What are the different types of psoriasis. How does psoriasis affect the skin. What are the common symptoms of psoriasis. Which areas of the body are most often affected by psoriasis. How is psoriasis diagnosed and treated. Can psoriasis be prevented or managed effectively. What are the potential complications of untreated psoriasis.

What Is Psoriasis and How Does It Affect the Skin?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes rapid skin cell turnover, resulting in thick, scaly patches on the skin’s surface. This condition affects millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact quality of life. But what exactly happens to the skin during a psoriasis flare-up?

In healthy skin, new cells typically form and rise to the surface over the course of a month. However, in individuals with psoriasis, this process is accelerated, occurring in just days. This rapid cell production leads to a buildup of immature skin cells on the surface, creating the characteristic plaques and scales associated with psoriasis.

The Role of the Immune System in Psoriasis

Psoriasis is fundamentally an immune-mediated disorder. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, triggering inflammation and accelerated cell growth. This overactive immune response is what sets psoriasis apart from other skin conditions and makes it challenging to treat.

Common Types of Psoriasis and Their Distinct Features

While psoriasis can manifest in various forms, some types are more prevalent than others. Understanding these different types can help in proper diagnosis and treatment. Here are the most common types of psoriasis:

• Plaque Psoriasis: The most common form, characterized by raised, red patches covered with silvery-white scales.
• Guttate Psoriasis: Appears as small, dot-like lesions, often triggered by infections.
• Inverse Psoriasis: Occurs in skin folds and appears as smooth, red patches without scaling.
• Pustular Psoriasis: Characterized by white pustules surrounded by red skin.
• Erythrodermic Psoriasis: A severe form that affects most of the body surface.

Each type of psoriasis has its unique characteristics and may require different treatment approaches. Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for effective management of the condition.

Identifying Psoriasis Symptoms: Beyond the Visible Signs

While the physical manifestations of psoriasis are often the most noticeable, this condition can cause a range of symptoms that extend beyond skin appearance. What are some of the less obvious signs of psoriasis that individuals should be aware of?

• Itching and burning sensations in affected areas
• Joint pain and stiffness (in cases of psoriatic arthritis)
• Nail changes, including pitting and discoloration
• Emotional distress and decreased quality of life
• Fatigue and sleep disturbances

Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. Many individuals with psoriasis experience a cyclical pattern of flare-ups and remissions, with symptoms varying in severity over time.

Psoriasis Across the Body: Common Locations and Their Implications

Psoriasis can affect any area of the body, but certain locations are more commonly involved. Understanding these typical sites can aid in diagnosis and targeted treatment. Where does psoriasis most frequently appear?

1. Scalp: Up to 80% of people with psoriasis experience scalp involvement.
2. Elbows and Knees: These areas are prone to friction and pressure, making them common sites for plaque psoriasis.
3. Lower Back: Another frequent location for plaque psoriasis.
4. Hands and Feet: Can be particularly debilitating due to the impact on daily activities.
5. Nails: Nail psoriasis affects up to 50% of individuals with the condition.
6. Genitals: Inverse psoriasis often affects this sensitive area.
7. Face: Less common but can be particularly distressing due to visibility.

The location of psoriasis can influence treatment choices and the overall impact on an individual’s life. For instance, scalp psoriasis may require different management strategies compared to psoriasis on the body or in skin folds.

Diagnosing Psoriasis: From Visual Inspection to Biopsy

Accurate diagnosis of psoriasis is crucial for effective treatment. How do healthcare providers confirm a psoriasis diagnosis? The process typically involves several steps:

1. Physical Examination: A dermatologist will visually inspect the affected areas, looking for characteristic signs of psoriasis.
2. Medical History: Information about family history, triggers, and symptom patterns can provide valuable diagnostic clues.
3. Skin Biopsy: In some cases, a small skin sample may be taken to examine under a microscope, helping to rule out other conditions.
4. Nail Analysis: Changes in nail appearance can be indicative of psoriasis, even in the absence of skin symptoms.
5. Joint Assessment: If psoriatic arthritis is suspected, additional tests may be performed to evaluate joint health.

Early and accurate diagnosis is key to managing psoriasis effectively and preventing potential complications. If you suspect you may have psoriasis, consulting a dermatologist is an important first step.

