Psoriasis

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches, most often on the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp. Psoriasis is a long-term (chronic) condition with no cure. It can be painful and can cause flare-up cycles that interfere with sleep and reduce your ability to concentrate in daily life. In people who are genetically predisposed to psoriasis, infections, cuts or burns, and certain medications can trigger the condition.

Some treatments are available to help you manage the symptoms of psoriasis, and you can also try lifestyle changes that may improve the quality of life of people with psoriasis.

What Are the Symptoms of Psoriasis?

The appearance varies from person to person and can range from spots of dandruff-like scaling to large rashes covering much of the body in a patchy pattern. Symptoms may include rashes that vary in color, appearing in shades of purple with gray scales on brown or black skin and in shades of pink or red with silvery scales on white skin; small scaling spots (commonly seen in children); dry, cracked skin that may bleed; itching, burning or soreness; and cyclic rashes that flare for a few weeks or months and then subside.

What Are the Types of Psoriasis?

There are several types of psoriasis, each with different signs and symptoms:

Plaque psoriasis: The most common type of psoriasis, plaque psoriasis causes dry, itchy, raised skin patches (plaques) covered with scales. There may be few or many, and they usually appear on the elbows, lower back and scalp. The color of the patches varies depending on skin color. Affected skin may heal with temporary changes in color (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), particularly on brown or black skin.

Nail psoriasis: Psoriasis can affect the fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth and discoloration. Psoriatic nails may loosen and separate from the nail bed (onycholysis). In severe cases, the disease may cause the nail to crumble.

Guttate psoriasis: Guttate psoriasis primarily affects young adults and children. It is usually triggered by a bacterial infection such as strep throat. It appears as small, round, scaly spots on the trunk, arms or legs.

Inverse psoriasis: It mainly affects the skin folds of the groin, buttocks and breasts. It causes smooth patches of inflamed skin that worsen with friction and sweating. Fungal infections may trigger this type of psoriasis.

Pustular psoriasis: Pustular psoriasis, a rare type, causes clearly defined pus-filled blisters. It can occur in widespread patches or in small areas on the palms or soles of the feet.

Erythrodermic psoriasis: The least common type of psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis can cover the entire body with a peeling rash that causes intense itching or burning. It can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic).

When Should You See a Doctor for Psoriasis?

If you suspect you may have psoriasis, we strongly recommend that you see a specialist. You may also need medical help in the following situations: if it has become severe or widespread, if it causes discomfort or pain, if it makes you worried about the appearance of your skin, or if it does not get better…

What Causes Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is thought to be an immune system problem that causes skin cells to grow faster than normal. In the most common type, known as plaque psoriasis, this rapid cell turnover results in dry, scaly patches. The cause of psoriasis is not fully understood. It is thought to be an immune system problem in which infection-fighting cells mistakenly attack healthy skin cells. Researchers believe that both genetics and environmental factors play a role. The condition is not contagious.

Many people predisposed to psoriasis may have no symptoms for years until the disease is triggered by some environmental factor. Common psoriasis triggers include weather, cold and dry conditions, cuts or scrapes, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption and certain medications. Psoriasis most often begins in childhood.

If you have psoriasis, you may be more likely to develop conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and celiac disease.