SYMPTOMS OF PSORIASIS

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

It is not in vain that the scaly lichen has aroused such serious interest. Today psoriasis has gone from the classification of common skin diseases to systemic diseases. 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 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 for those who have never faced a similar problem. A common sign of scaly lichen is a variegated rash.

This rash appears in inflamed areas of the epidermis, may be large or chiseled, with flaking and sometimes purulent filling. Every single element of that 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 was noted that a depressed state, often for no reason, most often appears a few days before the formation of the first papules. The problem is that patients with similar symptoms see no reason to go to the doctor. But, even in the case of a timely visit to a doctor, a specialist is far from always being 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 squamous 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

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

In newborns, scaly lichen appears most often in the folds: on the inside of the thigh, in the armpits, between the toes and hands, in the skin folds of the neck. The appearance of the papules is often accompanied by itching, so the child can be very restless, do not sleep at night and refuse to eat.

The lesions resemble thrush, diaper rash or eczema. Inflamed skin becomes red or pink and hot to the touch. Pustules may 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 child, papules and plaques are often found in places of profuse sweating, which makes the surface of the inflammation wet.

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

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

1. Targa- occurs more often. Its marks are dry, red, hot spots. The papules are covered with a hard crust with light scales on the surface. They can appear anywhere, punctually or consolidate into plaques. It itches more often, but not necessarily.
2. Pustular- characterized by the presence of fluid or pus within the papules. The initial stage is the same as for plaque: papules with sharp edges, rise above the epidermis, but are filled with fluid.
3. Hairy part of the head- may look like dandruff, but over time it forms a very crumbly crust all over the surface of the head or part of it. The hair in the affected area thins, becomes thin. This type of psoriasis often appears in the folds behind the ears.
4. Palmar-plantar- almost never occurs in children. It differs in localization on the palms and soles of the feet, while "lakes" with rough skin and scales appear.
5. Flexing surfaces- most often forms 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, firm crust, similar to a single spot raised above the surface of a healthy epidermis. Color: pale pink, gray-white, pink.

For any manifestations of local peeling and inflammation on the skin, you should consult a dermatologist. Children's psoriasis progresses very quickly, especially when accompanied by itching.

Damaged papules become easily infected, grow and cover an ever larger area. After the prescribed treatment regimen, it is important to constantly monitor the baby, prevent scratches from wounds and new lesions on the body, and 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" even up to 50 years. Adult men and women experience the same symptoms as teenagers. At a more mature age, the risk of developing psoriasis on the soles, nails and joints increases.

World disease statistics revealed that women suffer from scaly lichen almost one and a half times more often, while the main percentage are 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 squamous lichen in girls appear more often during PMS, when the hormonal background changes. In addition, 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 trigger an outbreak of the disease.

Among the other causes of exacerbation of the disease are called:

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

Indeed, if a woman has a genetic predisposition to psoriasis, one of the irritating factors will sooner or later provoke an outbreak. To avoid further such exacerbations, 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 have a plaque-like, inverted, sometimes pustular appearance. The first symptoms are inflammation of the skin of the lips or pubis, the mucosa is rarely affected.

Small pinhead papules may appear in multiples or as a single patch. Scales with genital psoriasis appear rarely, since the localization site does not allow air to enter. A distinctive feature of the psoriatic rash is that papules and plaques protrude slightly above the surface and are warm. 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 between the ages of 22 and 25, while in women this occurs from the age of 15. Such "late" symptoms are associated with the fact that hormonal balance in the strong half comes later.

Psoriasis begins in men 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 the same time, 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. The white flakes on the surface peel off easily 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, as there are many capillaries in the papules.

In addition to the obvious symptoms, squamous lichen is sometimes accompanied by a general weakening of the body, a depressed state and an increase in body temperature. Psoriatic elements can be of a different shape, for example, small individual papules in small quantities appear with a pinpoint 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 spots are a sign of coin psoriasis.

Based on observations from patients of both sexes, the scientists concluded that squamous lichen is more severe in men and the frequency of exacerbations is higher than in women. Reviews of experts have found that this is due to a trivial reluctance to be treated. The weaker half, however, are more attentive to their health and visit 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 may appear on the glans, scrotum, or pubis.

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

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

In case of damage to the scalp, severe flaking appears, sometimes itchy, rough crust in some 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 depressions and bumps and the compaction of the nail plate and surrounding skin. We will consider the grading 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 peel, it does not mean that the skin is not affected by psoriasis.

Symptoms of psoriasis

The first signs of the disease usually last 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 stage, sooner or later. Psoriasis localization sites often mislead patients and the specialists themselves. Nail psoriasis itself 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 appears as a slight peeling. 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 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 also flakes heavily. However, unlike seborrhea, psoriatic elements bleed if the upper squamous layer is removed from them. Also, psoriasis is characterized by an enlargement 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. Attempts to self-medicate 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 dermatologist can accurately understand the nature of the inflammation, it is best to first show the baby to the main therapist.

Manifestations of the skin of the body

On the body, very 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 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 more 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. The papules first fill with clear fluid, which distinguishes this type of disease from the rest. If they are damaged and reinfected, pus appears.
2. Erythrodermal 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, psoriasis 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 high speed, affecting large areas of the body, it is very likely that it is erythroderma.
3. Teardrop-shaped,which, as we have already discovered, is characterized by punctate and frequent skin lesions. At the onset 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. It can appear on the arms, legs, abdomen, back, neck.

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

Artric and erythrodermal psoriasis are considered particularly dangerous, as they involve more serious complications. In case of joint damage, the disease threatens a real disability. However, most often the most severe forms of the disease appear in those patients who already have psoriasis.

Manifestations on the legs

The legs are most often affected in the knee area, 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 from papules.

In addition, the legs are a common teardrop-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 injured.

The roughness of the skin, the painful and itchy calluses on the feet indicate plantar psoriasis and can even "touch" the palms at the same time. This is a very common form of the disease, as the feet are more susceptible to mechanical stress. The skin at the lesion site cracks, exfoliates, itches. It is important to seek advice in time, as fungi and infections can get into the cracks, causing serious complications.

Manifestations on the nails

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

• change the shape of the nail;
• depressions and tubercles on the nail plate;
• change in nail color (light brown, cloudy, with dark spots);
• swelling of the skin under and around the nail;
• excessive growth of skin on the nail;
• by detaching the nail both along and across the plate.

Also, it is not worth treating this type of disease. It proceeds slowly but steadily, as a result, the patient can completely lose the nail without further recovery. For advice in this case, you must also contact a dermatologist.

Manifestations on the hands

Psoriasis affects the arms as often as the rest of the body. Very often, under his "view" is the elbow, as it is more exposed to friction, bending, damage. In this area is localized inverse pustular psoriasis, similar to a plaque. In this case, the first signs of the disease develop in the same way as in the knees.

A very problematic area on the arms is located in the armpits. Any type of disease progresses very quickly here, as it is a hot and humid place, lacking good access to air. In this case, psoriasis is not always covered with a scaly crust, plaques and pustules can resemble normal irritation or diaper rash.

If the inflamed spots 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 of the fingers and toes are most commonly affected by 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. Even clinics today 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 finger joints are affected, the patient develops dactylitis, an inflammation of all the tissues of the fingers. At the same time, they increase in volume, do not bend and hurt a lot.

In conclusion

Today there is no single psoriasis treatment system, as well as a single drug that can help every patient with this disorder as effectively. Squamous lichen is classified as a systemic 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 diagnosis of the disease greatly simplifies this task.

For the purpose of prophylaxis, doctors recommend a general examination and testing every six months to one 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-medications.