Treatment Options for Psoriasis: From Topical to Systemic Approaches

Managing psoriasis often requires a multifaceted approach tailored to the individual’s specific symptoms and overall health. What are the primary treatment options available for psoriasis patients?

Topical Treatments

• Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation and slow cell turnover
• Vitamin D Analogues: Help normalize skin cell growth
• Retinoids: Derived from vitamin A, they can help reduce inflammation
• Coal Tar: An ancient remedy that can help slow skin cell growth and reduce inflammation
• Salicylic Acid: Promotes shedding of dead skin cells

Light Therapy (Phototherapy)

Controlled exposure to UV light can slow skin cell turnover and reduce inflammation. Options include:

• Narrowband UVB therapy
• Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA)
• Excimer laser therapy

Systemic Medications

For moderate to severe psoriasis, oral or injectable medications may be prescribed:

• Methotrexate: Suppresses the immune system and slows skin cell growth
• Cyclosporine: An immunosuppressant that can provide rapid improvement
• Biologics: Targeted therapies that work on specific parts of the immune system
• Oral Retinoids: Systemic vitamin A derivatives

The choice of treatment depends on various factors, including the type and severity of psoriasis, the areas affected, and the individual’s overall health. A dermatologist can help develop a personalized treatment plan to manage symptoms effectively.

Living with Psoriasis: Lifestyle Modifications and Self-Care Strategies

While medical treatments are crucial in managing psoriasis, lifestyle changes and self-care practices can significantly impact symptom control and overall well-being. What strategies can individuals with psoriasis implement to improve their quality of life?

Stress Management

Stress is a known trigger for psoriasis flare-ups. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques can help manage symptoms:

• Meditation and mindfulness practices
• Regular exercise
• Adequate sleep
• Counseling or support groups

Dietary Considerations

While no specific diet has been proven to cure psoriasis, some dietary changes may help reduce inflammation and improve overall health:

• Increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseed, and walnuts)
• Consuming antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Maintaining a healthy weight

Skincare Routine

Proper skin care is essential for managing psoriasis symptoms:

• Regular moisturizing to keep skin hydrated
• Gentle cleansing with fragrance-free products
• Avoiding hot showers and harsh soaps
• Using a humidifier to prevent dry air

Trigger Avoidance

Identifying and avoiding personal triggers can help prevent flare-ups. Common triggers include:

• Certain medications
• Skin injuries or sunburn
• Cold, dry weather
• Infections

By incorporating these lifestyle modifications and self-care strategies, individuals with psoriasis can complement their medical treatments and potentially improve their overall quality of life.

The Psychological Impact of Psoriasis: Addressing Mental Health Concerns

Living with psoriasis extends beyond physical symptoms, often taking a significant toll on mental health and emotional well-being. How does psoriasis affect an individual’s psychological state, and what can be done to address these concerns?

Common Psychological Challenges

• Low self-esteem and poor body image
• Anxiety and depression
• Social isolation and withdrawal
• Stress related to symptom management
• Sleep disturbances

Coping Strategies

Addressing the psychological impact of psoriasis is crucial for comprehensive care. Here are some strategies that can help:

1. Seek Professional Support: Psychologists or therapists can provide valuable tools for managing the emotional aspects of living with a chronic condition.
2. Join Support Groups: Connecting with others who have psoriasis can provide a sense of community and shared understanding.
3. Practice Self-Compassion: Learning to be kind to oneself and accepting the condition can improve overall well-being.
4. Educate Others: Helping friends and family understand psoriasis can reduce stigma and improve social support.
5. Focus on Overall Health: Engaging in activities that promote physical and mental health can boost self-esteem and reduce stress.

By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of psoriasis, individuals can work towards a more balanced and fulfilling life, despite the challenges posed by the condition.

Psoriasis Research and Future Treatments: What’s on the Horizon?

The field of psoriasis research is dynamic and ever-evolving, with scientists continually working to develop new and more effective treatments. What promising advancements are on the horizon for psoriasis management?

Emerging Treatment Approaches

• Gene Therapy: Targeting specific genes involved in psoriasis development
• Nanotechnology: Developing more efficient drug delivery systems
• Microbiome Research: Exploring the role of skin bacteria in psoriasis
• Personalized Medicine: Tailoring treatments based on individual genetic profiles
• New Biologics: Developing more targeted and effective biologic therapies

Ongoing Clinical Trials

Numerous clinical trials are underway to evaluate potential new treatments for psoriasis. These include:

1. Novel small molecule inhibitors targeting specific inflammatory pathways
2. Combination therapies to enhance treatment efficacy
3. Topical formulations with improved penetration and fewer side effects
4. Oral medications with better safety profiles
5. Therapies targeting the gut-skin axis

While these research areas hold promise, it’s important to note that the development of new treatments is a lengthy process. Patients should continue to work closely with their healthcare providers to manage their condition using currently available therapies while staying informed about potential future options.

