Early Stage or Beginning of Psoriasis: Symptoms and More

Psoriasis is a type of immune-mediated condition — meaning it results from the activity of your immune system — that’s known for scaly skin plaques.

Psoriasis most often develops between ages 15 and 25. However, some of the early stages of this condition may be mistaken for other inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema.

Learn more about the early symptoms of psoriasis and how these might look and feel in different psoriasis subtypes.

The symptoms of psoriasis first show up on your skin.

On skin with less pigment, red to silver skin patches are trademark signs of this condition. Psoriasis on darker skin typically appears as purple or dark brown patches with gray scales.

Below are other possible signs of psoriasis based on subtype:

Psoriasis type	Features	Early symptoms
Plaque	Plaque psoriasis is noted for raised patches of skin that may be red, purple, or silver in color. This is the most common type of psoriasis, making up about 80 to 90 percent of all cases.	In the beginning stages, you might notice a raised area of skin that’s inflamed (swollen) and itchy.
Guttate	This type of psoriasis causes small red or purple spots on your skin. It tends to appear suddenly, and it may come and go without treatment.	You might notice that these round spots first develop around your torso, arms, or legs. They may develop later in other areas of the body.
Inverse	Unlike the raised scales of plaque psoriasis, inverse psoriasis causes smooth red to purple rashes.	Rashes tend to develop under skin folds, such as in your underarm, genital, or breast areas. You may notice pain and discomfort that gets worse after sweating in the affected areas of skin.
Pustular	Pustular psoriasis causes painful bumps filled with pus to develop in unusual areas of the body, such as your hands and feet. They can also develop thick scales on top. As the pustules heal, brown spots or scales may be left in their place.	This type of psoriasis may be mistaken for pustular acne lesions in its early stages because they both cause inflamed and painful bumps filled with pus.
Erythrodermic	Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare and life threatening type of psoriasis. This condition causes significant shedding, where you experience a loss of skin layers in large pieces.	It may resemble a significant widespread burn that affects about 90 percent of the body’s surface. Other early symptoms include intense pain and itching along with dehydration, muscle weakness, and increased heart rate. Immediate medical attention is required.
Nail	Nail psoriasis often develops after another subtype and is seen in roughly half of people with psoriasis.	Early signs include discolored, dented, and crumbling nails. The affected nails may eventually lift off their nail beds.
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)	If you have psoriasis, there’s a chance that this inflammatory condition may eventually affect your joints, too. If this happens, it’s called psoriatic arthritis.	Early signs of PsA include heel pain, along with swollen and painful fingers and toes. Symptoms may be worse in the morning.

Skin rashes, plaques, and scales caused by psoriasis tend to be extremely itchy, similar to eczema, or atopic dermatitis. They can also sting, burn, or feel painful.

Unlike eczema, psoriasis may sometimes progress to the joints.

Psoriasis may develop on any part of the body, but it’s most common on the knees, elbows, and scalp.

You might also have more than one subtype of psoriasis at a time, with varying symptoms in different areas of your body.

While the exact symptoms of psoriasis may vary based on subtype, this condition often leads to areas of inflamed skin that may be red or purple in color and scaly in texture. These rashes may also feel itchy and painful.

If you have any new skin symptoms that don’t improve with time, see a medical professional. They will be able to accurately diagnose whether it’s psoriasis or another skin condition.

Early-Stage Beginning of Psoriasis: Symptoms and Types

If you’re living with psoriasis, then you know the struggle can be real. But people who aren’t already living the flare-up lifestyle may not always be aware of what to look out for if psoriasis occurs.

We’ve got all you need to know on how to spot psoriasis — and its many subtypes — in the early stages, so you can set yourself on the path to treatment, pronto.

What are the early stages of psoriasis?

The condition often shows up similar to a rash.

Psoriasis on people with lighter skin types includes patches of skin that look red, dry, and inflamed. But people with darker skin types experience skin patches that are purple, gray, or darker brown. They also experience dry and inflamed areas of skin.

