Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the immune system, affecting 2 percent of the population, notes the American Academy of Dermatology. Researchers believe the faulty immune system causes acceleration of skin growth. In a normal body, skin cells fall off in 28 to 30 days,but in psoriasis, the process takes three to four days. Instead of falling off, the cells pile up on the skin and form scaly pink-red lesions. Guttate psoriasis, characterized by a teardrop appearance, usually occurs before age 30. More symptoms to be aware of include scaling, itching and arthritis pain.
Scaling Papules
In guttate psoriasis, the brisk eruption of papules, or raised lesions, have a small, oval or round appearance, notes Robert Kliegman, M.D., in his book, Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. Lesions are most often seen on the trunk, face, scalp and extremities. Kliegman writes that guttate psoriasis frequently follows a streptococcal infection. Other triggers include viral infections, sunburn and withdrawal from systemic corticosteroids. The first line of treatment for the scaly patches is topical therapy with a topical corticosteroid applied twice a day. Other topicals that may be prescribed include a Vitamin D analog or a retinoid; which is derived from vitamin A. Topical applications are available in shampoo form to treat scalp psoriasis.
Itching
During the eruption phase, skin may be itchy and require additional moisturizing. Itching may be more of a problem in the winter months, when psoriasis tends to flare-up, in comparison to the summer months.
Arthritis Pain
Joint pain, swelling and stiffness are the main symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, a complication of psoriasis, reports the Mayo Clinic. The arthritis can range from mild to severe and affect any body part, including fingers and the spine. Currently, there is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, so managing the symptoms and preventing joint damage is important.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology Guidelines of Care for the Management of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
- "Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics", Robert Kliegman; 2007
- Mayo Clinic: Psoriatic Arthritis
