifest itself in different ways.

Manifestations in Children

Scaly lichen can even occur in babies. This is very rare, but 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 on their own. In most cases, infants with psoriasis go to the doctor when the disease is advanced.

In infants, scaly lichen appears most often in folds: on the inner 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 can be very restless, do not sleep at night, and refuse to eat.

The affected area resembles thrush, diaper rash, or eczema. The inflamed skin becomes red or pink and hot to the touch. Pustules can appear punctually 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 a baby, papules and plaques are often located in places of profuse sweating, which makes the surface of inflammation moist.

When these symptoms appear, it is important not to waste time on folk remedies and tips from the older generation. If a newborn has a rash (of any nature), it urgently needs to be shown to a pediatrician and dermatologist. Treatment of psoriasis in infants is not much different from adult therapy, the baby is credited with therapeutic non-hormonal ointments, in severe cases, pills and injections.

In older children, the initial symptoms of lichen scaly 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. Papules are covered with a hard crust with pale scales on the surface. They can appear anywhere, pointwise or consolidate into plaques. It itches most often, but not necessarily.
2. Pustular- 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, rise above the epidermis, but are filled with fluid.
3. Hairy part of the head- may look like dandruff, but over time forms a highly flaky crust on the entire surface of the head or part of it. Hair in the affected area thinns, becomes thin. This type of psoriasis often appears in the folds behind the ears.
4. Palmar-plantar- almost never occurs in children. Differs in localization on the palms and soles, while "lakes" with coarse skin and scales appear.
5. Flexion surfaces- is most often formed on the elbows, knees, genitals. It differs from other types of psoriasis in the absence of scales. The affected skin becomes covered with a smooth and firm 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 on the skin, you should seek the advice of a dermatologist. Children's psoriasis progresses very quickly, especially if accompanied by itching.

Damaged papules easily become infected, grow and cover an ever larger area. After the prescribed treatment regimen, it is important to constantly monitor the child, prevent scratching of wounds and new injuries on the body, and follow a diet.

Manifestations in women

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

The world statistics of diseases revealed that women suffer from scaly lichen almost one and a half times more often, while the main proportion 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, the signs of scaly lichen in girls most often appear during PMS, when the hormonal background changes. Also, the natural sensitivity of a woman makes her more vulnerable to stress, depression, neurosis. For a person with a predisposition to psoriasis, any psychological instability can trigger 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 provoke an outbreak. To avoid such exacerbations 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 appears when the external genital organs are affected. In the genital area, girls are faced with a plaque-like and reverse appearance, sometimes pustular. The first symptoms are inflammation of the skin on the labia or pubis, rarely the mucous membrane is affected.

Small pinhead papules may appear in multiples or as a single patch. Scales with genital psoriasis rarely appear, since the site of localization does not allow air to enter. A distinctive feature of psoriatic rash is that papules and plaques protrude slightly above the surface and are hot. With such symptoms, you should immediately contact a dermatologist and gynecologist.

Manifestations in Men

The male half, as we have already noted, suffers from scaly lichen a little less often than women. However, the course of the disease and symptoms remain the same for both halves. A survey and analysis of patients revealed that in men the first symptoms appear at the age of 22 to 25, while in women this occurs from the age of 15. Such "late" symptoms are associated with 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 first appear, then 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 also distinguish psoriasis from other skin diseases at home, if you carefully examine the inflamed elements:

1. A dense, rough crust forms on the surface of papules and plaques, which peels off. White scales on the surface easily come off when scraped, resembling shavings.
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 in this place, since there are many capillaries in the papules.

In addition to obvious symptoms, scaly lichen is sometimes accompanied by a general weakening of the body, a depressed state, and an increase in body temperature. Psoriatic elements can be different in shape, for example, small individual papules in small numbers appear with a point lesion. Infection of a large area of ​​the body at once (the whole back, sides, abdomen, legs) occurs with teardrop-shaped psoriasis, while the papules resemble drops in shape. Large, localized patches are a sign of coin psoriasis.

Based on observations of patients of both sexes, scientists have concluded that in men, squamous lichen is more severe, and the frequency of exacerbations is greater than in women. Reviews of experts noted that this is due to a banal unwillingness to be treated. The weaker half, nevertheless, is more attentive to their health and visits the doctor for prophylaxis much more often than the stronger sex. The only type of psoriasis in which men do not hesitate with treatment is genital. A plaque-like, backward, or pustular appearance of plaques may appear on the glans penis, scrotum, or pubis.

Given the sensitivity of the skin in these areas, inflammation progresses very quickly and requires immediate treatment. When detecting any rash on the genitals, it is not worth spending time on "self-examination" and self-medication. Even profuse peeling of the skin, without red inflammation and itching, is considered the reason for going to the doctor.

Psoriasis of nails (onychodystrophy) and scalp in men is also common. These two types, according to dermatologists, are most often launched 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 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 over the entire surface of the scalp appears. Psoriasis of nails is manifested by a change in the color of the nail, the appearance of depressions and bumps, and compaction of the nail plate and the skin around it. We will consider the gradation of symptoms in more detail below.

