Disease detected in time is the key to successful treatment. This rule is especially true for those diseases that are very difficult to treat. These include lichen scales, better known as psoriasis. Over the past decades, this disease has covered more and more territories, affecting infants and retirees, tilting statistics in a sad direction.
No wonder the scaly lichen has aroused such serious interest. Today, psoriasis has moved from the classification of common skin diseases to systemic pathologies. Beenshte proved that patients with this disease are more susceptible to infections, heart disease, depression and diabetes. Given the lack of a unified treatment system, it is very important to identify psoriasis in the early stages.
The first signs of psoriasis
The symptoms of this dermatosis are well known even to those who have never encountered a similar problem. A common sign of lichen planus is a variegated skin rash.
This rash appears in areas of inflammation of the epidermis, may be large or engraved, with scaling and sometimes purulent filling. Each individual element of such a rash is called a papule. 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 without any reason, very often appears a few days before the formation of the first papule. The problem is that patients with similar symptoms do not see the reason for going to the doctor. But even in the case of a timely visit to a doctor, a specialist is far from always able to determine the true cause of such a condition and make an accurate diagnosis.
A rash on the body is the main symptom of psoriasis. Depending on the type of scaly lichen (and there are dozens of such), the site of the lesion, the age of the patient, the disease can manifest in different ways.
Manifestations in Children
Scaly lichen can also occur in infants. This is very rare, but often exacerbated by the parents themselves. The first signs of illness may resemble prickly heat or allergies, so adults rely on their knowledge and treat the child themselves. In most cases, babies with psoriasis go to the doctor when the disease progresses.
In infants, scaly lichen occurs most often in the folds: on the inner thigh, armpits, between the fingers and hands, in the folds of skin on the neck. The appearance of papules is often accompanied by itching, so the baby may be very anxious, not sleep at night and refuse to eat.
The affected area resembles thrush, diaper rash or eczema. Glowing skin becomes red or pink and feels hot to the touch. Pustules can appear accurately or form complete spots - plaques. As a rule, such spots arise on healthy skin. A distinctive feature of psoriatic plaques is the presence of dry crusts and scales in the rash, but in an infant, papules and plaques are often located in places with profuse sweating, which makes the surface of the inflammation moist.
When these symptoms appear, it is important not to waste time on folk remedies and advice from the older generation. If a newborn has a skin rash (of any nature), it should be urgently referred to a pediatrician and dermatologist. Treatment of psoriasis in infants is not much different from adult therapy, the infant is credited with non-hormonal therapeutic oils, in severe cases, pills and injections.
In older children, the initial symptoms of lichen planus do not differ from those in adults. However, children can suffer from any type of psoriasis:
- Tiles- happens more often. Its signs are dry, red, hot spots. Papules are covered with a strong crust with pale scales on the surface. They can appear anywhere, directly or consolidate on tiles. Itches more often, but not necessarily.
- Pustular- characterized by the presence of fluid or pus inside 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.
- Hairy part of the scalp- may look like dandruff, but over time forms a very woolly crust all over the surface or part of the scalp. The hair in the affected area thins, becomes thin. This type of psoriasis often appears in the folds behind the ears.
- Palmar-plantar- almost never occurs in children. It varies in localization on the palms and soles, while "lakes" with thick skin and scales appear.
- Bending surfaces- most often formed on the elbows, knees, genitals. It differs from other types of psoriasis in the absence of scales. The affected skin becomes covered with a soft and firm crust, resembling a single spot raised above the surface of a healthy epidermis. Color - pale pink, gray-white, pink.
For any appearance of local skin and skin inflammation, you should consult a dermatologist. Childhood psoriasis progresses very quickly, especially if it is accompanied by itching.
Damaged papules are easily infected by infections, grow and cover an increasingly large area. After the prescribed treatment regimen, it is important to constantly monitor the child, prevent scratches from wounds and new injuries to the body, and follow a diet.
Manifestations in women
The first stage of psoriasis can occur at any age, but most often the first outbreaks occur before the age of 20, although the disease can "sleep" up to 50 years. Adult men and women experience the same symptoms as adolescents. At a more mature age, the risk of developing psoriasis on the feet, nails, joints increases.
World disease statistics found that women suffer from scaly lichen almost one and a half times more often, while the top percentage is struggling with plaque psoriasis. What exactly caused this selectivity is not known exactly, but scientists suggest a hormonal factor among the causes of psoriasis.
Due to the same hormones, scaly lichen signs appear more often during PMS, when the hormonal background changes. Also, a woman's natural sensitivity makes her more vulnerable to stress, depression, neurosis. For a person with a predisposition to psoriasis, any psychological instability can cause an outbreak of the disease.
Other causes of disease exacerbation are:
- skin damage (burns, cuts, open wounds);
- allergic reactions;
- infectious diseases;
- metabolic disorder;
- bad habits and unhealthy diet.
