In clinical dermatology, there are 3 stages of psoriasis, including: progressive, stationary and regressing.They differ in duration, degree of skin damage and symptoms.Some dermatologists divide the course of pathology into 4 stages, taking into account the initial one.
Initial phase
In the early stages, the patient develops small rashes.Depending on the type of disease, they can be localized:
- on hands, elbows and feet;
- on the head and face;
- on the stomach, thighs and back.
The rash rarely exceeds 2-3 mm in size and is characterized by a pale pink color.3-4 days after the appearance, the rash is covered with a grayish coating.This process means the death of the skin.
In people who suffer from psoriasis for a long time, the epidemiological layer does not have time to renew itself, because the skin immediately becomes covered with plaques.In new patients, a similar process lasts 3 weeks, during which the development of the disease can be stopped.
Treatment
In dermatology, local drugs are used to treat lichen planus in the early stages of development.Ointments and creams help the patient to get rid of unpleasant sensations, and they also have a healing effect.Medicines from the keratolytic group are most often prescribed.
Traditional methods
Among the traditional therapeutic methods, the following are recommended:
- Natural oils (juniper or lavender).They have a healing and soothing effect, and have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin.Instructions for use: add a few drops of oil to the cream and apply directly to the rash.
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%).It is precisely applied and does not wash off.Before use, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist.
Progressive
Characteristics of the stage: damage to large areas of the skin, formation of plaques (in psoriasis vulgaris) or other prominent papules.The rash can vary in size and shape.As this stage progresses, the rash will merge with each other, and prominent gray scales will form on the plaques.
One of the main symptoms of this phase is the phenomenon of Kebner (isomorphic author), which consists in the formation of papules on the affected areas of the skin layer.That is, if the patient injures the skin, after some time a psoriasis rash will appear on the irritated area.
The last sign of the progressive phase: the capillary layer, which can be seen by removing the scales from the plaques.Once the plaque is removed, precise bleeding begins.
Treatment
At this stage, all the main methods of treatment are used - oral and local drugs, diet and physiotherapy.Physiotherapy includes procedures such as: ultraviolet radiation, PUVA therapy.
Among the drugs, the following should be highlighted:
- Vitamin complexes.It is used to strengthen the immune system.Such treatment is necessary so that the body can resist the disease.
- Retinoids.Similar products apply to vitamins.Retinoids are analogues of retinol (vitamin A), which affect cell membrane structures and inhibit skin death.
- Steroids.They are used less often than other drugs, because they have a negative effect on the body.Steroid drugs affect metabolic processes and have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects.
Among traditional treatment methods, the same oils and hydrogen peroxide are used.
You can add celandine-based tincture to them.For preparation, you will need 3 tablespoons of this plant (dry or fresh) and salt water.Under no circumstances should you use alcohol, as it can dry out the skin.
How to prepare the medicine:
- the components must be mixed;
- leave for a couple of hours.
Stationary stage
The stationary period of disease development lasts indefinitely.All rashes are covered with a thick crust, not even a pink border remains.The layer formed on the papules can be gray or grayish-white.In the stationary phase, the skin becomes rough and flaky.
The symptoms of psoriasis are mild: if in the progressive phase the patient feels unbearable itching and burning, then in the stationary phase such symptoms lose intensity.Despite this, the rash still does not stop itching.
You can see what psoriasis rash looks like during the stationary period in the photo.
Treatment
Some new drugs can be used to treat inpatient psoriasis, but generally the treatment regimen will not change.Strong medications should only be prescribed by a dermatologist.
At home, the patient can only try proven medicines:
- sulfur grease;
- salicylic solution;
- Vishnevsky ointment.
Medicines on this list have a minimum of contraindications and are quite cheap.
Traditional methods
Several effective recipes for the treatment of dermatosis:
- Mix 30 grams of propolis with 250 ml of heated vegetable oil.The prepared mixture must be applied to dissolve the dead layer of the epidermis and restore the elasticity of the skin.
- Beeswax.This product has an anti-inflammatory and softening effect.Beeswax should be dissolved in a water bath and then carefully applied to the crust covering the papules.
- Honey.The main waste product of bees has a positive effect on the human body in psoriasis.It should be consumed in limited quantities - 2 tablespoons per day.
Regression phase
This phase is characterized by the Voronov symptom (pseudoatrophic Voronov rim), in which white rings form around the papules.During the regression period, the rash begins to subside.At first, the rash changes shade, first becoming pale pink, then adapting to the color of healthy skin.In the regression phase, the itching disappears completely.
The appearance of new papules during this period is excluded.The last stage is the most painless and leads to remission.Squamous lichen can appear in a latent form from several months to tens of years.To prevent the disease from worsening, it is necessary to regularly visit a dermatologist and monitor your health.
Treatment
How to treat?Therapy at this stage does not require the addition of new drugs.During the regression period, the patient is recommended to focus on internal healing, that is, to actively take vitamin complexes.You should continue to use the drugs that previously gave a positive result.The use of hormonal drugs should be completely avoided, because they have a negative effect on the body and weaken the immune defense.
A common and effective way for a quick cure: leech therapy (hirudotherapy).This method belongs to alternative medicine, but it is recognized by many experts.Such therapy should be discussed with the doctor in advance.It lasts from 3 to 10 days, depending on the condition of the patient and the stage of the disease.In the period of remission, the duration of treatment with leeches is 2-4 days.
With repeated exacerbations, the patient will learn to independently determine the stage of the disease.It is worth considering that severe forms of psoriasis can manifest ambiguously.Only comprehensive treatment will help to avoid recurrence.Usually, scaly lichen worsens during the winter season, when a person's skin comes into contact with clothing and does not breathe.