Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease that causes itching and discomfort. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type. It causes thick, scaly patches to appear on the skin.
What are the types of psoriasis?
There are several types of psoriasis, including:
▸Plaque psoriasis: Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. About 80% to 90% of people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis.
▸Inverse psoriasis: This type appears in the folds of your skin. It causes thin patches without scaling.
▸Guttate psoriasis: Guttate psoriasis may develop after a sore throat caused by a strep throat infection. It looks like small, red, tear-shaped, scaly patches and often affects children and young adults.
▸Pustular psoriasis: Pustular psoriasis has small, pus-filled bumps on top of the plaques.
▸Erythrodermic psoriasis: This is a severe form of psoriasis that affects a large area (more than 90%) of the skin. It causes widespread discoloration and skin flaking.
▸Seborrheic psoriasis: This type usually appears on your face and scalp as bumps and plaques with greasy, yellow scales. It's a mix of psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
▸Nail psoriasis: Nail psoriasis causes skin discoloration, pitting, and changes to the fingernails and toenails.
Where does psoriasis affect my body?
A psoriasis rash can appear anywhere on the skin. Psoriasis is common on:
▸Elbows and knees.
▸Face and inside the mouth.
▸Scalp
▸Fingernails and toenails.
▸Genitals.
▸Lower back.
▸Palms and feet.
In most people, psoriasis covers a small area of the skin. In severe cases, the patches can connect and cover a large area of the body.
What causes psoriasis flare-ups?
A psoriasis flare-up, or flare-up, results in psoriasis symptoms in response to exposure to a trigger, which may be an irritant or allergen. Psoriasis flare-ups vary from person to person. Common triggers for psoriasis flare-ups include:
Emotional stress.
▸ Infection (strep throat).
▸ Skin injury, such as a cut, scrape, or surgery.
▸ Certain medications, such as lithium and beta blockers.
▸ Changes in body temperature due to the weather.
How is psoriasis treated?
There are several treatments that can relieve psoriasis symptoms. Common psoriasis treatments include:
▸ Steroid creams.
▸ Moisturizers for dry skin.
▸ Medication to slow the production of skin cells (anthryl).
▸ Medicated lotion or shampoo.
▸ Vitamin D3 ointment.
▸ Vitamin A or tretinoin cream.
Creams or ointments may be enough to improve a rash on a small area of skin. If the rash affects a large area or you have joint pain, you may need other treatments. Joint pain can be a sign of arthritis.