You may also experience itching or irritation at first, accompanied by the rough, scaly patches of skin.

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Symptoms can start at any age, but the first signs of psoriasis often occur between the ages of 15 and 25, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.

When psoriasis first appears, you start to notice symptoms of inflammation on your skin. This can include:

• itching, stinging, or burning
• red to silver patches of skin on people with lighter skin types
• purple, grayish, or darker brown patches of skin on people with darker skin types
• silvery-white scales, known as “plaques”
• dry, cracked, or bleeding patches of skin
• thick, rough patches of skin
• joint swelling
• ridged or pitted nails

As the condition progresses, symptoms can start to worsen or become more noticeable.

Symptoms can vary based on the type of psoriasis (we’ll get to the seven main subtypes in a sec), the amount of psoriasis, and the area that’s affected.

While psoriasis can show up anywhere on your body. It most commonly develops on your:

• elbows
• knees
• legs
• scalp
• lower back
• hands or feet
• face

The features, feels, and early symptoms of psoriasis might often depend on what type you have.

Plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type, affecting 80 to 90 percent of people with the condition.

This form of psoriasis usually first appears as thick, raised patches of skin — aka plaques. These plaques can be red, purple, or silver and often vary in size. Over time, they may start to feel dry and scaly, which can cause them to itch like crazy.

Guttate psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis appears as tiny bumps that may pop up suddenly on your skin. These bumps, or spots, are usually red or pink and have a scaly texture.

Guttate psoriasis often begins to show up on your arms, legs, or torso, but the condition can develop in other areas.

Guttate spots are known to clear up on their own and sometimes never make a return appearance. No one really knows why this happens, making guttate psoriasis one of the more mysterious psoriasis types.

Inverse psoriasis

While other forms of psoriasis are raised and rough to the touch, inverse psoriasis causes flat, raw-looking rashes in folds of the skin. These reddish or purple rashes are usually smooth to the touch, but that doesn’t make them any less uncomfortable.

Inverse psoriasis usually develops in areas where skin is constantly rubbing on skin (like the armpits, under boob area, and even the genitals). This can cause increasing levels of soreness or discomfort over time — especially when sweat gets trapped in these folds.

Pustular psoriasis

When it comes to pustular psoriasis, you’ll usually see puss-filled bumps often appearing on your hands and feet. These small, inflamed bumps can typically be confused for acne when they first appear.

But you’ll def be able to tell the difference as the condition progresses. The skin underneath the pus-filled bumps will become red and swollen. The area can also become itchy and sore.

As the bumps dry out, they’re usually replaced with scaly, brown dots.

Erythrodermic psoriasis

If you start to experience symptoms of erythrodermic psoriasis, call the doctor — STAT.

This rare, severe form of psoriasis can cause large chunks of skin to shed, leading to debilitating pain. It can also cause an elevated heart rate, dehydration, fever, chills, and muscle weakness. Erythrodermic psoriasis can also lead to hypothermia, making it difficult to stay warm.

Erythrodermic psoriasis spreads fast, causing visible inflammation in nearly 90 percent of your body. This condition can resemble a burn at first, with the skin becoming red, dry, and tender to the touch. You may experience intense itching as the rash spreads.

Most cases of erythrodermic psoriasis occur in people who already have another form of psoriasis. Talk with your dermatologist ASAP if you notice your condition becoming worse or not responding to treatment, as this condition can be life threatening.

Nail psoriasis

Nail psoriasis affects… well, your nails (obvi). Nail psoriasis is pretty common, impacting about 50 percent of people who already have another type of psoriasis.

At first, you may notice discoloration of your nails (usually yellow, white, or brownish hues), as well as pitting in your nails themselves. As the condition develops, larger dents in the nail may form, and the nail may become rough and crumbly.

