Causes, Triggers, Symptoms, Types, and Treatment
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Psoriasisis anautoimmune skin disease.
The underlying cause is a malfunctioning immune system that attacks healthy tissue.
This reaction causesinflammationthat encourages skin cells to reproduce too quickly.
Tanja Ivanova / Getty Images
The skin cells then pile up, forming patches of skin calledplaques.
Psoriasis often comes with flare-ups, times when symptoms intensify, which may be linked to triggers.
There are different types of psoriasis, but the most common isplaque psoriasis.
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This article covers the causes of psoriasis, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and more.
Psoriasis Symptoms
Psoriasis plaques (thick skin areas) can develop on different body parts.
The plaques are sometimes covered with scales, a thick white or grayish coating of dead skin cells.
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Color: On lighter skin tones, plaques appear red and are covered in silvery scales.
Lesion size and location: Psoriasis plaques can appear on both small and large areas.
Small psoriatic lesions sometimes join to form larger patches.
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Plaques typically appear in the same areas on both sides of the body.
Scratching can cause abrasions and allow fluids to leak from the skin.
Rupert Weidemann / Getty Images
What Causes Psoriasis?
Many people inherit genes that make it more likely for them to develop psoriasis.
If you have a family member with the condition, you are at increased risk for psoriasis.
The symptoms of psoriasis can develop because of specific disease triggers.
It occurs because of a problem with the immune system and is linked to genetics and environmental risk factors.
You cannot catch psoriasis from someone else, whether by touching lesions or sharing personal care items.
Psoriasis Flare Triggers
Psoriasis is known for causing periods offlare-ups, when symptoms of the condition worsen.
Your provider will examine your skin and determine the cause of skin lesions.
They might also take a small sample of the affected skin (biopsy) to examine under a microscope.
Askin biopsycan distinguish psoriasis from other skin diseases.
Psoriasis Severity
Psoriasis severity varies from person to person.
The condition is measured on a scale from mild to severe.
Youroptions for treating psoriasisaretopical medicines(creams, ointments, etc.
), oral and injected medicines, andphototherapy(light therapy).
Topical medicines are available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription.
These medicines are systemic because they affect the entire body and work to calm down your overactive immune system.
It involves exposing the skin to consistent and controlled amounts of light.
Is Psoriasis Curable?
Psoriasis is alifelong conditionthat never goes away.
It typically goes through periods of flare-ups and remission (improved symptoms).
Even with remission, the underlying disease process is always there, and symptoms can return at any time.
That is why staying on top of your treatment plan is crucial.
Lifestyle and Complementary or Alternative Treatments
Some lifestyle habits might affect the way your treatments work.
For example, smoking and drinking alcohol might reduce the effectiveness of some medicines.
Changing your lifestyle may help you better manage your psoriasis.
Your healthcare provider can help you to decide what alternative treatments might help you.
They can help you decide which therapies might benefit you and your unique health situation.
How Long Will Treatments Take to Work?
When you start a new treatment, results will not come quickly.
The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends waiting at least three months before deciding whether a treatment works.
However, newer therapies can offer 90% to 100% skin clearance.
Psoriasis symptoms do not go away overnight, so patience is key.
Dont stop taking medicines or going to your phototherapy appointments because symptoms have improved.
Psoriasis is a chronic condition.
Some health conditions affect people with psoriasis more commonly than the general population.
you might reduce your risk for disease complications by following your treatment plan exactly as prescribed.
If you notice new or worsening symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
These could be signs of another condition, worsening psoriasis, or reduced treatment response.
Addressing these issues quickly helps you avoid serious problems.
Living With Psoriasis
Living with psoriasis is difficult.
You might experience skin pain that causes burning, stinging, cracking, bleeding, and itching.
Some people are concerned that psoriasis isnt treatable or that clear skin is impossible.
But there are plenty of effective treatments.
Psoriasis is not “just a rash.”
Some people believe that psoriasis results from bad hygiene.
But hygiene habits, good or bad, are not the cause of psoriasis.
It is also not contagious.
It can’t be spread to others by contact or sharing personal items.
It is characterized by periods of flare-ups and remission.
Specific stressors, including mental stress, skin trauma, illness, and lifestyle habits, trigger flare-ups.
Plaque psoriasis is the most common key in.
It causes thick, red lesions.
Psoriasis is diagnosed with a medical history, physical exam, and a biopsy.
Psoriasis has no cure.
Treatment is aimed at remission or nearly clear skin.
Treatment options include topical therapies, oral and injected medicines, and light therapy.
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