SYMPTOMS OF PSORIASIS

Early detection of disease is the key to successful treatment. This rule is especially true for those diseases that are very difficult to treat. These include lichen squamous, better known as psoriasis. In recent decades, this disease has covered more and more territory, affecting infants and senior citizens, tipping the statistics in a sad direction.

It's not for nothing that scaly lichen has attracted so much 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 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 lichen squamous is a mixed 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 observed that a depressive state, often for no reason, appears very often 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 injury, the age of the patient, the disease can manifest itself in different ways.

Manifestations in children

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

In babies, squamous lichen appears most often in the folds: on the inner thigh, armpits, between the toes and hands, in the skin folds of the neck. The appearance of papules is often accompanied by itching, so the baby may be very restless, not sleep at night and refuse to eat.

Lesions resemble thrush, diaper rash, or eczema. Inflamed skin turns red or pink and feels hot to the touch. Pustules can appear punctually or form entire spots: plaques. As a general 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 an infant, the papules and plaques are often found in places of profuse sweating, moistening the surface of the inflammation.

When these symptoms appear, it is important not to waste time with home remedies and advice from the older generation. If a newborn has a rash (of any nature), he must urgently show it to a pediatrician and dermatologist. Treatment of psoriasis in babies is not much different from adult therapy, the baby is attributed non-hormonal therapeutic ointments, in severe cases, pills and injections.

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

1. Plaque- occurs more frequently. Its signs are dry, red and hot spots. The papules are covered by a hard crust with pale scales on the surface. They can appear anywhere, pointed, or consolidate into plates. It stings 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 that of plaque: papules with clear edges, rise above the epidermis, but are filled with fluid.
3. Hairy part of the head: It may look like dandruff, but over time it forms a very scaly crust all over the surface of the head or part of it. Hair in the affected area thins, becomes thin. This type of psoriasis usually appears in the folds behind the ears.
4. Palmar-plantar- almost never occurs in children. It differs in location on palms and soles, while "lakes" with rough skin and scales appear.
5. Flexion surfaces: most often formed on the elbows, knees and genitals. It differs from other types of psoriasis by the absence of scales. The affected skin is covered with a soft, firm crust, resembling a single raised spot on the surface of a healthy epidermis. Color: pale pink, grayish white, pink.

For any manifestation of local flaking and inflammation of the skin, you should consult a dermatologist. Childhood psoriasis progresses very quickly, especially if it is accompanied by itching.

Damaged papules easily become infected with infections, they 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 lesions on the body, and follow a diet.

Manifestations in women

The first stage of psoriasis can manifest itself at any age, but most of the time the first outbreaks occur before the age of 20, although the disease can "sleep" even into the age of 50. Adult men and women experience the same symptoms as teenagers. At a more mature age, the risk of developing psoriasis on the soles of the feet, nails, and joints increases.

World disease statistics revealed that women suffer from squamous lichen almost one and a half times more often, while the majority suffer from 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 lichen squamous in girls appear more frequently 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 predisposed 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 an unhealthy diet.

In fact, if a woman has a genetic predisposition to psoriasis, one of the irritants will sooner or later cause an outbreak. To avoid further exacerbations of this type, 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 face a plaque and inverted appearance, sometimes pustular. The first symptoms are inflammation of the skin of the lips or pubis, rarely the mucous membrane is affected.

Small pinhead-shaped papules can appear in multiples or as a single patch. Scales with genital psoriasis rarely appear, since the localization site does not allow air to enter. A distinctive feature of the psoriatic rash is that the papules and plaques slightly protrude from the surface and are hot. 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 a little less than women. 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 the ages of 22 and 25, while in women this occurs from the age of 15. These "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 appear first, which 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 conditions at home by carefully examining the inflamed elements:

1. A dense, rough crust forms on the surface of papules and plaques, which is shed. The white flakes on the surface easily come off when scraped, looking like chips.
2. If you completely remove the scales from the papule, a thin, transparent film remains.
3. When removing the film of the psoriatic element, large drops of blood appear in this place, since there are many capillaries in the papules.

In addition to the obvious symptoms, lichen squamosal is sometimes accompanied by a general weakening of the body, a state of depression, and an increase in body temperature. Psoriatic elements can have different forms, for example, small individual papules appear in small amounts with a punctual lesion. Infection of a large area of ​​the body at a time (the entire back, sides, abdomen, legs) occurs with teardrop psoriasis, while the papules resemble drops in shape. Large, localized patches are a sign of coin psoriasis.

