Psoriasis is a pink rash with silvery scales. It is itchy and occurs in millions worldwide. If a person or their relatives do not have such rashes, it does not mean that they will not appear. It is important to start treating the disease in the early stages of psoriasis and not start it severely.
Psoriasis can be inherited, but not in all cases.
Characteristics of the disease
Psoriasis is not an infection and is caused by a violation of the immune system. And the disease can be the result of external factors, skin injuries, stress, alcohol, antibiotics, infections.
Wounds can cover any part of the body. The rash is especially common on the arms and legs. They also occur on the palms, feet, scalp, and nails.
Psoriasis is a chronic disease with a fluctuating process. The person may have a period of rash relief or cause worsening. Relapses can be triggered by a variety of external factors.
Psoriasis does not affect normal life and does not require constant hospitalization. Nevertheless, it is a serious pathology with many inconveniences and limitations.
Manifestations of psoriasis can fade and become almost invisible.
Conditional sharing of psoriasis
There are several forms of psoriasis:
- vulgar;
- seborrheic;
- drop-shaped;
- palm soles;
- psoriasis of the genitals.
The most common form of psoriasis is the vulgar form of the disease. With it, there are brightly colored edematous rashes with severe itching.
There are three stages of psoriasis, depending on the size of the area affected:
- Lightweight. About 3 percent of the skin is affected.
- Average. The number of rashes ranges from 3 to 10 percent of the skin surface.
- Hard. The rash occupies 10 or more percent of the skin surface.
Sometimes the disease penetrates the joints. This is the most severe grade, regardless of what percentage of the skin is affected by plaque. It can lead to the development of psoriatic arthritis, which is accompanied by pain and swelling in the joint parts of the bones.
Psoriasis has three stages depending on the degree of exacerbation:
- advanced;
- stationary;
- decreasing.
No doctor may always be able to recognize psoriasis at a given stage. In many cases, special control of the development of the disease is required. This will help determine if the psoriasis is in remission or not.
Vulgaris psoriasis is bright pink.
Progressive stage
In the initial stage, psoriasis develops fairly quickly. Various rashes appear on the arms, back, buttocks and legs, which grow over time and form plaques. The progression of the disease is characterized by severe itching of the affected areas, which become wet and can cause infection.
Early psoriasis can be treated. Therefore, it is important to make the correct diagnosis in time. If you have the first symptoms of psoriasis in the initial stage, you should see a doctor. Only he can determine the nature of the skin disease and the stage of its development.
Here are some signs to help you understand what psoriasis looks like:
- Rashes appear where clothing is in close contact with the body. For example, elastic bands on the arms in the elbow area, under the trouser strap.
- The itchy rash is covered with gray scales.
- When you remove the scale, thin, damp skin is visible underneath.
- The condition of the nails is confused, dimples appear on them.
Do not use ointment without consulting your doctor. The use of certain medications in the early stages of the disease can lead to the development of stretch marks, thinning of the epidermis, and dependence.
Your doctor will usually prescribe a zinc-based, non-hormonal medication. It is an effective treatment that relieves itching, reduces the proliferation and inflammation of skin cells, restores the protective functions of the skin, and reduces the progressive stage of psoriasis.
Psoriasis mainly occurs where skin and clothing come into contact.
Stationary stage
The previous stage is replaced by the stationary stage of the psoriasis. Inflamed nodules do not disappear, nor do they grow. Plaques dry out and inflammation is reduced.
Tar-containing formulations are very often used to treat the stationary stage of psoriasis. Sometimes systemic therapy is used and the body is exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
Regressive section
This is the last stage of psoriasis in which the plaques begin to shrink and slowly disappear. Resorption begins in the middle of the pain, and by the end of this section, tiny rings and patterns remain on the skin. The itching and peeling go away. After the rash, barely noticeable pigmented areas remain on the skin.
This process is the end of the psoriasis cycle, but not a complete cure. The disease can recur at any time. If left untreated, plaques appear regularly.
After psoriasis, spots and patterns may remain on the skin.
Treatment and prevention of psoriasis
All people should pay attention to their health and pay close attention to the skin:
- Avoid hard dishcloths that can scratch your skin.
- It is preferable to use special medicated shampoos. This is especially true for scalp psoriasis.
- Optimum humidification of the indoor air should be ensured to avoid overdrying of the skin.
- Avoid abrasions, injuries and cuts on the skin.
- A certain diet should be followed that improves the course of the disease.
- One of the main rules of prevention is the rejection of alcohol. You should not drink alcohol or quit smoking.
- Wear loose clothing that does not cause wear.
Special massages are used to prevent and treat psoriasis. It improves blood circulation so the skin clears faster. The body areas around the plaques stretched a few inches and turned back. The procedure takes about 15 minutes.
The symptoms of the disease occur in the background of psychoemotional stress. Therefore, it is important to keep stress to a minimum. They recommend practicing various relaxation methods, getting enough sleep and more rest, using herbal preparations and sedatives.
Some patients use folk remedies at home. To do this, use a variety of herbal infusions and decoctions, ointments from eggs and fat, garlic compress and body lotions before going to bed. Alternative methods should be used after consultation with a professional.
Some medications can cause relapse and side effects. It should only be taken as instructed by your healthcare professional. Unfortunately, there is no drug that can get rid of psoriasis 100 percent forever. The disease can only be kept in remission by choosing the right drugs.