Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, itchy scaly patches on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp, among other places.Psoriasis is a chronic (long-term) condition that has no cure. It goes through cycles, with flare-ups lasting a few weeks or months, then diminishing or going into remission. There are treatments available to assist you in managing your symptoms. You can also enhance your psoriasis-related quality of life by changing your lifestyle and learning new coping skills.
Psoriasis symptoms and indicators vary from individual to person. Some of the most common signs and symptoms are as follows:
- Areas of scarlet skin covered in thick, silvery scales
- Scaling in a few places (commonly seen in children)
- Skin that is dry, cracked, and itchy or bleeds
- Itching, burning, or pain are all symptoms of a bacterial infection.
- Nails that are thickened, pitted or ridged
- Joints that are swollen and stiff
Psoriasis patches can range in size from a few spots of dandruff-like scaling to large-scale outbreaks. The most commonly affected areas are the lower back, elbows, knees, legs, soles of feet, scalp, face, and palms.
Most kinds of psoriasis have flare-ups that last a few weeks or months before diminishing or even going into remission.
Psoriasis comes in a variety of forms, including:
Psoriasis plaque. Plaque psoriasis is the most prevalent type, characterized by dry, elevated, red skin patches (lesions) covered with silvery scales. The plaques could be itchy or painful, and there could be a few or a lot of them. Elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp are the most common places where they appear.
Psoriasis of the nails. Psoriasis can cause pitting, irregular nail development, and discoloration in the fingernails and toenails. Psoriasis patients' nails may weaken and split away from the nail bed (onycholysis). The nail may crumble in extreme circumstances.
Guttate psoriasis is a kind of psoriasis. Children and young adults are the ones who are most affected by this type. The most common cause is a bacterial infection, such as strep throat. On the trunk, arms, and legs, small, drop-shaped scaling lesions occur.
Inverse psoriasis is a kind of psoriasis. The skin folds of the groin, buttocks, and breasts are most affected. Inverse psoriasis causes smooth regions of red skin to emerge, which worsens with friction and sweating. Fungal infections induce this type of psoriasis.
Psoriasis with pustules is a kind of psoriasis. This rare form of psoriasis causes pus-filled lesions on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet, which can emerge in big patches (generalized pustular psoriasis) or small patches.
Psoriasis with erythrodermic psoriasis. Erythrodermic psoriasis is the least common variety of psoriasis, and it causes a red, peeling rash that can itch or burn violently.
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis in which the skin becomes inflamed Psoriatic arthritis is characterized by swollen, painful joints, which are common in arthritis. The initial or only symptom or indicator of psoriasis is often joint symptoms. And there are occasions when only the changes in the nails are visible. Psoriatic arthritis symptoms range from moderate to severe, and it can affect any joint.
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Psoriasis is assumed to be an issue with the immune system that causes the skin to regenerate at a quicker rate than normal. This high turnover of cells causes scales and red areas in plaque psoriasis, the most common kind of psoriasis.
It's not totally apparent what causes the immune system to malfunction. Both genetics and environmental variables are thought to play an impact, according to researchers. The illness isn't communicable.
Many people who are prone to psoriasis may go years without experiencing symptoms unless the condition is triggered by an external event. The following are some of the most common psoriasis triggers
Common infections include strep throat and skin infections.
The weather, particularly the cold and dry conditions,
A cut or scrape on the skin, a bug bite, or a severe sunburn are all examples of skin injuries.
Smoking and secondhand smoke exposure
Drinking too much alcohol
Certain medications, such as lithium, antihypertensive meds, and antimalarial drugs
Oral or systemic corticosteroids are abruptly stopped.
Factors that are at risk:
Psoriasis can affect everyone. Approximately a third of cases begin in childhood. These variables can make you more vulnerable:
- History of the family. The disease is passed down through the generations. Having one psoriasis-affected parent raises your likelihood of developing the condition, and having two psoriasis-affected parents increases your risk even more.
- Stress. High-stress levels may raise your risk of psoriasis since stress has an impact on your immune system.
- Smoking. Tobacco use not only raises your risk of psoriasis but can also worsen the condition. Smoking could also play a role in the disease's early stages.
Complications:
You're more likely to get additional conditions if you have psoriasis, such as:
- Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that produces joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
- Conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and uveitis are all disorders that affect the eyes.
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
- Celiac disease, sclerosis, and Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disease, are examples of autoimmune illnesses.
- Low self-esteem and depression are examples of mental health issues.
Diagnosis:
Your doctor will inspect your skin, scalp, and nails as well as ask you questions about your health. A small sample of skin (biopsy) may be taken by your doctor for examination under a microscope. This aids in determining the kind of psoriasis and excluding other conditions.
Treatment:
Psoriasis treatments aim to limit the proliferation of skin cells and remove scales. All possibilities include topical therapy (creams and ointments), phototherapy (light therapy), and oral or injectable medications.The severity of your psoriasis and how well it reacted to previous treatments will decide the sort of treatment you receive. You may need to try a number of medications or a combination of treatments before finding a treatment that works for you. On the other hand, the illness usually returns.
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