In fact, if a woman has a genetic predisposition to psoriasis, one of the irritating factors will sooner or later provoke an outbreak. To avoid such deteriorations in the future, the patient should carefully monitor his lifestyle.
The symptoms of psoriasis in women are the same as in men, the only gender difference occurs when the external genitalia are affected. In the genital area, girls face a plaque-like appearance and inverted, sometimes pustular. The first symptoms are inflammation of the skin in the labia or pubis, rarely the mucosa is affected.
Small pointed papules can appear in multiples or as a single patch. Scales with genital psoriasis rarely appear, as the site of localization does not allow air to enter. A distinctive feature of psoriatic rash is that the papules and plaques protrude slightly above the surface and are hot. With such symptoms, you should immediately contact a dermatologist and gynecologist.
Manifestations of Men
Half of men, as we have already noticed, suffer from scaly lichen a little less often than women. However, the course of the disease and the symptoms remain the same for both halves. A study and analysis of patients found that in men the first symptoms appear at the age of 22 to 25 years, while in women it occurs from the age of 15 years. Such "late" symptoms are associated with the fact that the hormonal balance in the stronger half comes later.
Psoriasis starts in men the same way. In most cases, small papules with silvery scales appear first, then combine into large spots - plaques and "paraffin lakes".
Guttate psoriasis affects large areas of the body at the same time, but with small separate joints.
You can also distinguish psoriasis from other skin diseases at home if you carefully examine the inflamed elements:
- A dense, hard crust forms on the surface of the papules and plaques, which peels off. White scales on the surface come out easily when scratched, resembling shavings.
- If you completely remove the scales from the papule, a thin transparent film remains on it.
- When you remove the film from the psoriatic element, large drops of blood appear in this place, as there are many capillaries in the papules.
In addition to the obvious symptoms, scaly lichen is sometimes accompanied by a general weakening of the body, a depressive state and an increase in body temperature. Psoriatic elements can be different in shape, for example, small individual papules in small numbers appear with a point lesion. Infection of a large area of the body at the same time (whole back, sides, abdomen, legs) occurs with tear-shaped psoriasis, while papules resemble spots of shape. Large, localized patches are a sign of coin psoriasis.
Based on observations of patients of both sexes, scientists have concluded that in men, squamous lichen is more severe and the frequency of exacerbations is higher than in women. Expert reviews noted that this is due to a banal willingness to be treated. The weaker half, however, is more attentive to their health and visits the doctor for prophylaxis much more often than the stronger sex. The only type of psoriasis in which men do not hesitate to treat is the genital organ. A plaque, retarded, or pustular appearance of plaque may appear on the glans penis, scrotum, or pubis.
Given the sensitivity of the skin in these areas, inflammation progresses very quickly and requires immediate treatment. When you discover any rash on the genitals, it is not worth spending time on "self-examination" and self-medication. Excessive peeling of the skin, without red inflammation and itching, is also considered the reason for going to the doctor.
Psoriasis of the nails (onychodystrophy) and scalp is also common in men. These two types, according to dermatologists, are most often released by men. Despite the fact that there are many pictures online with signs of the disease, the symptoms of scaly lichen are perceived as fungus or dandruff, and they go to the doctor in an already progressive form.In case of head injury, severe skin appears, sometimes itching, rough crust in places or on the entire surface of the head. Psoriasis of the nails is manifested by a change in the color of the nails, the appearance of depressions and bumps and compression of the nail plate and the skin around it. Below we will examine the grading of symptoms.
So the symptoms of psoriasis in children, women and men are no different. Any inflammation on the skin of the body, scalp or nails is the reason to visit the doctor. If the affected areas do not itch or peel off, this does not mean that the skin is not affected by psoriasis.
Symptoms of Psoriasis
The first signs of the disease usually last for a few days, after which they begin to progress rapidly. Sometimes the disease can develop very slowly and the initial symptoms are "delayed" for a week or more. In any case, the disease will enter a full stage, sooner or later. Psoriasis sites often mislead 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 in the head
In the early stages of development, psoriasis on the head looks like a slight jolt. Gradually, the affected areas take on a reddish tinge, can hurt and itch, sometimes protruding beyond the hairline: on the back of the head, behind the ears, on the forehead. The epidermis in the inflamed areas becomes denser, the dense structure of psoriatic rash is considered one of the distinguishing features.
This manifestation is often confused with seborrhea, in which the scalp also vibrates a lot. However, unlike seborrhea, psoriatic elements bleed if the scaly upper layer is removed from them. In addition, psoriasis is characterized by thickening of the affected skin. If this rash is accompanied by severe itching, patients often worsen the situation by traumatizing plaques and papules. Open wounds quickly become infected and the disease progresses.