Psoriasis and Comorbidities: Understanding the Broader Health Implications

Psoriasis is more than just a skin condition; it’s associated with an increased risk of several other health issues. Understanding these comorbidities is crucial for comprehensive care and early intervention. What are some of the health conditions commonly linked to psoriasis?

Common Comorbidities

• Psoriatic Arthritis: Affects up to 30% of people with psoriasis
• Cardiovascular Disease: Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
• Metabolic Syndrome: Higher prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are more common in psoriasis patients
• Mental Health Disorders: Higher rates of depression and anxiety
• Liver Disease: Increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Certain Cancers: Slightly elevated risk of some types of cancer

Implications for Care

The presence of these comorbidities highlights the need for a holistic approach to psoriasis management:

1. Regular Screenings: Routine check-ups to monitor for associated conditions
2. Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting healthy habits to reduce overall health risks
3. Coordinated Care: Collaboration between dermatologists and other specialists
4. Treatment Considerations: Choosing therapies that may address both psoriasis and comorbid conditions
5. Patient Education: Raising awareness about potential health risks and prevention strategies

By addressing psoriasis as a systemic condition rather than just a skin disorder, healthcare providers can offer more comprehensive care and potentially improve overall health outcomes for individuals with psoriasis.

Layers of Skin, Keeping Skin Healthy, and More

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

In this Article

• How Can I Keep Skin Healthy?
• How Does My Skin Work?
• Stratum corneum: The Outer Layer of Dead Skin
• Epidermis: The Outer Layer of Skin
• Dermis: The Middle Layer of Skin
• Subcutis: The Skin’s Fatty Layer
• Collagen and Your Skin
• Your Skin and Elastin
• Keratin and Your Skin

Your skin is the largest organ on your body, made up of several different components, including water, protein, lipids, and different minerals and chemicals. If you’re average, your skin weighs about six pounds. It’s job is crucial: to protect you from infections and germs. Throughout your life, your skin will change constantly, for better or worse. In fact, your skin will regenerate itself approximately every 27 days. Proper skin care is essential to maintaining the health and vitality of this protective organ.

• Thorough cleansing. You should perform this twice daily. At night, make sure you remove all your make-up and cleanse properly before going to bed.
• Use a gentle soap without fragrance.
• Balanced nutrition.
• Moisturizing. This is recommended even for those who have oily skin. There are plenty of moisturizers on the market that are oil-free.
• Sunscreen. This is probably the most important thing that you can do for your skin. Even in the winter and on cloudy days, you should put sunscreen on every day. This should be done even if you are not outside much. A sunscreen that says “broad spectrum” (or says it protects against “UVA and UVB”) with an SPF of 30 or higher is necessary. Limiting your time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wearing protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat, are also recommended.

Over the course of your life, you should pay attention to all parts of your skin. Familiarize yourself with it, so you’ll notice any changes that might occur, such as different moles or patches that might indicate skin cancer. Whenever you have a question or concern, make sure you see your doctor.

There are medical terms for various parts of your skin. Here’s a rough guide to what those terms mean.

The stratum corneum contains dead skin cells that used to exist in the epidermis. Using facial scrubs and some other skin products will remove or thin this layer.

The epidermis is the thinnest layer in your skin, but it’s responsible for protecting you from the harsh environment. The epidermis has five layers of its own. It also hosts different types of cells: keratinocytes produce the protein known as keratin, the main component of the epidermis. Melanocytes produce your skin pigment known as melanin. Langerhans cells prevent foreign substances from getting into your skin.

This is the layer responsible for wrinkles. The dermis is a complex combination of blood vessels, hair follicles, and sebaceous (oil) glands. Here, you’ll find collagen and elastin, two proteins necessary for skin health because they offer support and elasticity. Fibroblasts are the cells you’ll find in this layer, because they synthesize collagen and elastin. This layer also contains nerves that sense pain, touch, and temperature.

