Psoriasis: Types, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red, flaky, itchy scaly patches with white scales commonly affects the skin of the elbows, knees, and scalp, but it also can appear anywhere on the body. Besides, it is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is noncontagious and incurable. This disease affects all races and both sexes. Although, can be seen at any age, from babies to adults. Moreover, most commonly patients are first diagnosed in their early adulthood.
Causes and risk factors
Psoriasis is a skin condition in which skin cells multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. Skin cells are normally replaced every 10 to 30 days but in psoriasis cases, new cells grow every 3 to 4 days. The build-up of old cells being replaced by new ones creates those white scales.
The cause remains unknown, but experts believe that it’s happening because of genetics and the immune system. Stress can also be a factor.
- Immune system
An autoimmune disease is a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks our own cells. In the case of psoriasis, the T cells known as white blood cells mistakenly attack the skin cells.
Thus, white blood cells fight infections by attacking and destroying invading bacteria. When white blood cells mistakenly attack the skin cell, it will increase the production process of white scales. It means, the sped-up skin cell production causes new skin cells to develop too quickly and pushed to the skin’s surface, where they accumulate.
- Genetics
The condition runs in families. Some people inherit genes that make them more likely to get psoriasis. If your family member has this skin condition, your risk for developing psoriasis is higher. However, the percentage of people who have psoriasis and a genetic predisposition is lower. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, approximately 2 to 3% of people who have the gene develop the condition (NPF).
- Stress
Stress can affect the immune system, and high levels of stress can increase the risk of psoriasis.
What are the symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of psoriasis differ from person to person. Not every person will experience all of these symptoms. The following are common signs and symptoms:
- Red patches of skin covered with thick white scales
- Small scaling spots are common in children
- Dry and cracked skin that may bleed or itch
- Itching, burning or soreness
- Nails that are thickened, pitted, or ridged
- Swollen and stiff joints
Common types of psoriasis
1. Plaque psoriasis
This is the most common type, about 80 to 90 percent of cases occur. Its symptoms are like dry red skin lesions, known as plaques, covered in white scales.
As a result, normally appear on your elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, but also can appear anywhere on your body. Meanwhile, the plaques can be itchy or sore, or both. Moreover, in severe cases, the skin around your joints may crack and bleed.
2. Scalp psoriasis
This can occur on parts of your scalp or the whole scalp. The symptoms are red patches of skin covered in thick with silvery-white scales.
Furthermore, some people have extremely itchy scalp psoriasis, while others have no discomfort. In severe cases, it can result in hair loss.
3. Guttate psoriasis
This type more common among children and teenagers. It is caused by a bacterial infection, such as strep throat. Consequently, small, drop-shaped, scaling lesions appear on the trunk, arms, or legs.
4. Inverse psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis usually occurs in hot weather, is exacerbated by friction and sweating, and has symptoms such as bright areas of red, shiny, inflamed skin. Thus, patches of inverse psoriasis develop on armpits, under the breasts, groin, between the buttocks, or around skinfolds in the genitals.
5. Nail psoriasis
In about half of all people with psoriasis, the condition affects the nails. For instance, psoriasis can cause pitting, abnormal nail growth, and discoloration of the fingernails and toes. Thus, nails frequently become loose and detached from the nail bed. Moreover, in severe cases, the nail may crumble.
What treatment for psoriasis?
There is no cure for psoriasis. Treatments aim to reduce inflammation and even in serious cases, slow the growth of skin cells, and remove plaques. Psoriasis treatments are classified into three types:
- Topical treatments
Creams and ointments applied directly to the skin. It really helpful in the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis.
These treatments include:
- topical corticosteroids
- topical retinoids
- anthralin
- vitamin D analogues
- salicylic acid
- moisturizer
2. Systemic medications
Oral or injected medications may be required for people with moderate to severe psoriasis who have not responded well to other treatment options. Most of these medications have severe side effects. So, the doctors may prescribe them for short periods of time.
These medications include:
- methotrexate
- cyclosporine
- biologics
- retinoids
3. Light therapy
This psoriasis treatment involves the use of ultraviolet (UV) or natural light. The sunlight kills overactive white blood cells that attack healthy skin cells and cause rapid cell growth. Futhermore, UVA and UVB light may be beneficial in reducing the symptoms of mild to moderate psoriasis.
In another way, most people with moderate to severe psoriasis will benefit from a combination of treatments. Hence, this type of therapy uses more than one type of treatment to reduce symptoms.
If your doctor prescribes you more than one treatment and it hard to manage the medications, you can use our service PillPlan to organize all your medications. Besides, we can also help you make an appointment with your doctor so that your prescription is renewed on time.
