Psoriasis

Around 3% of the population of the world is affected by chronic skin disorder, psoriasis, which is triggered by an overactive immune system. Primarily affecting adults, the most common type of the condition is plaque psoriasis and is seen in people suffering from high blood sugar, heart disorders and obesity.

The symptoms of the disease may vary from one individual to another, and the most common ones include plaques of red skin, scaling of the skin, and flakes coming out of areas such as knees, elbows and scalp.

Understanding the condition

Psoriasis can be of various types, plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, and so on depending upon the medical symptoms. When the entire surface of the skin is fiery red and skin is shedding in sheets, all these are the conditions of erythrodermic psoriasis while palmoplantar psoriasis affects the palms and causes sores. Nail psoriasis causes yellow pitted nails which are often misdiagnosed with nail fungus.

In recent times, it has been found that people with psoriasis tend to have high blood sugar, high blood lipids and also suffer from different types of cardiovascular diseases. Around 40% of the psoriasis patients also experience symptoms of arthritis such as inflammation in the joints. In such cases, the disease is termed as psoriatic arthritis.

The chronic skin disorder- psoriasis is caused due to number of health issues. You cannot lead a quality life with the flakes coming out of your skin or redness. Hence, it is ideal to consult skin specialists and seek information on psoriasis treatment. After the assessment of your skin, the scope of treating psoriasis will be discussed.

Psoriasis Facts

  • This skin condition is chronic and immune-mediated.
  • This is an inflammatory skin condition, and the most common form of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis
  • Diet, environment factors and genetics can flare-up of psoriasis
  • An individual suffering from psoriasis suffers mostly from the disease like obesity, cardiac disease, and diabetes.
  • Psoriasis is not contagious (cannot be transmitted from one person to another)
  • Apply sunscreen to prevent psoriasis flare-ups
  • Proper treatment and medication can help to manage psoriasis
  • This skin condition can show up in feet, nails, scalp, mouth, lips, elbow, eyelids, ears, feet and anywhere on the body

Know the Signs of Psoriasis

Patients suffering from psoriasis may experience symptoms such as:

 

  • Itchy and dry skin of knees, scalp, or whichever area is infected
  • White scales on the skin
  • In case the nails are affected, they will become discolored and separate easily from the nail bed
  • In the case of pustular psoriasis, the patient will have tint skin pustules with cracked and scaly skin. Bleeding may also occur from infected areas
  • Redness of the skin
  • Painful and swollen joints

Common Types of Psoriasis

Guttate Psoriasis

It mainly affects children and young adults, and the occurrence of this type of psoriasis is less than 2% of cases. People affected by it displays symptoms such as pink or red spots. The target areas are thighs, upper arms and scalp area.

 

Inverse Psoriasis

This type of psoriasis showcases red but smooth and shiny scaleless skin. It mostly affects areas such as groin, armpits, skin folds and area under the breast.

 

Plaque Psoriasis

The most common type of psoriasis is the plague type and displays symptoms such as red skin with silvery and white scales. Lower back, elbows, knees, and scalp are some of the areas affected by it.

 

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

This is the least common type of psoriasis, however, it is the most serious type. Severe itching of the skin along with peeling and burning sensation are some of the signs of this type of psoriasis

 

Pustular Psoriasis

Again, a not so common type of psoriasis and mostly affects adults and is not infectious in nature. It can lead to a fast heartbeat, fever, chills, nausea along with muscle weakness.


Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis is seen as red, itchy areas with silvery-white scales. In children psoriasis often appears first on the scalp. Flakes of dead skin may be noticed in your hair or on your shoulders, specially after scratching the scalp. These scaly areas, which bleed when removed, may extend beyond the hairline.


Nail Psoriasis

Nail psoriasis is psoriasis that affects fingernails and toenails resulting in pitting, abnormal nail growth and discoloration. Such nails may become loose and separate from the nail bed (onycholysis). In severe cases the entire nail plate may crumble.


Palmoplanter Psoriasis

Palmoplantar psoriasis symmetrically involves palms and soles. It is seen as a pinkish-yellow lesion. Scaling is predominant. Thick patches may develop fissuring and may get infected.