Reduction of tissue in this layer is what causes your skin to sag as well as wrinkle. This layer hosts sweat glands, and fat and loose connective tissue. The subcutis is responsible for conserving your body’s heat and protecting your vital inner organs.

Collagen is found in the dermis and is the most abundant protein in the skin, making up 75% of this organ. This is also your fountain of youth. It’s responsible for warding off wrinkles and fine lines. Over time, environmental factors and aging diminish your body’s ability to produce collagen and can also break down existing collagen.

When you hear the word elastin, think elastic. This protein is found with collagen in the dermis, and is responsible for giving structure and support to your skin and organs. As with collagen, elastin is affected by time and the elements. Diminished levels of this protein cause your skin to wrinkle and sag.

Keratin is the strongest protein in your skin. It’s also dominant in hair and nails. Keratin is what forms the rigidity of your skin.

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A Visual Guide to Psoriasis on Skin, Nails, and More

Medically Reviewed by Stephanie S. Gardner, MD on June 02, 2023

This skin condition causes a thick, patchy rash with scales. The most common type is called plaque psoriasis.

You can get it anywhere on your body, but it shows up most often on your scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. You can’t catch it by touching the skin of someone with psoriasis.

Kids can get psoriasis, but it’s more common in adults.

When psoriasis starts, you may see a few red bumps on your skin if you have lighter skin. These may get larger and thicker and get scales on top.

The patches may join together and cover large parts of your body. Your rash can be red, itchy, and uncomfortable, and it may bleed easily if you rub or pick it.

On darker skin tones, psoriasis can start out as salmon-colored, dark brown, or purplish-gray spots and then develop scales.

Up to half of people with skin plaques have psoriasis of the nails as well. This makes your nails look yellowish-red.

Your nails may also crumble, become pitted, or get grooved lines. Nearly everyone with nail psoriasis also has psoriasis somewhere on the skin.

Some people with psoriasis may get psoriatic arthritis. It causes swelling and pain in your joints and can make it hard to use them for everyday tasks.

You can get psoriatic arthritis at any age, but it’s most common between the ages of 30 and 50.

Scientists aren’t sure exactly what causes psoriasis, but it’s linked to a problem with your immune system, which is your body’s defense against germs. 

If you have psoriasis, your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells as if it were fighting an infection. Your body responds by making new skin cells every few days instead of the usual 4 weeks. Those new skin cells build up on your body’s surface and form a rash.

If you have psoriasis, you may find your condition flares up at certain times. Common triggers include:

• Skin injury or infection
• Emotional stress
• Certain medications
• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol

It’s natural to wonder if psoriasis will affect your social life. It’s important to keep your skin condition from hurting your self-esteem. Don’t avoid dates, social events, or job interviews. If you feel like you’re getting depressed, talk to your doctor or a counselor.

Your doctor can usually diagnose psoriasis by checking your skin, scalp, and nails. They might need to take a sample of your skin cells and look at them under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.

If you have swelling and pain in your joints, your doctor may also order blood tests and X-rays to check for arthritis.

If you have mild to moderate psoriasis, you may get some relief from skin creams. They can reduce inflammation and itching and cut the rate of skin cell growth.

Some examples include steroid creams, moisturizers, salicylic acid, anthralin, retinoids, apinarof (Vtama) cream, calcipotriene (a form of vitamin D), roflumilast (Zoryve) cream, nonsteroidal topicals, and coal tar. Tar shampoos are helpful for psoriasis of the scalp. Your doctor may also prescribe a nonsteroidal topical.  

If you have moderate to severe psoriasis, phototherapy may help. This treats the skin with exposure to ultraviolet light. It can be done at your doctor’s office or at home using a light device.

PUVA is a form of phototherapy that combines a medicine called psoralen with ultraviolet A (UVA) light. PUVA and ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy can help clear up psoriasis. Side effects include headache, nausea, and fatigue. Either treatment may lead to skin cancer.

Your doctor may also suggest a medicine (in the form of a pill) that targets your immune system.

Options include apremilast (Otezla), cyclosporine (Sandimmune), deucravacitinib (Sotyktu), and methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall, Xatmep). Serious side effects are possible, so you’ll need to be checked by your doctor carefully. Certain oral retinoids can also be used to treat severe psoriasis.

