Psoriasis is a group of chronic skin and immune system diseases. These conditions occur when a person's immune system sends signals to the skin cells, advising them to replicate and grow too fast. New skin cells form over the course of a few days, rather than weeks, as they should. When the body does not shed the excess cells, they pile up on the skin's surface, causing patches of psoriatic lesions.
Types of Psoriasis
There are five types of psoriasis. These include:
Plaque psoriasis : Also called psoriasis vulgaris, this form causes raised red patches of skin plaques, which are covered with a silver-white coating (scales). These patches can itch, occur anywhere on the skin, and vary in size and shape. Nail problems often occur with this form of psoriasis, including pitting, thickening, and crumbling.
Guttate psoriasis : This type of psoriasis causes small, red spots on the arms, trunk, and legs, but they can also occur on the face, ears, and scalp. This form of the condition appears after an infection or illness, particularly strep throat. The spots often clear up without treatment in a few weeks or months.
Pustular psoriasis : Causing red, swollen and pus-filled bumps, this form of psoriasis mainly occurs on the palms and soles. The sores are painful, and when they dry, they leave behind a scale on the skin.
Inverse psoriasis : Also called flexural or intertriginous psoriasis, this form causes smooth, red patches that appear raw. They occur where skin touches skin, such as the groin, genitals, buttocks, and armpits.
Erythrodermic psoriasis : Also called exfoliative psoriasis, this form makes the skin look burned, with most or all of the skin turning bright red. This condition causes the person to get extremely hot or cold, increases the heartbeat, and results in pain and itching.
Who gets Psoriasis ?
Psoriasis is common, with around 7.5 million people in the U.S. affected. It usually occurs between the ages of 15 and 30 years of age or those between 50 and 60 years old. It affects Caucasians more than other races and tends to run in families. Also, around 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop arthritis, where the joints are also inflamed. Psoriatic arthritis causes the joints, tendons, and ligaments to swell and hurt, with fingers and toes developing a sausage-like appearance.
Psoriasis Causes
The exact cause or causes of psoriasis is not known. Scientists do know that the condition is not contagious and cannot be contracted during sex, from swimming pools, or by airborne measures. Experts believe genes play a role, as well as the immune system. Certain things are considered "triggers" for psoriasis. These are:
- A stressful event.
- Cold, dry weather.
- A bad sunburn.
- A cut or scratch.
- Strep throat.
- Certain medications, such as lithium or anti-malarial agents.
Psoriasis Diagnosis
To diagnosis psoriasis, the doctor will take a detailed medical and family history, perform a comprehensive physical examination, and remove some skin to look at it under the microscope. The doctor may conduct some tests to rule out other skin conditions and immune dysfunction disorders.
What dietary and lifestyle changes can you make to help reduce psoriasis?
There is no cure, but people can prevent and manage psoriasis flares Via Understanding potential triggers and taking steps to avoid or manage them to reduction psoriasis symptoms. and using certain remedies, treatments, and lifestyle methods. These include avoiding cold, dry environments, moisturizing regularly, and eating an anti-inflammatory diet and Quitting smoking, Limit alcohol and doing exercises.
Psoriasis Treatment
The goal of psoriasis treatment involves reducing symptoms, preventing complications, and improving quality of life. Various treatments interrupt the production of skin cells, while others remove the scales. The therapies include topical agents, oral and injectable medications, and light therapy.
Topical Agents:
- Corticosteroids
- Vitamin D analogs
Topical retinoids:
- Anthralin
- Calcineurin inhibitors
- Salicylic acid
- Coal tar
- Moisturizers
Oral and Injectable Medications:
- Retinoids
- Methotrexate
- Cyclosporine
Immunomodulators:
- Hydroxyurea
- Thioguanine
Light Therapy:
- Sunlight
- Ultra-violet B light
- Ultra-violet A light
- Narrowband UVB therapy
- Goeckerman therapy
- Photochemotherapy
- Laser therapy
Psoriasis Rash Treatment by Type
Plaque psoriasis : This form responds to topical steroids creams, topical tar preparations, oral steroids, and light therapy.
Guttate psoriasis : This form responds to light therapy, steroid creams, and oral medications.
Inverse psoriasis : This form responds to both topical and oral medications, as well as light therapy.
Pustular psoriasis : This form responds to oral or injectable medications, light therapy, and some topical agents.
Erythrodermic psoriasis : This form usually responds to oral medications, topical steroids, and medicated wet dressings.