Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes a rapid build up of skin cells. Due to this build up, the cells start scaling on the skin’s surface. It causes redness and inflammation around the scales. These psoriatic scales are usually whitish-silver with red patches. However, in darker skin tones, these scales appear usually purplish with gray scales. If the skin is very dry then patches may crack and bleed. Psoriasis occurs due to sped-up skin production. When the skin cells grow deep in the skin, the skin surface slowly starts rising and then falls off.
This life cycle of the skin is 1 month. But when anyone has psoriasis, the skin cycle becomes a few days. Due to this, the skin cells don’t get time to fall off which leads to the build up.
Psoriasis scales mainly appear in elbows, knees, and joints. But some people may get this condition in other body parts also such as the neck, feet, hands, scalp, face, etc. Less common areas that get affected by psoriasis are the mouth, nails, and the area around the genitals. Certain conditions can trigger psoriasis such as inflammatory bowel disease, anxiety, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, depression, etc.
Different types of psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis
This is the most common type of psoriasis. More than 80% of people with psoriasis condition have plaque psoriasis. In this condition, the skin gets red with inflamed patches in light skin tone. People with dark skin can see purple or grayish patches. The psoriasis patches are covered with whitish-silver scales. These scales are common in knees, elbows, and scalp.
Pustular psoriasis
This type of psoriasis is more common in adults. In this condition, white, pus-filled blisters appear in the broad area on red or violet patches. These blisters may look more intense in darker skin tones. Pustular psoriasis usually appears in smaller areas of the body like feet or hands. But the condition may get widespread to a larger area.
Guttate psoriasis
This psoriasis mainly appears in childhood. Guttate psoriasis is a type of condition that causes pink or violet spots. Most people get this condition in the arms, torso, and legs. In guttate psoriasis, the spots are thick or raised similar to plaque psoriasis.
Inverse psoriasis
The affected skin becomes red, shiny, and inflamed in inverse psoriasis. These patches usually appear in the armpits, groin, breast, or any skinfold area in the genitals.
Erythrodermic psoriasis
This is a very rare but serious type of psoriasis. Erythrodermic psoriasis covers a large part of the body at once. The affected area looks sunburned. These scales develop in large sections or sheets. People with this type of psoriasis may get a fever or become very ill. Erythrodermic psoriasis conditions can be life-threatening; you must visit holistic doctors New Jersey and get proper treatment.
What are the common symptoms of psoriasis?
The symptoms of psoriasis can differ from person to person. It also depends on the type of psoriasis and the area you are having it. Psoriasis can appear like small flakes on the elbow or scalp. But sometimes it may cover a big part of your body. Some common symptoms of psoriasis are:
- Raised and inflamed skin patches appear red (on light skin) or brown (on dark skin)
- In dry skin, the crack may bleed
- Whitish-silver scales on the red or gray patches
- Soreness around the psoriasis patches
- Thick and pitted nails
- Painful and swollen joints
Not all people with psoriasis face all types of symptoms. Most people have psoriasis cycle symptoms where the condition causes severe symptoms for a few days. After some days, the symptoms get fully clear and you can’t notice the condition. Meanwhile, after a few weeks, the condition reappears and symptoms appear in many body parts. The condition may reappear but it is not contagious. Touching the affected won’t cause psoriasis to another person.
What are the causes of psoriasis?
The exact cause behind psoriasis cognition is unclear. But some research shows that the condition can flare due to genetics and the immune system. As you know, psoriasis is an auto-immune condition where the body is attacking itself. In this skin condition, the WBC mistakenly starts attacking the skin cells. The main job of WBC is to attack and destroy the invading bacteria and build up the defense against viruses and other infections. But mistakenly these WBC start attacking the skin cells which leads to overdrive. Due to this new skin cell starts producing too quickly and they push the skin surface and get piled up. Meanwhile, some people can get this condition due to genetics. People can inherit this skin condition. If any parent or immediate family member has this condition then children and other members may face the same condition.
Common triggers for psoriasis
Stress: This mental condition can be one of the biggest triggers for psoriasis. When the stress increases, the person may see a reappearance of this condition.
Injury: Any cut or accident can trigger this condition. Vaccines, injections, etc can also become a trigger.
Alcohol: When a person drinks excessive alcohol, it can trigger psoriasis. Doctors often advise reducing or quitting alcohol to manage the skin condition.
Medication: Few medications like antimalarial medication, lithium, and high BP medications can trigger psoriasis.
Treatment options for psoriasis
Topical treatment
There is no full cure for psoriasis. However, you can use creams and medications to reduce symptoms and slow down skin cell growth. Topical treatment includes creams and ointments that can be applied directly to the skin to reduce mild to moderate psoriasis. These treatments include topical retinoids, topical corticosteroids, anthralin, salicylic acid, and moisturizers.
Homeopathy
You can also try homeopathy to manage psoriasis. These medications will not only reduce the symptoms but can also prevent re-flare. Your homeopathy will provide a tailored prescription to manage psoriasis conditions.
Light Therapy
If the psoriasis condition is moderate then the doctor may suggest light therapy. The treatment may include sunlight (natural light) or ultraviolet. Sunlight kills the overactive WBC and reduces rapid cell growth. Both UVA and UVB light can be used to manage mild to moderate psoriasis conditions. Meanwhile, if the condition is severe then the doctor may prescribe oral or injected medications.
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