Biologics are a relatively new way to treat psoriasis. These drugs are made from living cells. Like some older psoriasis medications, they change the way your immune system behaves. You take biologics through an injection, pill, or IV. They work by curbing your immune system, so they can raise your risk of infections.

Getting some sunshine on your skin rash can improve symptoms for some people. But it’s important not to overdo it. Sunburn makes your psoriasis worse, and too much sun raises your risk of skin cancer.

Other natural options include aloe, tea tree oil, and oatmeal baths, which can soothe itchy skin. Experts are skeptical about diets that claim to treat psoriasis. There’s no convincing evidence that they work.

For decades, people have claimed that visiting the Dead Sea in Israel is a powerful treatment for psoriasis. The Dead Sea, which is 10 times saltier than the ocean, along with the sun is believed to be a healing combination.

Scientific evidence suggests this form of climatotherapy works. In studies, 80%-90% of people with psoriasis improved after visiting the Dead Sea. Almost half saw their rash disappear for the next several months.

Stress can make your psoriasis worse, so try relaxation techniques to control your flare-ups. Anything that helps you relax, whether it’s yoga, deep breathing, or a long walk, may help ease your symptoms.

There may be days when you feel like hiding at home, but don’t avoid the relationships and activities you enjoy. Isolation can lead to stress and depression, which can make your psoriasis symptoms worse.

Stay connected to your friends and family. You may also want to look into a support group through the National Psoriasis Foundation. You’ll meet people who understand just what you’re going through.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

1) © Interactive Medical Media, LLC

2) © Interactive Medical Media, LLC

3) SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Science Source

4) © Interactive Medical Media, LLC

5) Bart’s Medical Library/Phototake

6) © Nucleus Medical Art. All rights reserved

7) iStockphoto

8) Volodina/Thinkstock

9) Tetra Images

10) iStockphoto

11) Veronique Burger/Photo Researchers Inc

12) Mike Watson Images/Thinkstock

13) Gyro Photography/Amanaimages

14) Larry Wrestler/Flickr

15) Poike/Thinkstock

16) Corbis

SOURCES:

American Academy of Dermatology.

American Academy of Dermatology’s PsoriasisNet.

American College of Rheumatology.

International Eczema-Psoriasis Foundation.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

© 2023 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. View privacy policy and trust info

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Early stages of psoriasis: photos, symptoms and treatment

Contents

• Psoriasis is a serious problem
• Early manifestations of the disease – the initial stage of psoriasis
• Psoriasis in children
• Initial symptoms on the arms
• Psoriasis of the nails
• Psoriasis on the elbows
• Psoriasis on the head
• Psoriasis on the body and legs
• How to treat psoriasis

Hello dear readers! Many people know what psoriasis is, because it is one of the most common diseases. Every year the disease “gets younger” and the growth of patients increases. The success of treatment largely depends on the timeliness of therapy, so you need to know what the initial stage of psoriasis looks like.

Psoriasis is a serious problem

Many doctors believe that this is the result of increasing tension in society and constant stress. Environmental pollution and poor nutrition from birth play a significant role. These unfavorable factors and hereditary predisposition lead to the manifestation of the disease and the severity of the course.

It is very important to recognize the onset of the disease in a timely manner and contact a specialist. The success of treatment and further fate depend on this. After all, with the progression of the disease and the detailed clinical picture, the patient’s quality of life changes dramatically.

The most unpleasant side of this insidious disease is that the manifestations are clearly visible to others. Pronounced skin changes in the form of scaly red spots, prone to merging. Scales of exfoliating skin on the eyebrows and head, dandruff on the hair, brittle deformed nails. All this is accompanied by itching and bleeding.

This is not an exhaustive list of the suffering that the disease causes. A person becomes irritable, withdrawn, tries not to go outside without unnecessary need. People avoid psoriasis patients for fear of getting infected, although many people know that the disease is not dangerous for others. In addition to physical suffering, mental anguish of the patient is also added.

Is psoriasis contagious or not? Read in this article.

The patient is in a state of prolonged stress, which aggravates the course of the disease. Depression also arises from the fact that psoriasis is quite difficult to treat. The disease has a chronic relapsing course.

This means that at some point the symptoms subside, the skin clears up, but after a while there may be an aggravation. Competent patients are well aware of this and try to take timely measures to prevent relapses.