Skin cells can also build up underneath your nails, causing the nail to lift and detach from the skin of your finger or toe.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) gets under your skin — literally. This subtype affects the joints and most often occurs in people who already have psoriasis. It can develop at any age, most commonly appearing between ages 30 and 50.

Early signs of PsA can include swollen or tender joints, swelling on the knee or back of the leg, and pain on or around your heel. You may also notice stiffness, specifically in the mornings (because getting out of a cozy bed isn’t hard enough sometimes!).

It’s important to seek treatment for PsA. Ignoring the condition might lead to difficulty moving and even physical disability.

There is currently no cure for psoriasis, but there *are* ways to treat and manage its symptoms.

While some cases of psoriasis are minimal, others can be more severe. No matter what level you’re at, seeking treatment can prevent recurring flares or worsening symptoms.

Talk with your doctor or dermatologist if you have questions or think you might have psoriasis. They can provide you with a diagnosis and discuss treatment options.

You should also talk with your doc ASAP if you experience:

• worsening or spreading symptoms
• swelling or discomfort
• joint pain or other probs
• your treatment no longer working

Your doctor may suggest one or more types of treatment, including:

• corticosteroids
• retinoids
• vitamin D analogues
• salicylic acid
• coal tar
• calcineurin inhibitors
• light therapy
• steroids
• biologics
• immunosuppressants (cyclosporine)

Depending on your specific diagnosis, your doc also may recommend lifestyle changes, such as stress management techniques or a nutritious diet.

Psoriasis isn’t the only condition that can cause dry, flaky skin or itchy rashes. These same symptoms can be signs of many other conditions.

This can include:

• Eczema. A skin condition that causes itchy, red, inflamed skin that can become dry and scaly. You also might have purple, dark brown, or gray patches.
• Keratosis pilaris. A skin condition that causes rough patches of red or brown bumps.
• Hives. Tender, itchy bumps, usually triggered by allergens or irritants.
• Acne. A common skin condition that usually occurs when gunk (like dirt, oil, and dead skin) clogs your pores.
• Rosacea. A condition that causes your face to flush or blush easily, making the skin look red and irritated.
• Parapsoriasis. A condition that sounds like psoriasis and often looks like psoriasis, but isn’t. Parapsoriasis plaques are usually smaller and thinner.
• Ringworm. A fungal infection that forms a circular red rash. On darker skin this rash can also look gray or brown.
• Lupus. An autoimmune disorder that can cause a butterfly-shaped rash on your face.
• Skin cancer. A common type of cancer that can cause a rash or sores.

In the beginning stages of psoriasis, red, purple, or silver scaly patches — or plaques — develop on your skin. These can be itchy or even painful. However, there are many types of psoriasis and symptoms can vary based on which one you have.

There isn’t a cure for psoriasis yet, but there are ways to treat and manage symptoms.

Talk with your doctor if you think you have psoriasis or notice a change or worsening of an existing case. They can work with you on a treatment plan tailored to your needs, such as using a prescription topical or making lifestyle changes. These changes might include managing your stress levels or eating a more balanced diet.

The first signs of psoriasis – articles about health

From the very birth of babies, their parents notice various problems that arise on their children’s skin. They don’t disappear as they get older. The appearance of rashes depends on the food taken, on contact with animals, on physical contact, on communication with a sick person, and may be associated with previous acute respiratory viral infections and tonsillitis. But there is a group of skin diseases that are inherited. And under certain conditions, pathology can manifest itself. Parents usually know which of the relatives had certain diseases, they are aware of the likelihood of transmitting such diseases to children. Therefore, these moms and dads are more attentive to any changes in the skin.

Signs of psoriasis

Most of our patients turn to doctors for help, but there are those who try to help themselves and their families on their own. Let’s figure it out.