Based on observations from male and female patients, scientists have concluded that squamous lichen is more severe in men and exacerbations are more frequent than in women. The expert reviews pointed out that this is due to a banal unwillingness to be treated. However, the weaker half is more attentive to their health and visits the doctor for prophylaxis much more frequently than the stronger sex. The only type of psoriasis that men do not hesitate to treat is genital. Plaque-like, reverse, or pustular plaques 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 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 the nails (onychodystrophy) and of the scalp in men is also common. These two types, according to dermatologists, are usually released by men. Despite the fact that there are many photos on the Internet with signs of the disease, the symptoms of lichen squamous 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 flaking, sometimes itching, rough scab appears 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 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 reason to visit the doctor. If the affected areas do not itch or peel, 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 initial symptoms are "delayed" for a week or more. In any case, the disease will enter a full phase sooner or later. Psoriasis localization sites often mislead both patients and specialists themselves. The same psoriasis of the nails in 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 slightly scaly. Gradually, the affected areas take on a reddish tint, they can hurt and itch, sometimes they protrude beyond the hairline: on the back of the head, behind the ears, on the forehead. The epidermis in inflamed areas becomes more dense, the dense structure of the psoriatic rash is considered one of the distinctive features.

This manifestation is often mistaken for seborrhea, in which the scalp is also very scaly. However, unlike seborrhea, psoriatic elements bleed if the upper scaly layer is removed. Furthermore, psoriasis is characterized by a thickening of the affected skin. If this rash is accompanied by severe itching, patients often aggravate the situation with traumatizing plaques and papules. Open wounds quickly become infected and the disease progresses.

This type of squamous lichen appears in children and adults. Attempts at self-medication 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 inflammation, it is better to first show the child to the leading therapist.

Manifestations of the body skin

On the body, the first papules most often 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. Like 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 squamous 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. It is 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 on them.
2. Erythrodermic psoriasis.It is considered a very complex form of this disease, most of the time it does not appear immediately, but progresses from plaque or pustular. But an independent course is also possible. Unlike normal psoriasis, it affects large areas of the body and develops very quickly. Papules may be "empty" or filled with pus. If the psoriatic elements hurt and grow rapidly, affecting large areas of the body, it is most likely that it is erythroderma.
3. Teardrop shaped,which, as we have already seen, is characterized by frequent, punctate skin lesions. Early in the disease, the papules are very small, with well-defined borders and a convex teardrop shape. At the first sign, it affects small areas of the body, but grows gradually. It can appear on the arms, legs, abdomen, back, neck.

4. Arthric psoriasis.The worst thing that can happen with this disease is joint damage. Most of the time, this occurs in people who are already sick with one of the types of psoriasis, but it can also appear as a separate disease. It affects the small joints first - the phalanges of the fingers and toes, often moving to more important places. The first signs for him are pain and aches in the joints, fever, swelling of the phalanges of the fingers.

Arthrodermic and erythrodermic psoriasis is considered especially dangerous, as it carries more serious complications. In case of joint damage, the disease threatens a real disability. However, the most severe forms of the disease appear more often in those patients who already have psoriasis.

Manifestations in 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 fully or partially covered with a dense crust with a rough white surface. Most of the time, with the defeat of the knees, the same happens in the elbows, but not necessarily. We have already learned how to determine papule psoriasis.

Additionally, the legs are a common teardrop-shaped area of ​​injury. In this case, most of the leg is covered with small papules, which at the same time occupy the area from the leg to the thigh. The elements are inflamed, hot, sometimes itchy and painful.

Rough skin, itchy, painful calluses on the feet indicate plantar psoriasis and may also "touch" the palms at the same time. This is a very common form of the disease, as the feet are the most susceptible to mechanical stress. The skin at the site of the injury cracks, exfoliates, and itches. It is important to seek advice early, as fungi and infections can enter through the cracks and cause 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 also often arrive very late, mistaking this disease for a fungus. 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 spots);
• thickening of the skin under and around the nail;
• excessive skin growth on the nail;
• peeling off the nail both along and along the plate.

It is also not worth spending time 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 hands

Psoriasis affects the arms as often as the rest of the body. Very often your elbow is under your "sight" as it is more exposed to friction, bending, and damage. In this area, plaque-like inverse pustular psoriasis is located. 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 in the armpits. Any type of disease progresses very quickly here, as it is a hot and humid place, deprived of 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 should urgently consult a dermatologist.

Manifestations of the disease in case of joint damage

As already mentioned, the small joints of the fingers and toes are the 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 a separate 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 tissues in 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 of psoriasis treatment, as well as a single drug that would help all patients with this ailment with the same effectiveness. Squamous lichen is classified as a chronic, noncommunicable systemic disease. It is impossible to cure it once and for all, but it is very possible to achieve a long-term remission. Early detection of the disease greatly simplifies this task.

For prevention purposes, doctors recommend undergoing a general examination and testing every six months to 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 precious time on dangerous self-medication.