One of the most mysterious autoimmune diseases is psoriasis. The disease cannot be completely cured, it affects patients of different ages and manifests itself in the form of prominent red-pink spots. With the necessary information, you can recognize the first signs of psoriasis on your own, but to accurately diagnose the pathology and prescribe the treatment process, you need to consult a specialist. Timely recognition of the pathology helps to quickly reduce symptoms and gives a greater chance of achieving long-term remission.
The presented material contains information about the first manifestations of psoriasis in women and men. In addition, the article provides a detailed answer to the question of how to recognize psoriasis in the initial stage and what to do to avoid the progression of the disease.
Causes of the disease
Before moving on to the signs of the disease, it is necessary to get acquainted with the causes of its occurrence.
Further information!The exact cause of the disease is currently unknown to science. There are many scientific theories that explain the manifestation of the disease.
The most justified of these are the following:
- immunity;
- genetic.
Since psoriasis belongs to the category of autoimmune diseases, and a malfunction of the immune system can really provoke the development of the disease, which has been proven several times, the immune theory is the most justified.
However, the importance of the genetic theory should not be underestimated, since according to statistical studies, there is a 70% probability that a patient whose parents suffer from psoriasis is affected.
Factors contributing to the appearance of psoriasis symptoms:
- abuse of fatty foods, foods containing high emulsifiers, yeast, dyes and other food additives;
- excessive alcohol consumption;
- smoking, drug use;
- exposure to stress, frequent emotional outbursts, increased anxiety;
- frequent use of chemically aggressive drugs;
- excessive use of certain medications;
- mechanical damage to the skin.
The beginning of psoriasis, the general signs of the disease
There are many forms of psoriasis, each with specific signs and symptoms. However, certain manifestations of the disease, the occurrence of which indicates the development of the disease, are associated with all forms of pathology.
The onset and signs of psoriasis (characteristic of all forms of the disease):
- the appearance of pimples (papules) on the skin;
- the growth of the affected area, the spread of the rash;
- lamination of the nail plate;
- peeling of the skin;
- the appearance of blisters on the palms and feet;
- the appearance of burning and itching.
Further information!The first signs of psoriasis in women are the same as those in men and children. The nature of the rash at the initial stage of the development of the pathology is mistakenly mistaken for an allergy, but the nature and causes of this change are somewhat different.
The first symptoms of psoriasis in different forms of the disease
Most often, patients are exposed to the following forms of psoriasis:
- Vulgar or simple psoriasis;
- Seborrheic;
- Psoriasis of the soles and palms;
- Nail psoriasis;
- Inverse or fold psoriasis;
- Teardrop shaped.
Let's take a closer look at the signs and symptoms of these forms of pathology.
Signs of psoriasis vulgaris
Psoriasis vulgaris can be diagnosed at an early stage. The first signs of this form of the disease are expressed in the appearance of rounded pink-red plaques, covered with silvery scales, which peel off after a certain time and itch.
In some cases, the appearance of plaques can be preceded by the formation of papules on the scalp and joints (elbows, ankles and knees).
Note!In the initial stage of the disease, the papules formed in the epidermis should not bother the patient for a long time. They do not cause pain, are barely noticeable and do not itch, so some patients mistakenly mistake them for allergies.
How to distinguish a psoriatic rash from the manifestations of an allergic reaction:
- psoriatic papules are easy to peel;
- when a papular rash is scratched, terminal film phenomena appear;
- Further scraping of the papules leads to the appearance of small drops of blood.
One of the characteristics of psoriasis rashes, which distinguishes them from the signs of other diseases, is that the affected area decreases or even disappears completely in the summer, and increases in the winter.
Seborrheic psoriasis
The first signs of seborrheic psoriasis appear on the scalp, later the pathology spreads to the shoulders and face. The danger of this form lies in its hidden nature, since, unlike simple vulgar psoriasis, the formation of papules is not characteristic of seborrheic psoriasis, and sometimes it can only manifest itself in peeling of the scalp. To eliminate peeling, many patients use special anti-dandruff shampoos, mistaking psoriasis for ordinary seborrhea.
Important!After noticing the first signs of the disease, you should consult a dermatologist, an experienced specialist will be able to diagnose the disease and prescribe treatment. It is recommended to fight the disease at the initial stage of development, this significantly increases the chances of reducing the symptoms of the disease and achieving long-term remission.
If the treatment of seborrheic psoriasis is not prescribed in time, the disease gradually affects the skin of the shoulders, ears, forehead and face. The later stages of the development of the pathology are characterized by the appearance of plaques, increased burning and itching. It is much more difficult to get rid of these symptoms than the peeling characteristic of the first stage of the disease, but the desired result can still be achieved with the help of modern methods.
Inverse Psoriasis (Psoriasis of the Wrinkles)
Characteristics of inverse psoriasis:
- the location of the disease is in the folds under the armpits, on the genitals, in the groin, under the mammary glands;
- psoriatic spots are shiny, smooth, bright red;
- plaques that look like ordinary spots practically do not come off, so the manifestations of the disease are often confused with irritation from increased sweating;
- signs of psoriasis in men - rashes on the inner surface of the foreskin, the head of the penis is usually affected;
- In the case of women, the rash is typical in the area of the labia minora.
Psoriasis of the palms and soles
The localization sites of this form of pathology are the palms and feet. Plaques have a callus-like shape with a dense surface, after which the phenomena of psoriasis such as terminal film and bloody dew appear. Cracks sometimes appear on the affected surface, causing physical discomfort when walking.
The symptoms of the disease can be alleviated by using special ointments and medicines.
Nail psoriasis
The first signs of nail psoriasis are:
- separation of the nail plate;
- fragility and thickening of the nails;
- change in the color of the nail plate;
- the appearance of white transverse stripes, dots and spots on the nail;
- bleeding under the nail plate.
Patients whose relatives suffer from psoriasis and any of its forms are more prone to psoriatic onychodystrophy, so these individuals should pay more attention to their health, especially the condition of their nails.
Guttate psoriasis
The pathology appears mainly on the thighs, the papules are teardrop-shaped, which actually explains the etymology of the name of this type of disease. Over time, rashes appear on other areas of the skin, which indicates the progress of the disease.
In summary, we can highlight the basic rules that must be followed in the case of psoriasis:
- the occurrence of autoimmune pathology indicates the presence of disturbances in the functioning of the systems of the whole body, especially in the immune system;
- If the disease is detected at an early stage, consult a dermatologist immediately and do not self-medicate, which can lead to the development of the disease and deterioration of health.