• Do you note the seasonality of rashes, when there are more formations in winter and spring, and everything disappears in summer, or vice versa.
• Eruptions are directly related to stressful situations.
• You see profuse silvery peeling on the surface of spots or nodules.
• Note the appearance of new elements at the site of minor injuries.
• Rashes are located on the skin of the scalp with a transition to the forehead and behind the ears, bright spots appear in the folds, in the groin.
• The condition improves after treatment with hormones, but after a while the pathological process reappears.

If you note all this, then the probability of developing psoriasis is very high.

Psoriasis (or, as it is more commonly called, psoriasis) is a chronic disease. According to statistics, this disease is detected in 1% of the inhabitants of our planet.

Forms of psoriatic plaques

The main symptom of psoriasis is skin lesions. Plaques may vary in location and size. For the beginning of the development of psoriasis, the formation on the surface of the skin of rounded tubercles of pink and scarlet color – papules covered with scales is almost always characteristic. They can be located on any part of the body up to the mucous membranes. But most often they appear on the inner surfaces of the arms and legs, on the lower back and scalp. As psoriasis develops, the psycho-emotional state of the patient may worsen. With the progression of the disease, the papules increase in size, merge into plaques. The first days they are only a few millimeters in size. Gradually, the lesions grow to several centimeters and capture all new areas of the skin.

There are several forms of psoriatic plaques:

• as a tiny rash (punctate psoriasis)
• in tear form (guttate psoriasis)
• in the form of rounded elements (coin-like psoriasis)
• the plaque may be in the form of a ring, bow, garland, etc.

Often the patient feels unbearable itching in the area of ​​scaly spots. During the period of remission, the plaques turn pale, they become smaller, the itching subsides. It is impossible to say unequivocally what is the main provoking factor causing the development of the disease and the appearance of the first manifestations of psoriasis. To date, research is ongoing.

If you suspect psoriasis in yourself or your child, contact a specialist dermatologist. This disease has been known for a long time, doctors have developed many successful methods, standards for the treatment and maintenance of the health of patients with psoriasis. In addition to dermatologists, related specialists will examine you, laboratory tests will be assigned. Be attentive to your health.

Take care of yourself! Contact us. We are on the same team with you!

Do not delay treatment, see a doctor right now:

• Dermatologist appointment
• Laboratory diagnostics
• Treatment of psoriasis

symptoms, causes, types, stages, onset, prevention

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects the epidermis. The disease does not belong to the category of infectious and almost always becomes chronic. Psoriasis on the body affects about 2% of the world’s population. This disease affects both sexes equally and age does not matter (although some studies confirm the fact that people with thin sensitive skin, that is, women, suffer more often and more severely from the disease).

Psoriasis on the skin manifests itself as characteristic spots – dry, bumpy, inflammatory nature. They are called papules. Such spots are the result of chronic tissue growth, due to excessive division of epidermal cells, as well as lymphocytes.

Scales on the body greatly disturb the patient, because they cause unbearable itching, peeling and even bleeding.

1. What is psoriasis?
2. Causes of psoriasis
3. Psychosomatics of psoriasis
4. Symptoms of psoriasis
5. Types of psoriasis
6. Stages of psoriasis
7. Is psoriasis contagious?
8. How is psoriasis treated?
9. Prevention of psoriasis

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What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a relapsing disease with undulating specificity. It affects not only the skin, but also the nails, as well as the musculoskeletal system. Given the chronic nature of the disease, it brings significant discomfort, significantly reducing the quality of life of the patient.

The disease is relatively well studied, so specialists are able to keep its manifestations under control, not allowing a person’s condition to deteriorate rapidly. But during a period when the patient is experiencing severe stress, the scales on the skin can return and the disease comes into its own with renewed vigor. If such a situation arises, it is necessary to immediately make an appointment with a dermatovenereologist, since the sooner therapy begins, the greater the likelihood of a quick recovery (going into remission).

Although, as mentioned above, autoimmune disease in general does not depend on the age of patients, it is statistically proven that the onset of the disease mainly falls on puberty and beyond, up to 25 years. At the same time, psoriasis is diagnosed even in infants.