Watch a video on how to relieve exacerbation of psoriasis:

Early manifestations of the disease – the initial stage of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a genetically determined disease, that is, it is inherited from parents to children. If one parent is sick, then the course is relatively favorable. If both parents, then the disease manifests itself quite early – in childhood, and proceeds quite hard. Therefore, it is very important for parents to remember this and watch their children. At the first incomprehensible rashes on the skin, you should immediately contact a dermatologist.

The first signs in children may be papular rashes on the skin of the upper and lower extremities. Favorite localization – elbows, scalp. A papule is a rash that rises above the surface of the skin. Color – reddish-pink, clear boundaries. Gradually, they can merge and form plaque-like elements.

Due to the hyperkeratosis characteristic of psoriasis, gray-yellow scales appear, which, when scraped off, exfoliate, exposing the bleeding surface. The addition of bacterial flora and inflammation leads to redness, swelling and itching.

Characteristic signs are called psoriatic triad . If they are present, we can say with certainty that this is psoriasis:

1. If you scrape the plaque, the surface becomes white, like stearin. The scales peel off. This phenomenon is called “stearin stain”;
2. If you scrape the plaque further, then under the scales there will be a red edematous surface, as if covered with a film. This is the “thermal film” phenomenon;
3. If the thermal film is damaged, drops of blood will appear. This symptom is called “red blood dew”.

Psoriasis in children

In children prone to exudative manifestations, that is, to the release of exudate – serous fluid, the crusts become rough, thickened. The plots cover large areas. Very often in a child, such rashes are confused with atopic manifestations of allergies.

Attempts to treat with traditional methods do not bring the desired success. Therefore, with a long course of allergies, you need to consult an experienced dermatologist to verify the diagnosis. Only he can determine the disease and prescribe the correct and timely treatment.

Initial symptoms on the hands

The appearance of spots on the hands, prone to fusion, peeling, plaques – this is a reason to go to the doctor. The skin on the palms with psoriasis is prone to keratosis – thickening, it begins to crack.

Creams have almost no effect. The disease progresses and can cover the joints, leading to their deformity, swelling and soreness.

Nail psoriasis

When the nail plate is damaged, it thickens and deforms. Nails become brittle. In severe cases, there may be detachment of the nail plate. Very often, psoriasis on the nails is confused with a fungal infection. When treating a fungus, the process is aggravated even more.

Psoriasis on elbows

This is the most common localization. First, single rashes appear. Then they begin to merge, scales appear. The plaques increase in size, capturing all new areas.

Psoriasis on the head

This is one of the most unpleasant varieties. First, small areas appear on the scalp, which are practically invisible. Hair in this case does not suffer. But as it progresses, the plaques begin to spread. Sometimes the entire scalp is affected.

Lesions can be on the neck, on the face in the forehead, on the eyebrows. The scales peel off, severe itching appears. When combing, cracks and inflammation appear. There may be areas of weeping on the face and head.

Psoriasis on the body and legs

Manifestations are identical as in other areas. Also, at first single elements appear, which gradually merge. There is thickening and roughening of the skin, especially on the back.

What the initial stage of psoriasis looks like in adults can be seen in the following photo :

Initial stage of psoriasis on the head Initial stage of psoriasis on the body Initial stage of psoriasis on the body Psoriasis on the nails of the hands. Thimble Syndrome Psoriasis on the toenails Initial stage of psoriasis on the elbows

The causes and relapses are not completely clear. The main ones are hormonal and metabolic changes due to various provoking factors.

The disease is classified as autoimmune, that is, with a violation of the immune response mechanism, when one’s own immunocompetent cells attack skin areas, causing a disease. Relapses often occur during the cold season, after stressful situations.

How to treat psoriasis

The treatment of the disease is carried out under the guidance of an experienced doctor, do not forget to come to the appointment even with a long remission. Self-medication is fraught with aggravation of the course of the disease, the emergence of resistant forms. The earlier treatment is started, the more favorable the result can be obtained.

Complex and long-term treatment, with the use of medications prescribed by a doctor. At the initial stage, sparing therapy is carried out without the use of “heavy artillery” – cytostatics and hormones.

Under no circumstances should you self-treat with these drugs. Uncontrolled use leads to severe consequences and a resistant course of the disease. How to treat a specific stage of psoriasis is determined only by a doctor.

To begin with, a comprehensive examination of the patient is carried out for concomitant pathologies, such as diabetes mellitus or thyroid disease. Metabolic disorders, conditions of hypovitaminosis, diseases of the digestive system are revealed.

