Chronic dermatosis, which is also called scaly lichen, has three main stages of development: progressive, stationary and regressive. It is important for the patient to identify and start treating psoriasis as early as possible - the initial stage of the pathology is well suited to conservative therapy, since the spread of the rash is limited to a few small areas and does not yet cause significant discomfort.
How to recognize psoriasis at the initial stage?
Progressive phase of pathology is characterized by the appearance on the skin, often - the scalp, small epidermo-dermal papular elements. Their size is not more than a pinhead, the shape is hemispherical, the surface is smooth, a little shiny.
Sometimes the described papules arise due to mechanical, thermal or chemical damage, for example, scratches, burns, combs. In the initial stage of psoriasis, such a rash is called a symptom of Cobner or on duty, watchdog elements. As a rule, they are localized linearly and only in places of the previous skin irritation , while epidermal-dermal formations exist without dynamics, remaining in the original state for a long time.
In other cases, rashes within a few days are covered with light scales that are easily removed (psoriasis). Further development of pathology can be recognized by the growth and fusion of small papules. At the same time, peeling is observed only in the center of the element, and around it there is a peripheral aureole of pink color - a whisk of growth. Scales acquire a silvery white hue, loose. When they are scraped, there is a specific triad of symptoms:
- Stearin stain. The coating of the papules is easily separated, even under light exposure.
- Terminal film. Under the scales is a thin, seemingly moist and shiny reddish skin.
- Bloody dew. With further scraping of the film, small drops of blood are released.
The last characteristic clinical manifestation of psoriasis can be considered the emergence of conglomerates and plaques on the limbs, in the places of flexion and extension (elbows, knees, shoulders, feet, brushes). Less often the disease acquires a generalized form and spreads practically throughout the body.
Does psoriasis scratch at the initial stage?
Itching is considered to be a specific and characteristic symptom of a scaly lesion, but it is not observed in all patients. With normally functioning immunity, plaques practically do not itch and do not deliver other uncomfortable sensations. But in weakened people (approximately 50% of all cases) the initial stage of psoriasis of the head and extremities is accompanied by an intolerable itch. Because of this, additional skin damage and the subsequent appearance of the Cobner symptom described in the paragraph above are possible.
How to treat psoriasis in the initial stage?
The treatment of the considered form of chronic dermatitis is made individually for each patient in accordance with the state of his body and the severity of the signs of the disease.
The general scheme of treatment of psoriasis in the initial stage of development involves the use of local keratolytic drugs that help dissolve the upper damaged layer of the epidermis:
- Taclonex;
- Calcipotriol;
- Dithranol.
Also, good keratolytic drugs include drugs based on
For the removal of inflammation and irritation, hormonal medications are prescribed:
- Sinaflan;
- Triderm;
- Prednisolone ;
- Fluorocort.
Additionally, cytostatics (Methotrexate, Ftoruracil), vitamins A and D are used. It is important to observe a special diet for psoriasis, to normalize the way of life.