Negroids and Mongoloids get sick much less often than Europeans

Causes of psoriasis

Among the causes, the genetic factor should be put in the first place. At the moment, active research is being carried out on the human genome and some genes have already been identified that are potentially responsible for the occurrence of this unpleasant disease. Diagnosis of psoriasis in children also speaks in favor of the hereditary factor.

It is possible that viral diseases in some way affect the occurrence of a dermatological disease, but the evidence base for this statement is insufficient.

Other causes of psoriasis:

• External factors. This refers to injuries of the upper layer of the skin (cuts, abrasions, scratches, corns, bedsores), dermatological irritations (allergic manifestations, scratching), burns resulting from excess ultraviolet radiation, or frostbite.
• Immune failures. Under such conditions, many diseases occur, including psoriasis. In favor of the voiced theory is the fact that AIDS patients very often suffer from this dermatological disease.
• Endocrine disorders. This item includes metabolic failure and hormonal imbalance. In the second case, especially pay attention to the level of insulin (it can be increased), as well as prolactin, and somatotropin, the hormone responsible for growth. That is why the course of psoriasis is facilitated during pregnancy – this is facilitated by the changed hormonal background, which increases the production of sebum and minimizes the dryness of the epidermis.
• Chemical agents. Systematic exposure of the skin to acids, solvents and other aggressive substances related to industrial and household chemicals, over time, can lead to the development of psoriasis.
• Fungal diseases. Sometimes these ailments can degenerate into non-infectious psoriasis. In particular, this applies to candidiasis, staphylococcal infections, mycoses.
• Misuse of hygiene products. There is an interesting theory that excessive use of soap and other detergents can disrupt the barrier function of the epidermis and lead to psoriasis.
• Use of certain drugs. For example, lithium carbonate, some antidepressants, anticonvulsants, etc. These drugs can trigger the onset of the disease or worsen its course.

Traditionally, unhealthy lifestyle, destructive habits, obesity, physical inactivity, etc. should be added to the above reasons.

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Psychosomatics of psoriasis

However, many experts call chronic stress, both psychogenic and physical, the main cause of the disease. At first, it may be outwardly imperceptible, but the work of the body is gradually disturbed. A rash is a signal that there are serious problems in its functioning.

Emotions, of course, affect the physical state of the body – this fact has long been proven. Prolonged depression of the nervous system weakens a person, so he becomes an excellent target for bacteria and the development of hereditary ailments, which is psoriasis. Thus, this disease is necessarily treated with an eye on psychosomatics. Among the moral irritants, one should especially highlight excessive self-criticism, dissatisfaction with one’s own life, anxiety, constant suppression of aggression, uncontrolled irritation.

Symptoms of psoriasis

External signs of psoriasis are far from the main thing, the disease causes the main damage to internal organs: the liver, thyroid gland, kidneys, joints.

Symptoms include:

• Severe itching (on the scalp, hands, feet, etc.).
• Dry skin.
• Burning sensation on the skin.
• Bleeding gums and visible inflammation.
• Edema and pain in the joints.
• Thickening and cracks in the skin.
• Wax-like stains.

Dermatological signs primarily appear in places subject to increased friction: feet, elbows, knees, under the buttocks, etc.

Among the psychosomatic manifestations, the following are noted:

• Depressive mood.
• Loss of strength.
• Fatigue.
• Permanent weakness.
• Increasing anxiety.

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Types of psoriasis

First of all, you should distinguish between normal and reverse types. The first affects the scalp, and the second is localized in hard-to-reach places – in the folds under the breasts, armpits, on the surface of the genitals, etc.