Restoration of body functions greatly facilitates the course of the pathological process. Antidepressants are used to relieve depression.

Topical therapy includes the use of various ointments, gels, sprays. Ointments are made on the basis of tar and grease, petroleum products. Preparations that moisturize the skin and relieve inflammation based on salicylates are used as an additional therapy.

Physiotherapy and spa therapy give a good effect. The use of therapeutic baths, ultraviolet radiation greatly facilitates the course of the disease.

At home, decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs are used, such as chamomile, celandine, string, calendula, onion applications.

For the treatment of scalp psoriasis, special therapeutic shampoos and ointments are used. Comb your hair very carefully so as not to damage the skin.

No need to fall into despair and depression. With external trouble, psoriasis does not pose a threat to life in the initial stage and responds very well to treatment. You need to believe in success and then everything will work out.

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Features and photos of psoriasis on the neck in patients

The appearance of rashes in the form of papules with gray scales on their surface often indicates the development of a pathology such as psoriasis on the neck. Far from all cases, it is possible to establish the causes of such skin defects – pathology is provoked by errors in the diet, and poor ecology, and stress. However, timely seeking medical help and fulfilling all doctor’s prescriptions can eliminate the symptoms of the disease in the neck.

• Peculiarities of localization of psoriasis on the neck
• Photo of various forms of psoriasis on the neck
• Treatment tactics

Peculiarities of localization of psoriasis on the neck

Since psoriasis is not infectious in nature, but autoimmune, as the studies of specialists have established, it can be difficult to recognize it in a timely manner.

In the early stages of development, a psoriatic rash resembles a banal inflammation of the skin – dermatitis.

The primary element of the disease is a spot with an enhanced pink tint. It does not have a clear roller, but is raised above the surrounding tissues. Characteristic grayish scales appear on its surface – exfoliated compressed cells of the epidermis. All this is accompanied by severe itching and skin irritation.

It is possible to distinguish psoriasis from other dermatoses by the localization of the elements – most often they are located just below the scalp. At the time of exacerbation of the disease, there are no symptoms of intoxication – a rise in temperature, weakness, loss of appetite. However, the manifestation of symptoms still affects the ability to work: due to itching, a person does not get enough sleep and is distracted from performing professional duties.

Psoriasis on the neck occurs both on the front part – over the entire surface, and behind – on both sides of the spinal column. It is far from always possible to hide it under clothes, which is an additional psychological complication of the disease. A person worries about his appearance, which aggravates the course of the pathology.

Photos of various forms of psoriasis on the neck

In the case of the initial stage of psoriasis skin disease, not every specialist will be able to make an accurate diagnosis after the initial examination of the patient at the location of the spots. Single elements of small size may have obvious signs of several types of dermatosis at once. Therefore, differential diagnosis is required after laboratory tests. For example, guttate psoriasis on the neck in the photo may look like this:

Sometimes confused with scabies, allergic urticaria or seborrheic dermatitis. And only a careful study of exfoliated cells puts everything in its place.

The pustular form of psoriasis, which is one of the most common variants of the disease, has such vivid manifestations that there is no doubt about the diagnosis: Inflammation is accompanied by intense itching, frequent addition of secondary complications. However, for cervical psoriasis, such a skin pathology is rarely observed.

Seborrheic variant can be seen in every second or third patient:

With this manifestation of the disease, severe peeling is so pronounced that the person is literally covered with scales, as if from dandruff. As the disease progresses, single elements merge and form a huge spot. Photo of psoriasis at the stage of exacerbation:

To prevent such changes in appearance, experts urge people not to self-medicate, but to immediately seek advice from a dermatologist.

Treatment tactics

It is possible to get rid of unpleasant changes in the appearance caused by psoriasis in the decollete area both with the help of external pharmaceutical products – creams and ointments, and with systemic medicines, if the pathological process is widespread.

Complex schemes, as a rule, provide for the choice of drugs from the following subgroups:

• biostimulants – to improve tissue regeneration;
• immunosuppressive agents – to suppress autoimmune processes;
• cytostatics – to correct the division of epithelial cells;
• vitamin therapy – to restore metabolic processes;
• keratolytics – to soften peeling;
• antihistamines – to combat itching and skin irritation;
• glucocorticosteroids – to suppress inflammation in tissues.