What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis can be best defined as a chronic autoimmune condition. It leads to the quick build-up of skin cells. Due to this build-up, the skin’s surface looks scaly. Redness and inflammation around the scales is likely to happen next. These red patches often crack and bleed. Normally, skin cells grow deep within the layers of the skin. The skin cells then rise to the surface and later fall off. However, in people with Psoriasis, the production process of skin cells is rapid. Due to this, skin cells are unable to fall off. This overproduction causes build-up of skin cells.

Scales usually develop on joints of the body like knees and elbows. The developing of these scales can also happen on other body parts like scalp, hands, feet, neck and face.

What is the difference between Eczema and Psoriasis?

Because their symptoms are so similar, sometimes it is difficult to differentiate between Eczema and Psoriasis. This is when a biopsy can come in handy. However, not many know that Eczema and Psoriasis often respond to similar treatments. While certain types of Eczema are curable, the same cannot be said for Psoriasis.

What are the common causes of Psoriasis?

Healthcare professionals are still unclear as to what causes Psoriasis. However, decades of research points to two main factors: Immune system and genetics. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune conditions are when the body attacks itself. In a typical human body, white blood cells destroy invading bacteria and infections. In people with Psoriasis, this mistaken attack leads to overproduction of skin cells.
On the other hand, genetics play an important role when it comes to Psoriasis. Some individuals inherit genes that make them more likely to develop this condition. If you have an immediate family member who suffers from Psoriasis, your risk of getting it is higher.

Psoriasis

What are the symptoms of Psoriasis?

Symptoms in infants 
Symptoms in infants:
Psoriasis usually results in scaly, reddish-white patches of skin on different body parts. Infants tend to suffer from these lesions on their neck, elbows, face, diaper area, knees and scalp. Unlike adulthood Psoriasis, Psoriasis in infants may disappear and never recur.

Symptoms in children 
Symptoms in children:
The most common symptoms of Psoriasis in children include
  • Cracked and dry skin that bleeds
  • Thick nails or fingernails that develop deep ridges
  • Red areas in folds of the skin
  • Soreness and itching around the affected areas of the skin

Symptoms in adults 
Symptoms in adults:
Several types of Psoriasis occur in cycles. They flare up for a few weeks and then subside for some time. Some common symptoms include
  • Red patches of skin covered in silvery, thick scales
  • Stiff and swollen joints
  • Cracked and dry skin that itches or bleeds
  • Ridged and thickened nails

How is Psoriasis diagnosed?

In addition to asking questions about your health, your health care expert will examine your scalp, skin and nails. Your doctor may even take a tiny sample of your skin to examine under a microscope. This biopsy will not only determine the type of Psoriasis, but will also rule out other skin disorders.

What commonly triggers Psoriasis?

While those suffering from Psoriasis might have different triggers, here are a few common external triggers that Psoriasis patients need to watch out for.

Alcohol triggers Psoriasis 

Excessive use of alcohol can cause Psoriasis to flare up. Heavy drinking is associated with more frequent outbreaks.


Stress triggers Psoriasis 

If your stress levels are higher than the normal range, you may experience more Psoriasis flare-ups.


Infection triggers Psoriasis 

When you’re sick, your immune system automatically goes into overdrive. Because Psoriasis is caused by the attack of the immune system on healthy cells, infections are known to be a common trigger.


Injury triggers Psoriasis 

A scrape, an accident or a simple cut may cause a Psoriasis flare-up. Additionally, vaccines, shots or even a sunburn may trigger a new outbreak.


How is Psoriasis treated?

Across the globe, currently available medicines do not offer a cure to Psoriasis. However, there are various remedies/medications which can be used to control and manage the symptoms of Psoriasis.

Prevent dry skin 

Eat healthy 

Stay away from fragrances 

Consume dietary supplements 


What are the different types of Psoriasis?

Listed below are the 5 different types of Psoriasis.

Types of Psoriasis - Pustular Psoriasis 
Types of Psoriasis - Inverse Psoriasis 
Types of Psoriasis - Guttate Psoriasis 
Types of Psoriasis - Plaque Psoriasis 
Types of Psoriasis - Erythrodermic Psoriasis 

FAQs of Psoriasis

External conditions like injury, infections and cold weather are the common causes of Psoriasis.

 
There is no sure-shot cure for Psoriasis. But several treatments exist to help prevent flare-ups.
Stress, skin injury, infections and family history are a few main risk factors of Psoriasis.
Psoriasis is not contagious, which means that it cannot be spread from one individual to another.
Guttate Psoriasis, Pustular Psoriasis, Plaque Psoriasis, Inverse Psoriasis and Erythrodermic Psoriasis are the most common types of Psoriasis.
Stiffness and swelling in joints are the main signs of Psoriatic Arthritis. It can affect any body part, including spine and fingertips.
Left untreated, people with Psoriasis can develop Psoriatic Arthritis.
Psoriasis is not contagious so you cannot catch it by touching someone who has it.
If you scratch a Psoriasis rash, it will not spread from one location to another.
While vitamins cannot replace Psoriasis treatments, Vitamins A, C, D, and E might reduce flare-ups.
Good hand hygiene, eating kale salads and following an exercise routine can help boost your immune system to fight Psoriasis.