In clinical dermatology, there are 3 stages of psoriasis, including: progressive, stationary and regressing.They differ in duration, degree of damage to the skin and symptoms.Some dermatologists divide the course of pathology into 4 stages, taking into account the initial one.
Initial stage
At an early stage, the patient develops small rashes.Depending on the type of disease, they can be localized:
- on the arms, elbows and legs;
- on the head and face;
- on the stomach, thighs and back.
The rashes rarely exceed 2-3 mm in size and are characterized by a pale pink color.3-4 days after the onset, the rash becomes covered with a grayish coating.This process means the death of the skin.
In people who have had psoriasis for a long time, the epidemic layer does not have time to renew itself, as 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, topical medications are used to treat lichen planus at an early stage of development.Ointments and creams help the patient get rid of unpleasant sensations, and they also have a healing effect.Most often, drugs from the keratolytic group are prescribed.
Traditional methods
Among the traditional therapeutic methods recommended:
- Natural oils (juniper or lavender).They have a healing and soothing effect, and have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin.Directions for use: add a few drops of oil to the cream and apply directly to the rashes.
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%).It is applied precisely and does not wash off.Before use, you should consult a dermatologist.
Progressive
Characteristics of the stage: damage to large areas of skin, formation of plaques (with vulgar psoriasis) or other pronounced papules.The rash can vary in size and shape.As this stage progresses, the rashes will merge with each other, and pronounced gray scales will form on the plaques.
One of the main symptoms of this stage is the Kebnera phenomenon (isomorphic auctor), which consists in the formation of papules on the affected areas of the skin layer.That is, if the patient injures the skin, a psoriasis rash will appear on the irritated area after some time.
The last sign of a progressive stage: a capillary layer, which can be seen by removing the scales from the plaques.When the plaque is removed, pinpoint bleeding begins.
Treatment
At this stage, all main treatment methods are used - oral and topical medications, diet and physiotherapy.Physiotherapy includes procedures such as: ultraviolet irradiation, PUVA therapy.
Among the medicines, the following should be noted:
- Vitamin complexes.Used to strengthen the immune system.Such treatment is necessary so that the body can resist the disease.
- Retinoids.Similar products also refer to vitamins.Retinoids are analogues of retinol (vitamin A), affecting the membrane structures of cells and inhibiting skin death.
- Steroids.They are used less frequently than other drugs, as they have a negative effect on the body.Steroid medications affect metabolic processes and have anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects.
Among the traditional methods of treatment, the same oils and hydrogen peroxide are used.
You can add a celandine-based tincture to them.To prepare it you will need 3 tablespoons of this plant (dry or fresh) and salt water.Under no circumstances should you use alcohol, as this can dry out the skin.
How to prepare the remedy:
- the components must be mixed together;
- leave for a couple of hours.
Stationary stage
The stationary period of development of the disease lasts indefinitely.All rashes are covered with a thick crust, not even a pink rim remains.The layer formed on the papules may be gray or grayish-white.At the stationary stage, the skin becomes rough and peels.
The symptoms of psoriasis are mild: if at the progressive stage the patient feels unbearable itching and burning, then at the inpatient stage such symptoms lose intensity.Despite this, the rashes still do not stop itching.
You can see what a psoriasis rash looks like during the stationary period in the photo.
Treatment
Some new drugs may be used to treat the stationary form of psoriasis, but, in general, the treatment regimen will not change.Powerful medications should be prescribed exclusively by a dermatologist.
At home, the patient can try only proven remedies:
- sulfur ointment;
- salicylic solution;
- Vishnevsky ointment.
The drugs 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 skin elasticity.
- Beeswax.This product has an anti-inflammatory and softening effect.Beeswax should be melted 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 with psoriasis.It should be consumed in limited quantities - 2 tablespoons per day.
Regressing stage
This stage is characterized by Voronov's symptom (pseudo-atrophic Voronov's rim), in which white rings form around the papules.During the regression period, the rashes begin to resolve.Initially, the rash changes shade, first becoming pale pink, and then adapting to the color of healthy skin.At the regressing stage, the itching goes away 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 occur in a latent form from several months to tens of years.To prevent the disease from worsening, you need 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 period of regression, the patient is recommended to focus on internal healing, that is, to actively take vitamin complexes.You should continue to use medications that previously gave a positive result.The use of hormonal drugs should be completely avoided, as they negatively affect the body and weaken the immune defense.
A common and effective way to quickly cure: leech therapy (hirudotherapy).This method belongs to alternative medicine, but it is recognized by many specialists.Such therapy should be discussed in advance by a doctor.It lasts from 3 to 10 days, depending on the patient’s condition and the stage of the disease.During 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 themselves ambiguously.Only comprehensive treatment will help avoid relapse.Usually, scaly lichen worsens during the winter season, when a person’s skin comes into contact with clothing and does not breathe.