So, in children, women and men, the symptoms of psoriasis are no different. Any inflammation on the skin of the body, head or nails is the reason for visiting the doctor. If the affected areas do not itch or flake off, this does not mean that the skin is not affected by psoriasis.

Psoriasis Symptoms

The first signs of the disease usually last for several 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 enter a full-fledged phase, sooner or later. Localization sites of psoriasis often mislead patients and the specialists themselves. The same psoriasis of nails at the first manifestations is very difficult to distinguish from a common fungal infection.

Manifestations on the scalp

In the early stages of development, psoriasis on the scalp looks like slight flaking. Gradually, the affected areas acquire a reddish tint, can hurt and itch, sometimes protrude 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 distinguishing features.

This manifestation is often confused with seborrhea, in which the scalp also flakes heavily. However, unlike seborrhea, psoriatic elements bleed if the upper scaly layer is removed from them. In addition, psoriasis is characterized by coarsening 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 appears in children and adults. Self-medication attempts often only worsen the picture of the disease, therefore, at the first suspicion of psoriasis, it is better to consult a specialist. A trichologist and a dermatologist can accurately understand the nature of the inflammation, it is better to first show the child to the leading therapist.

Manifestations on the body skin

On the body, most often the first papules appear in places of folds and friction: on the knees, in the armpits, on the elbows, on the neck. Depending on the type of psoriasis, the manifestations may 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 may experience:

1. Pustular,which is no different in symptoms in adults and children. It affects any part of the body and is characterized by a severe course. Often accompanied by fever and general weakness. Papules first fill 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 pustular. But an independent course is also possible. Unlike normal psoriasis, this one affects large areas of the body and develops very quickly. The papules can be "empty" or filled with pus. If psoriatic elements hurt and grow at a high speed, affecting large areas of the body, it is most likely erythroderma.
3. Tear-shaped,which, as we have already found out, 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 sign, it affects small areas of the body, but gradually grows. May appear on arms, legs, abdomen, back, neck.

4. Arthric psoriasis.The worst thing that can happen with this disease is damage to the joints. Most often this occurs in people who are already sick with one of the types of psoriasis, but can also appear as an independent disease. It affects the small joints first: the phalanges of the toes and hands, often moves to more important locations. The first signs for him are pain and aches in the joints, fever, swelling of the phalanges of the fingers.

Arthric and erythrodermic psoriasis are considered especially dangerous, as they entail more serious complications. In case of joint damage, the disease threatens with real disability. However, most often the most severe forms of the disease appear in those patients who already have psoriasis.

Manifestations on the legs

Legs are most often affected in the area of ​​the knees, it can be inverse or plaque psoriasis. In this case, the knee is completely or partially covered with a dense 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 determine psoriasis by papules.

Also, legs are a common teardrop-shaped lesion zone. 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. Elements are inflamed, hot, sometimes itchy and hurt.

Coarseness of the skin, painful itchy calluses on the feet indicate plantar psoriasis, and it can also "touch" the palms at the same time. This is a very common form of the disease, since the feet are most susceptible to mechanical stress. The skin at the site of the lesion cracks, exfoliates, itches. It is important to seek advice on time, as fungi and infections can enter the cracks, causing a severe complication.

Manifestations on nails

Onychodystrophy affects the nail plate. It often accompanies other, more complex, forms of psoriasis, but sometimes it appears on its own. With such a disease, patients also usually turn to very late, mistaking this disease for a fungus. The symptoms of the disease are:

• changing the shape of the nail;
• depressions and tubercles on the nail plate;
• change in nail color (light brown, cloudy, with dark blotches);
• coarsening of the skin under and around the nail;
• overgrowth of skin on the nail;
• peeling of the nail both along and across the plate.

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

Hand Manifestations

Psoriasis affects the arms as often as the rest of the body. Most often, under his "sight" is the elbow, since he is most exposed to friction, bending, damage. In this area, reverse, plaque-like, pustular psoriasis is localized. In this case, the first signs of the disease develop in the same way as on the knees.

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

If the inflamed points grow and multiply - you need to urgently consult a dermatologist.

Manifestations of the disease in case of joint damage

As already noted, the small joints in 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 the early stages, especially at home. Unfortunately, the diagnosis is very difficult. Today, even clinics can only establish the consequences of joint damage, and not prevent the disease.

In most cases, arthropathic psoriasis is a complication of another form of this 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 joints of the fingers are affected, the patient develops dactylitis - an inflammation of all tissues in the fingers. At the same time, they increase in volume, do not bend, and hurt very much.

In conclusion

Today there is no single system of psoriasis treatment, as well as a single medicine that would help every patient with this ailment equally effectively. Scaly lichen is 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 prophylaxis purposes, doctors recommend a general examination and tests every six months or a year, even if there is no suspicion of any disease. When a rash, prolonged irritation, large areas of peeling on the skin appear, you should immediately contact a specialist and not waste precious time on dangerous self-medication.