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Psoriasis: Types, Symptoms, And Treatment

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a common chronic skin disease, affecting up to 2% of the world's population. It is commonly characterized by itching and scaling patches and plaques on the knees, elbows, scalp or trunk resolving with post-inflammatory pigmentation. This condition is unpredictable and symptoms may occur at irregular intervals. However, most people have mild, persistent symptoms for much of the time. Psoriasis is not infectious. Certain factors trigger the condition and make it flare up. These include infections, certain medications, and trauma.

What Are the Different Types of Psoriasis?

There are several forms of psoriasis. Each type has its own set of signs and symptoms. 

Plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis, the most prevalent psoriasis, results in dry and elevated skin patches (plaques) with scales. They are visible on the scalp, elbows, lower back and knees. The patches can have different colours based on your skin tone. The affected skin may recover with transient colour changes (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) on dark or black skin.

Nail psoriasis

This type of psoriasis results in pitting, irregular nail development, and discolouration of the fingernails and toes. Onycholysis occurs when psoriatic nails weaken and detach from the nail bed. The nails may collapse if the illness is severe.

Guttate psoriasis

This is caused by a bacterial infection, it is common in young people and children.  Its symptoms include small, drop-shaped, scaly patches on the trunk, limbs, or legs.

Inverse psoriasis

This type of psoriasis affects the skin folds of the buttocks, groin, and breasts. It causes smooth patches of red skin. This worsens with sweating and friction. 

Pustular psoriasis

A rare type of psoriasis,  presenting with pus-filled elevated lesions or sheets of pus. Pustular psoriasis may occur in widespread patches or small areas of the palms or soles. Erythrodermic psoriasis: Known as the least common form and severe form of psoriasis, Erythrodermic psoriasis presents with redness and scaling all over the body, causing severe itching and burning.

Visit a top dermatology hospital if you require psoriasis treatment.  

Who Are at Risk of Psoriasis? 

The following factors can make a significant impact:

Family history

Psoriasis has a genetic factor. If either of your parents has it, the risk of psoriasis is 15%. The risk increases to 40% if both of your parents have psoriasis.

Smoking and Alcohol Consumption

Intake of tobacco and alcohol can worsen the condition if you already have this chronic disease.

Infections

Certain infections such as streptococcus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can trigger the symptoms of psoriasis.

Physical trauma and mental stress

This can trigger psoriasis and can worsen if the patient is already suffering from psoriasis

Obesity and reduced physical activity

Can aggravate psoriasis

Psoriasis can be associated with conditions like:

Psoriatic arthritis.

Obesity

Type 2 diabetes.

Eye conditions (conjunctivitis, blepharitis, uveitis).

High blood pressure.

Cardiovascular disease.

Other autoimmune diseases (celiac disease, sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn's disease).

Mental health conditions (low self-esteem, depression).

How is Psoriasis Diagnosed? 

A skin doctor in Salem makes a diagnosis after examining your skin and asking about your medical history. If the result is unclear, a skin biopsy may be needed. 

Your dermatologist will look for psoriasis symptoms such as:

Raised, red, scaly patches on the skin.

Itching

Pain

Dry skin

Thickening of the skin.

Nail changes, like pitting or separation of the nail from the nail bed.

Treatment Options for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is incurable; however, with topical and therapeutic methods, you can successfully keep your symptoms from worsening. Some of the most common psoriasis treatment options include:

Topical treatments

Creams, ointments, or gels are topically used. These treatments slow down the growth of skin cells and reduce inflammation.

Phototherapy

This type of light therapy uses ultraviolet (UV) light to slow down the growth of skin cells and reduce inflammation. 

Systemic medications

Oral or injectable medications that work throughout the body are used. They are recommended for moderate to severe psoriasis.

Biologics

Such systemic medications target specific immune system proteins involved in psoriasis.

FAQs

1. Is psoriasis contagious?

No, Psoriasis is not contagious. However, people unaware of this condition may assume so. The scaly patches do not spread from one person to the other.  

2.  Is psoriasis the same as eczema?

Psoriasis is different from eczema. Eczema is usually very itchy and does not cause scaly patches. The same is not valid for psoriasis. 

3. Is there a cure for psoriasis?

There is no permanent cure for psoriasis at the moment. However,  psoriasis treatment is possible via the management of symptoms to improve your quality of life.