In clinical dermatology, 3 stages of psoriasis are distinguished: progressive, stable and regressive.They differ in duration, degree of skin damage and symptoms.Some dermatologists divide the course of pathology into 4 stages, taking into account the initial stage.
Initial stage
In the early stages, the patient develops small rashes.Depending on the type of disease, they can be localized:
- on the arms, elbows and legs;
- on the head and face;
- on the abdomen, thighs and back.
The rash rarely exceeds 2-3 mm in size and is pale pink in color.3-4 days after the appearance, the rash is covered with a gray coating.This process means the death of the skin.
In people suffering from psoriasis for a long time, the epidemic layer does not have time to renew itself, as the skin is immediately covered with plaques.In new patients, a similar process takes 3 weeks, during which the development of the disease can be stopped.
Treatment
In dermatology, topical medications are used to treat lichen planus in the early stages of its development.Ointments and creams help the patient get rid of discomfort, and they also have a healing effect.Most often, drugs from the keratolytic group are prescribed.
Traditional methods
Among the traditional therapeutic methods, it is recommended:
- Natural oils (juniper or lavender).They have a healing, calming effect, and have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin.Directions for use: add a few drops of oil to the cream and apply directly to the rash.
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%).It is applied precisely and does not wash off.Consult a dermatologist before use.
Progressive
Characteristics of the stage: damage to large skin surfaces, formation of plaques (with vulgar psoriasis) or other pronounced papules.Rashes can vary in size and shape.As this stage progresses, the rashes merge with each other and pronounced gray scales form on the plaques.
One of the main symptoms of this stage is the Kebnera phenomenon (isomorphic auctor), which consists of the formation of papules in the affected areas of the skin layer.That is, if the patient injures the skin, after a while a psoriasis rash appears in the irritated area.
The last sign of the progressive stage: a capillary layer, which can be seen by removing the scales from the plaque.When the plaque is removed, accurate bleeding begins.
Treatment
At this stage, all the main methods of treatment are used - oral and topical drugs, diet and physiotherapy.Physiotherapy includes procedures such as: ultraviolet irradiation, PUVA therapy.
Among the drugs, the following should be noted:
- Vitamin complexes.It is used to strengthen the immune system.Such treatment is necessary for the body to resist the disease.
- Retinoids.Similar products also refer to vitamins.Retinoids are analogs of retinol (vitamin A), affect the membrane structure of cells and inhibit skin death.
- Steroids.They are used less often than other drugs, as they have a negative effect on the body.Steroid drugs affect metabolic processes and have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic effects.
Among the traditional treatment methods, the same oils and hydrogen peroxide are used.
We can add celandine-based tincture to them.To make it, you will need 3 tablespoons of this plant (dry or fresh) and salt water.Do not use alcohol under any circumstances, as this can dry out the skin.
How to prepare the remedy:
- the ingredients must be mixed;
- let it stand for a few hours.
Standing stage
The stationary period of the development of the disease lasts indefinitely.Each rash is covered with a thick crust, not even a pink border remains.The layer formed on the papules can be gray or grayish-white.In the stationary stage, the skin becomes rough and peels.
The symptoms of psoriasis are mild: if in the progressive stage the patient feels unbearable itching and a burning sensation, then in the inpatient stage these symptoms lose their intensity.Despite this, the rashes still won't stop itching.
In the photo you can see what the psoriasis rash looks like in the stationary period.
Treatment
Some new drugs can be used to treat the stationary form of psoriasis, but in general the treatment regimen does not change.Strong medications should only be prescribed by a dermatologist.
At home, the patient can only try the proven remedies:
- sulfur ointment;
- salicylic solution;
- Vishnevsky ointment.
The drugs on the list have minimal contraindications and are quite inexpensive.
Traditional methods
There are several effective recipes for the treatment of dermatosis:
- Mix 30 grams of propolis with 250 ml of heated vegetable oil.The prepared mixture should be applied to dissolve the dead layer of the epidermis and restore the elasticity of the skin.
- Beeswax.This product has an anti-inflammatory and softening effect.The beeswax should be melted in a water bath and then carefully applied to the crust covering the papules.
- Honey.The main waste product of bees has a positive effect on the human body with psoriasis.It should be consumed in limited quantities - 2 tablespoons per day.
Regression stage
This stage is characterized by the Voronov sign (pseudo-atrophic Voronov rim), in which white rings form around the papules.During the regression period, the rash disappears.Initially, the rash changes shade, first becoming pale pink, then adapting to the color of healthy skin.In the regression phase, the itching disappears completely.
The appearance of new papules during this period is excluded.The last stage is the most painless and leads to remission.Scaly lichen can exist in a latent form for several months to tens of years.In order to prevent the aggravation of the disease, you should regularly visit a dermatologist and monitor your health.
Treatment
How should it be treated?Therapy at this stage does not require the addition of new drugs.During the regression period, the patient is recommended to focus on internal healing, that is, to actively take vitamin complexes.You should continue to use drugs that previously gave a positive result.The use of hormonal drugs should be completely avoided, as they have a negative effect on the body and weaken the immune system.
A common and effective way of quick recovery: leech therapy (hirudotherapy).This method belongs to alternative medicine, but is recognized by many specialists.Such therapy must be discussed with a doctor in advance.It lasts 3-10 days, depending on the condition of the patient and the stage of the disease.During the period of remission, the duration of treatment with leeches is 2-4 days.
With repeated exacerbations, the patient learns to independently determine the stage of the disease.It is worth considering that severe forms of psoriasis can manifest ambiguously.Only comprehensive treatment will help to avoid a relapse.Generally, lichen scaly gets worse during the winter season when a person's skin is in contact with clothing and not breathing.