According to The International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA), over 125 million people are living with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis worldwide. What is this skin condition? Is it contagious? What are psoriasis symptoms and what causes this skin disease? Let's find out.
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a long-lasting (chronic) skin condition that can be identified by patches of abnormal skin. Most commonly psoriasis symptoms develop on hands feet, neck, scalp and face. This autoimmune disease goes away for a while, but flares up again, when triggered.
Generally, psoriasis causes skin cells to grow too speedily, resulting in scaly, thick and inflamed areas of skin. While this skin condition isn't infectious, it can be hereditary. Psoriasis can also affect an individual when there is a slight imbalance in the immune system, which causes inflammation. As a result, flakes come out from the surface of the skin.
To point out, a person suffering from psoriasis can experience physical pain, functional and psychological disability. The emotional impacts of psoriasis include embarrassment, anxiety, depression, and feelings of unpleasantness.
Types of Psoriasis
Namely, there are seven types of Psoriasis. These include:
1. Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque Psoriasis is one of the most common types of psoriasis. It can be identified by elevated, swollen, red lesions covered by white silvery scales. This type of psoriasis is particularly found on the scalp, knees, elbows, and lower back. The probable plaque psoriasis symptoms include itching, skin pain, and cracking.
2. Inverse Psoriasis
Inverse Psoriasis symptoms are particularly found in the armpits, under the breasts, in the groin, and in other skin folds around the buttocks and genitals. It usually appears as bright-red lesions that are shiny and smooth.
3. Pustular Psoriasis
Typically common in adults, pustular psoriasis occurs in white sores of noninfectious pus. The skin under and surrounding the blister is usually red and tender. It mainly appears in certain areas of the body, such as the hands and feet. This type of psoriasis can also cover most of the body.
4. Guttate Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis is often caused by a streptococcal infection, characteristically streptococcal pharyngitis. This type of psoriasis often starts in childhood. It appears as tiny, pink or red, individual spots on the skin of the limbs, scalp, torso, and legs. These spots are not typically as thick as plaque lesions.
5. Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Erythrodermic Psoriasis is a notably inflammatory form of psoriasis affecting large parts of the body. Since it is similar to plaque psoriasis symptoms, it is hard to distinguish. Erythrodermic Psoriasis is generally identified by widespread, periodic, redness of the skin. In this case, there may also be shedding of the skin, exfoliation, severe itching, and pain.
6. Psoriatic Arthritis
According to
Wikipedia, Psoriatic Arthritis affects up to 30% of people including both children and adults. It identified by a form of redness of the skin and joints. Psoriatic Arthritis further causes inflammation and severe damage to the joints. It is most common between the ages of
30 to 50 years.
7. Nail Psoriasis
Nail Psoriasis affects nails and develops various changes in the look of finger and toenails. This type of psoriasis can even cause abnormal nail growth, pitting, and discoloration. In this case, a patient's nails might loosen and separate from the nail bed. Moreover, severe cases may cause the nail to chip off.
What Are the Causes of Psoriasis?
Particularly there are no definite factors yet found that cause Psoriasis. As per the
NPF, at least 10 percent of the people inherit genes that could lead to psoriasis. However, less than or equal to 3 actually develop the disease due to the genes. For this reason, doctors say, psoriasis cause basically depends on the combination of genetics and the immune system. It is also believed that certain external factors trigger this skin condition, for instance:
- stress
- smoking
- changes in weather
- alcohol
- excess exposure to the sun
- obesity
- certain medications like beta-blockers, pills to cure malaria and steroidal medicines
- infections like thrush, strep throat, etc.
- skin injury, scratches, and bites
Psoriasis Symptoms and Signs
Although psoriasis symptoms vary depending on the type of psoriasis, here are some common signs including:
- itchy plaques
- small scaling spots
- red patches of skin covered with silvery scales
- itching, burning, or soreness
- dry, cracked skin
- small bleeding points when the scale is peeling away
- intense itching and burning
Most people infected with psoriasis go through
cycles of signs and symptoms. The disease may cause severe problems for a few days or weeks. Sometimes, psoriasis symptoms disappear completely.
When a patient has no active signs of the condition, they may be in diminution. It doesn't mean psoriasis cannot come back. However, if proper care is taken, it can be avoided.
Treatment for Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that is incurable but it can be treated in a number of ways. The effects of this skin condition may vary from person to person, and it can be both physical and emotional.
On the other hand, the severity of its signs can range from some spots of scaling to major flares covering large areas of the skin. Therefore, it is important that patients consult a doctor to determine the best treatment at any given time.
When it comes to choosing a treatment, doctors generally initiate with the mildest approach. Some of the most common treatments for psoriasis include:
Topical
Since psoriasis mostly affects the skin, topical treatments are highly useful as they are comparatively very effective and easy to apply to the affected area. Topical medications are available in the form of creams, lotions, ointments, foams, gels, and shampoos. This type of treatment helps in reducing mild to moderate psoriasis.
Oral Medications
There are a variety of oral medications like apremilast (Otezla), acitretin (Soriatane), cyclosporine, and methotrexate (Trexall) that are useful in treating psoriasis symptoms. These medicines are highly effective because they target the immune system. However, they should be only taken if prescribed by the doctor.
Biologics
Biologics is the latest type of treatment for psoriasis. It is usually advised to patients with severe psoriasis and joint pain. This class of treatment targets the immune system. It also prevents interactions between the inflammatory pathways and the immune system.
Systemic
Systemic treatment is for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. This treatment works when the patient's body doesn't respond well to other types of treatment types. Doctors generally suggest systemic treatment for a short span of time.
Phototherapy
For highly severe psoriasis, a useful option is Phototherapy, also known as light therapy. This type of treatment helps in killing the overactive white blood cells that attack healthy skin cells. Phototherapy treatment can treat large areas of skin with minimal side effects.
Tips for Dealing with Psoriasis
Psoriasis is incurable yet psoriasis symptoms can be minimized by changing the daily routine. So, here are some lifestyles changes that may help ease and prevent flare-ups.
- eat a heart-healthy diet
- abstain from the consumption of alcohol
- choose the right make up
- avoid trigger foods
- refrain from smoking excessively
- avoid taking stress
- keep skin moisturized
- try aerobic exercises as it can alleviate stress
- avoid hot showers as they can lead to dry skin
- take vitamin supplements
- do not overdo on junk
- join a support group or talk with others with a similar experience
Patients suffering from psoriasis can certainly become self-conscious about their appearance. This can also lead to social isolation and depression. Therefore, only the right consultation and discussion with a dermatologist can make the situation better. There's nothing to be ashamed of this skin condition. It can happen to anyone. Just be precautious and avoid the triggers.
Jun 04, 2019
May 30, 2018