SYMPTOMS OF PSORIASIS

Timely detection is the key to successful treatment. This rule is especially true for diseases that are very difficult to treat. These include scaly lichen, better known as psoriasis. In recent decades, this disease has covered more and more territory, 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 moved from classifying common skin diseases to systemic pathologies. It has been shown 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 areas of inflammation of the epidermis, it may be large or chiseled, with desquamation and sometimes purulent filling. Each individual element of such a rash is called papules. Observations of patients with psoriasis have shown that the disease can show the first signs even before papules appear on the body.

In most cases, the onset of a rash is preceded by a change in mood, loss of appetite, and indigestion. It has been noticed that a depressive state, often without reason, very often appears a few days before the formation of the first papules. The problem is that patients with similar symptoms don't see a reason to go to the doctor. But, even with 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 lichens can even appear in babies. It 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 most often appears in the folds: on the inside of the thigh, in the armpits, between the toes and hands, in the folds of the skin of the neck. The appearance of papules is often accompanied by itching, so the baby can be very restless, not sleep at night and refuse to eat.

The affected area looks like thrush, diaper rash, or eczema. The inflamed skin turns red or pink and is warm to the touch. Pustules may appear punctually or form whole spots - plaques. Typically, these spots protrude from healthy skin. A distinctive feature of psoriatic plaques is the presence of dry scabs and scales on the rash, but in a baby, papules and plaques are often located in places of profuse sweating, making the surface of the skinwet inflammation.

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

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

1. Plaque- most often occurs. Its signs are dry, red, hot spots. Papules are covered with a hard crust with pale scales on the surface. They can appear anywhere, punctually or consolidate in 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 that of plaque: papules with pale 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 very scaly crust all over the surface of the head or part of it. The hair in the affected area becomes thinner, 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 of the feet, while "lakes" with coarse skin and scales appear.
5. Flexion Surfaces- most commonly forms on elbows, knees and genitals. It differs from other types of psoriasis in the absence of scales. The affected skin becomes covered with a smooth, firm crust, resembling a single spot raised above the surface of healthy epidermis. Color - pale pink, gray-white, pink.

For any manifestation of local peeling and inflammation of the skin, you should consult a dermatologist. Psoriasis in children progresses very quickly, especially if it is accompanied by itching.

Damaged papules easily infect, grow and cover an increasingly large area. After the prescribed treatment regimen, it is important to constantly monitor the child, avoid scratching wounds and new injuries to the body, and follow a diet.

Manifestations among women

The first stage of psoriasis can appear at any age, but most often the first outbreaks occur before the age of 20, although the disease can "fall asleep" even up to age 50. Both adult men and women experience the same symptoms as adolescents. At an older age, the risk of developing psoriasis on the soles of the feet, nails and joints increases.

Global disease statistics have revealed that women suffer from scaly lichen almost one and a half times more often, with the bulk of them 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 most often during PMS, when the hormonal background changes. Additionally, 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 trigger an outbreak of the disease.

Other causes of exacerbation of the disease are called:

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

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

The symptoms of psoriasis in women are the same as in men, the only difference between the sexes appears when the external genitalia are affected. In the genital area, girls are faced with a plaque and inverted appearance, sometimes pustular. The first symptoms are inflammation of the skin on the lips or pubis, rarely the mucous membrane is affected.

Small, pin-headed papules may appear in multiples or as a single patch. Scales of genital psoriasis rarely appear, because the localization site 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 warm. With such symptoms, you should immediately contact a dermatologist and a gynecologist.

Manifestations in men

The male half, as we have already noted, suffers from scaly lichen somewhat less often than females. However, the course of the disease and the symptoms remain the same for both halves. A survey and analysis of patients revealed that in men the first symptoms appear between 22 and 25 years old, while in women they occur from the age of 15. These "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 appear first, and then combine into large spots - plaques and "paraffin lakes".

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

You can also distinguish psoriasis from other skin diseases at home, if you carefully examine the inflamed items:

1. A dense, rough crust forms on the surface of the papules and plaques, which break off. The white scales on the surface easily peel off when scratched, resembling chips.
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, because there are many capillaries in the papules.

Besides the obvious symptoms, scaly lichen is sometimes accompanied by a general weakening of the body, depression and an increase in body temperature. Psoriatic elements may be different in shape, for example, small individual papules in small numbers appear with a point lesion. Infection of a large part of the body at once (entire back, sides, abdomen, legs) occurs with teardrop-shaped psoriasis, while the papules look like drops in shape. Large, localized plaques are a sign of coin operated psoriasis.