This type of scaly lichen occurs in children and adults. Attempts at self-medication often only worsen the appearance of the disease, therefore, at the first suspicion of psoriasis, it is better to consult a specialist. A trichologist and a dermatologist can accurately understand the nature of the inflammation, it is best to first tell the child the main therapist.
Manifestations on the skin of the body
On the body, the first papules most often appear at the sites of folds and friction: on the knees, armpits, elbows, neck. Depending on the type of psoriasis, the manifestations may vary. As with children, adults can experience many types of this disease, but a few other points are added to the list above.
In addition to the most common types of scaly lichen, people over the age of 18 can experience:
- Pustular,which does not differ from symptoms in adults and children. It affects every part of the body and is characterized by a heavy flow. It is often accompanied by fever and general weakness. Papules are first filled with clear fluid, which distinguishes this type of disease from the rest. If they are damaged and re-infected, pus appears in them.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis. It is considered a very complex form of the disease, most often it does not appear immediately, but progresses from plaque or pustular. But an independent course is also possible. Unlike normal psoriasis, this affects large areas of the body and develops very quickly. Papules can be "empty" or filled with pus. If the psoriatic elements are injured and grow at a high rate, affecting large areas of the body, it is most likely erythroderma.
- In the form of tears,which, as we have already discovered, is characterized by dotted and frequent skin lesions. At the beginning of the disease, the papules are very small, with well-defined edges, and a convex teardrop shape. At the first sign, it affects small areas of the body, but gradually increases. It can appear on the arms, legs, abdomen, back, neck.
- Articular psoriasis.The worst thing that can happen to this disease is joint damage. Most often it occurs in people who are already ill with one of the types of psoriasis, but it can also appear as an independent disease. It first affects the small joints: the phalanges of the fingers and hands, often moving to more important places. The first signs for it are pain and joint pain, fever, swelling of the phalanges of the fingers.
Manifestations of the legs
The feet are most often affected in the knee area, it may be reverse or plaque psoriasis. In this case, the knee is completely or partially covered with a dense crust with a rough white surface. Most often, with the loss of the knees, the same thing happens in the elbows, but not necessarily. We have already learned how to determine psoriasis from papules.
Also, the feet are a common area of tear-shaped lesion. In this case, most of the foot is covered with small papules, which at the same time occupy the area from the lower leg to the thigh. The elements are inflamed, hot, sometimes itchy and sore.
Roughness of the skin, painful itchy calluses on the feet indicate psoriasis of the foot, while it can "touch" the palms at the same time. This is a very common form of the disease, as the feet are more sensitive to mechanical stress. The skin at the wound site cracks, exfoliates, itches. It is important for importers to seek timely advice, as fungi and infections can enter the cracks, causing serious complications.
Manifestations on nails
Onychodystrophy affects the nail plate. It often accompanies other, more complex, forms of psoriasis, but sometimes manifests itself. With such a disease, patients also usually come too late, mistaking this disease like a fungus. The symptoms of the disease are:
- change the shape of the nail;
- depressions and tubercles in the nail plate;
- change in nail color (light brown, cloudy, with dark spots);
- thickening of the skin under and around the nail;
- excessive growth of skin on the nail;
- removing the nail as along the plate.
It is also not worth treating this type of disease. It progresses slowly but steadily, as a result, the patient may completely lose the nail without further healing. For advice in this case, you should also contact a dermatologist.
Manifestations of the Hands
Psoriasis affects the arms as often as the rest of the body. Most often, under his "watch" is the elbow, as he is more exposed to friction, bending, injury. In this area, reverse psoriasis, similar to plaque, pustular is localized. In this case, the first signs of the disease develop in the same way as in the knees.
A very problematic area in the arms is located in the armpits. Any kind of disease progresses very quickly here, as it is a warm and humid place, deprived of good air. In this case, psoriasis is not always covered with a swaying crust, plaques and pustules may resemble normal irritation or diaper rash.
If inflamed spots grow and multiply - you should consult a dermatologist urgently.
Manifestations of the disease in case of joint damage
As already noted, small joints in the fingers and toes are most often 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 determine 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 an independent disease. A distinctive feature is that it affects the connective tissue around the joint. For example, if the knuckles are affected, the patient develops dactylitis - an inflammation of all the 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 psoriasis treatment system as well as a single medicine that would help every patient with this disease equally effectively. Scaly lichen is classified as a systemic non-communicable disease that occurs in a chronic form. It is impossible to heal once and for all, but it is quite possible to achieve long-term forgiveness. Early detection of the disease greatly simplifies this task.
For the purpose of prevention, doctors recommend that you undergo a general examination and have tests every six months or a year, even if there is no suspicion of any disease. With the appearance of a rash, prolonged irritation, large areas of skin on the skin, you should immediately contact a specialist and not waste precious time on dangerous self-medication.