In clinical dermatology, psoriasis is divided into 3 stages: progressive stage, quiescent stage and regression stage.They vary in duration, extent of skin damage, and symptoms.Taking into account the initial stages, some dermatologists divide the pathological process into 4 stages.
initial stage
In the early stages, patients develop a small rash.Depending on the type of disease, they can be located:
- arms, elbows and legs;
- head and face;
- Abdomen, thighs and back.
The rash rarely exceeds 2-3 mm in size and is pale pink in color.3-4 days after onset, the rash will be covered with a light gray coating.This process means the death of the skin.
For people with long-term psoriasis, the epidermis doesn't have time to renew itself because the skin is immediately covered in plaque.In new patients, a similar process continues for 3 weeks, during which time the progression of the disease is halted.
treat
In dermatology, topical medications are used to treat lichen planus in its early stages of development.Ointments and creams can help patients get rid of unpleasant sensations and also have therapeutic properties.Most commonly, medications from the keratolysis group are prescribed.
traditional method
Recommended traditional treatments include:
- Natural oils (juniper or lavender).They have healing and soothing properties and have beneficial effects on skin conditions.Instructions for use: Add a few drops of oil to the cream and apply directly to the rash.
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%).It applies accurately and doesn't wash off.A dermatologist should be consulted before use.
progressive
This stage is characterized by: large areas of skin damage, the formation of plaques (psoriasis vulgaris) or other obvious papules.The rash can vary in size and shape.As this stage progresses, the rashes merge into each other and distinctive gray scales form on the patches.
One of the main symptoms of this stage is the Kebnera phenomenon (isomorphic auctor), the formation of papules in the affected areas of the skin layer.That is, if a patient injures their skin, a psoriasis rash will appear in the irritated area over time.
The final sign of the progressive stage: the capillary layer, which can be seen by removing the scales from the plaque.When the plaque is removed, pinpoint bleeding will begin.
treat
At this stage, all major treatments are used—oral and topical medications, diet, and physical therapy.Physical therapy includes the following procedures: UV irradiation, PUVA therapy.
The following points should be noted when taking medicines:
- Vitamin complex.Used to strengthen the immune system.Such treatment is necessary so that the body can fight the disease.
- Retinoids.Similar products are also referred to as vitamins.Retinoids are analogs of retinol (vitamin A) that affect cell membrane structure and inhibit skin death.
- Steroids.They are used less frequently than other medications because of their negative effects on the body.Steroid drugs affect metabolic processes and have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects.
In traditional treatment methods, the same oil and hydrogen peroxide are used.
You can add celandine tincture to it.To prepare it, you need 3 tablespoons of this plant (dried or fresh) and salted water.Alcohol should not be used under any circumstances as it can dry out the skin.
How to prepare the remedy:
- The ingredients must be mixed together;
- Leave for a few hours.
fixed stage
The quiescent period of disease progression continues indefinitely.All the rashes were covered in thick scabs, leaving not even a pink edge.The layer that forms on the pimple may be gray or off-white.During the resting phase, the skin becomes rough and peels.
Symptoms of psoriasis are mild: if during the progressive stage the patient experiences unbearable itching and burning, then during the hospitalization stage these symptoms subside.Still, the rash won't stop itching.
You can see in the photo what a telogen psoriasis rash looks like.
treat
Some new drugs are available to treat quiescent psoriasis, but generally, treatment options do not change.Strong medications should be prescribed exclusively by a dermatologist.
At home, patients should try only proven treatments:
- sulfur ointment;
- salicylic solution;
- Vishnevsky ointment.
The drugs on this list have the fewest contraindications and are quite inexpensive.
traditional method
Several effective folk remedies for treating skin diseases:
- Mix 30 g of propolis with 250 ml of heated vegetable oil.A formulated mixture must be used to dissolve the dead layers of the epidermis and restore skin elasticity.
- beeswax.This product has anti-inflammatory and softening effects.Beeswax should be melted in a water bath and then carefully applied to the crusty skin covering the pimple.
- Honey.The main waste product of bees has a positive effect on the human body suffering from psoriasis.It should be consumed in limited amounts – 2 tablespoons per day.
regression stage
This stage is characterized by Woronovian symptoms (pseudoatrophic Woronovian margin), the formation of a white ring around the papules.During the resolution period, the rash begins to fade.Initially, the rash will change color, first to a pale pink, then adapting to the color of healthy skin.During the resolution phase, the itching disappears completely.
The appearance of new papules during this period was excluded.The last stage is the most painless and can provide relief.Scaly lichens can lie dormant for months to decades.To prevent the condition from getting worse, you need to see a dermatologist regularly and monitor your health.
treat
How to treat?No new medications are required during this phase of treatment.During the period of resolution, patients are advised to focus on internal healing, that is, actively taking vitamin complexes.You should continue to use medications for which you have had previous positive results.Hormone medications should be avoided entirely as they can negatively affect the body and weaken immune defenses.
A common and effective quick cure: leech therapy (leech therapy).This method belongs to alternative medicine, but it has been recognized by many experts.Such treatments should be discussed with your doctor beforehand.The duration ranges from 3 to 10 days, depending on the patient's condition and the stage of the disease.During the remission period, the leech treatment time is 2-4 days.
As the condition worsens repeatedly, the patient will learn to independently determine the stage of the disease.It's worth considering that severe psoriasis may present indistinctly.Only comprehensive treatment can avoid recurrence.Typically, scaly lichen worsens during the winter, when a person's skin comes in contact with clothing and they are unable to breathe.