Based on observations of patients of both sexes, scientists concluded that in men, squamous lichen is more severe, and the frequency of exacerbations is higher than in women. Expert reviews have noted that this is due to a banal reluctance to be treated. The weaker half, however, pay more attention to their health and go to the doctor for prophylaxis much more often than the stronger sex. The only type of psoriasis that men do not hesitate to treat is genital. A plaque-like, backward, or pustular appearance of plaque 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 immediate treatment. When detecting a 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 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 started 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 they go to the doctor with an already progressive form.

In the event of damage to the scalp, severe scaling, sometimes itching, a rough crust in places or on the entire surface of the scalp appears. Nail psoriasis manifests as 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 look at the gradation of symptoms in more detail below.

So, in children, women and men, the symptoms of psoriasis are no different. Any inflammation of the skin of the body, head or nails is the reason for the visit to the 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 illness usually last for several days, after which they start to progress rapidly. Sometimes the disease can develop very slowly and the first symptoms are "delayed" by a week or more. In any case, the disease will sooner or later enter a phase of its own. The locations of psoriasis often mislead patients and specialists themselves. The same psoriasis of the nails at the first manifestation 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 a slight peeling. Gradually, the affected areas acquire a reddish tint, they can hurt and itch, sometimes protruding beyond the hairline: at the back of the head, behind the ears, on the forehead. The epidermis in the inflamed areas becomes more dense, 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 severely flaking. However, unlike seborrhea, psoriatic elements bleed if the top scaly layer is removed. In addition, psoriasis is characterized by an enlargement of the affected skin. If this rash is accompanied by severe itching, patients often worsen the situation by trauma to 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 show the child to the main therapist first.

Manifestations on 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, on the elbows, on the neck. Depending on the type of psoriasis, the manifestations may vary. As with children, adults can suffer from 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 lichens, people over the age of 18 may experience:

1. Pustular,whose symptoms are not different 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 sets this type of disease apart from the rest. If they are damaged and reinfected, pus appears on them.
2. Erythrodermic psoriasis.It is considered a very complex form of this disease, most often it does not appear immediately, but progresses in the form of a plaque or a pustule. But an independent course is also possible. Unlike normal psoriasis, this one affects large areas of the body and grows very quickly. Papules may be “empty” or filled with pus. If the psoriatic elements hurt and develop at a high rate, affecting large areas of the body, it is most likely 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, in the shape of a convex tear. At the first sign, it affects small areas of the body, but grows gradually. May appear on the 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 happens in people who already have one of the types of psoriasis, but can also appear as an independent disease. At first, it affects the small joints: the phalanges of the toes and hands, often move to larger places. The first signs for him are pain and stiffness in the joints, fever, swelling of the phalanges of the fingers.

Arthric and erythrodermal psoriasis is considered particularly dangerous, as it causes more serious complications. In the event of joint damage, the disease threatens a real handicap. However, most often the more severe forms of the disease appear in patients who already have psoriasis.

Leg demonstrations

The legs are most often affected in the knee area, it can be reverse 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.

Additionally, 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.

Coarseness of the skin, painful calluses and itching on the feet indicate plantar psoriasis and may also "affect" the palms at the same time. It is a very common form of the disease because the feet are the most sensitive to mechanical stress. The skin at the site of the lesion cracks, exfoliates, itches. It is important to seek advice in time, as fungi and infections can get into the cracks, leading to serious complications.

Manifestations on the 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 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);
• magnification of the skin under and around the nail;
• overgrowth of skin on the nail;
• peel off the nail along and across the plate.

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

Manifestations of the hand

Psoriasis affects the arms as often as the rest of the body. Most often, under his "sight" is the elbow, because it is the most exposed to friction, bending, damage. In this area, inverted pustular, plaque-like 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 in the armpits. Any kind of disease evolves very quickly here, because it is a hot and humid place, deprived of good access to air. In this case, psoriasis is not always covered with a scaly scab, the plaques and pustules may look like normal irritation or diaper rash.

If the inflamed spots develop and multiply, you should urgently see a dermatologist.

Manifestations of the disease in joint injury

As already stated, the small joints of the fingers and toes are most often affected in psoriatic arthritis. In a difficult course, this disease affects the spine and pelvic joints. It is very difficult to recognize the disease at an early stage, especially at home. Unfortunately, the diagnosis is very difficult. Today, even clinics can only establish the consequences of joint damage and fail to 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 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 system for treating psoriasis, and no single drug that would help every patient with this disease so effectively. Squamous 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 the purposes of prophylaxis, doctors recommend having a general examination and testing every six months or a year, even if there is no suspicion of illness. 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.