A non-communicable disease is classified as follows:

• Psoriasis vulgaris. This is the classic form of the disease, manifesting itself as pale plaques protruding above the skin. This species accounts for 90% of all cases of diagnosis of this disease. Sometimes the plaques merge, increasing in size. If you try to remove the top layer of the skin, then a strong redness is found below, which often bleeds.
• Psoriasis on the folds. In this case, the disease is localized on the flexion surfaces – in the groin, under the breast, on the hips, under the abdomen, if there is excess weight. The patient’s condition worsens if the affected surface is subject to friction. Sometimes it is complicated by fungal infection.
• Pustular appearance. The disease develops in the form of blisters filled with exudate. This species is considered one of the heaviest of all classified. Normally, the exudate is non-infectious, however, it is possible to attach a secondary bacterial infection. Then the pustules are filled with purulent contents. Basically, psoriasis of this type affects the limbs, but sometimes it is generalized.
• Guttate psoriasis. This species occurs against the background of a staphylococcal infection. The rash on the body looks like small dark drops, and the disease affects large areas of the skin.
• Damage to the nail plates. The onset of this type of psoriasis is perfectly noticeable by the condition of the nails. First of all, they change color – they become gray, yellow or whitish. The nail plate thickens, becomes stained, exfoliates. It can become unnecessarily fragile, which leads to the complete disappearance of nails.
• Psoriatic arthropathy. This type of psoriasis has a destructive effect on joints and connective tissue. These structures are affected throughout the body. Often the disease leads to disability. For this reason, the mortality of patients is high, since immobilization contributes to the development of pneumonia and other serious ailments.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis. Clinical manifestations of this type of psoriasis are unbearable itching, severe flaking of scales, and generalized skin lesions. Sometimes psoriatic erythroderma is a complication of psoriasis vulgaris, for example, provoked by alcohol, viruses, withdrawal of certain drugs, and so on. Such extensive inflammation, the addition of severe pain and the threat of sepsis leads to a high mortality characteristic of this type of psoriasis.

Stages of psoriasis

There are three main stages and they are differentiated according to the severity, as well as the nature of the development of the disease.

• The easiest stage is regressing. It is characterized by increased skin pigmentation.
• The stationary stage is distinguished by the stopping of the precipitation process. New spots do not appear, and the old ones gradually heal.
• Progressive – a difficult stage, and this is clear from the name. It can be described as follows: the permanent appearance of plaques or pustules, which the patient constantly combs. This threatens to add an additional infection.

Is psoriasis contagious?

The answer is clear: psoriasis is not contagious, because it is not an infectious disease, but an autoimmune disease. In other words, one’s own immunity attacks human cells. The mechanism of this process has not yet been fully elucidated, however, living with a patient with psoriasis in one area does not pose any threat to the rest. The same applies to the use of common hygiene products, swimming in the pool and so on.

How is psoriasis treated?

Treatment of psoriasis in Israel is a reasonable way out. For example, in the Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov), all conditions have been created for the effective treatment of this disease. By the way, highly professional doctors with vast experience work in the clinic, and they have at their disposal the best equipment for both treatment and diagnostics.

Treatment of psoriatic arthritis in Israel is preceded by diagnostic measures.

• Blood tests (degree of clotting, platelet count, etc.).
• Urine analysis.
• Identification of hereditary predisposition.
• Test for sexually transmitted diseases.
• X-ray of the joints (if psoriatic arthropathy is suspected).
• Biopsy of tissue samples.

Additionally, at the discretion of the doctor, an ultrasound of the heart and pelvic organs is prescribed

Psoriasis is treated with three types of treatment:

1. Medicines. Refers to corticosteroids and medicines containing zinc.
2. Phototherapy. Means therapeutic exposure using photosensitizers.
3. Combined approach. It combines various therapies.

Systemic therapy should be added to the indicated methods of treatment as a type intended for severe forms of the disease. However, these drugs can cause side effects.

Biologically active medicines produced using the latest research in the field of genetic engineering – an innovative method for the treatment of psoriasis, successfully used by the specialists of the Sourasky Clinic

It is important to note that treatment in Israel for foreigners is always much more profitable than in other countries, such as Europe or the USA.