Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that isn’t contagious. Psoriasis can be painful, itchy and embarrassing, typically causing scaly patches of skin on different areas of the body. There’s no “cure” for psoriasis, but there are many treatments that can reduce symptoms. If you think you have psoriasis, see your physician for a proper diagnosis and to discuss the appropriate treatments.
Symptoms
Psoriasis typically causes reddish, crusty or thickened patches on your skin, usually around your joints, on your palms, over the soles of your feet and on your scalp, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The psoriasis lesions on your skin will usually have silvery-white, flaky scales. Some people with psoriasis experience swelling and pain in their joints, which is a condition named psoriatic arthritis, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Psoriatic arthritis and certain types of psoriasis can cause pitting, discoloration and denting of the fingernails and toenails. Psoriasis skin lesions tend to occur in “flare-ups” during cold, dry weather, times of stress and while taking certain medications.
Causes
Experts are unsure about the exact cause of psoriasis, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dysfunction of your immune system might be the root cause of psoriasis. An overreaction of your immune system appears to cause your body to grow too many skin cells, which cause the lesions and flaky plaque scales that are typical in psoriasis flare-ups. Psoriasis also appears to be genetic and run in families, but experts are unsure of how the condition is passed through generations.
Types
There are several types of psoriasis, including plaque, scalp, guttate, nail, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis, according to the Mayo Clinic. Of the different types, plaque psoriasis is the most common and typically causes dry, red plaque lesions that are covered with silvery, flaky scales. Most common in children and young adults, guttate psoriasis is characterized by small teardrop-shaped lesions on the back, abdomen, legs and scalp that are covered with fine scales. Inverse psoriasis involves smoother red patches occurring under the breasts, around the groin and in the armpits, and is seen more commonly in overweight or obese individuals. If you have rapidly-developing blisters that are filled with pus, you might have pustular psoriasis. Finally, the rarest type is erythrodermic psoriasis, which causes a widespread itching and peeling rash that might cover your whole body.
Risk Factors
You might have a higher risk of psoriasis if you have a parent or other family member with the condition, or if you have an immune-system disorder such as AIDS. Smoking and living in a cold climate can also increase your risk of psoriasis, as well as taking certain medications such as beta-blockers for high blood pressure and lithium. Some bacterial infections can cause psoriasis as well. Your doctor can diagnose you with psoriasis by examining the skin lesions and sometimes performing a skin biopsy. Physicians sometimes perform a skin KOH test to eliminate the possibility of a fungal skin infection.
Treatments
You might need to take certain prescription medications, use prescription shampoos or apply special ointments to your skin to treat psoriasis symptoms. Topical treatments for psoriasis include corticosteroid creams, calcipotriene ointments, retinoid gels, coal tar topicals, tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Your doctor might recommend oral medications if you have severe psoriasis, such as hydroxyurea, methotrexate or cyclosporine. If you have psoriasis lesions on more than 1/3 of your body, your doctor might recommend phototherapy, which involves exposure to UVA light.
Home Remedies
Decrease your psoriasis flare-ups by avoiding excessive exposure to cold and dry weather, skin infections or injuries, smoking, alcohol, stress and certain foods. Using moisturizing lotions or creams can help in removing the flaky, crusty psoriasis lesions. Obesity, sunburns and strep throat infections can also cause psoriasis flare-ups, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Certain topical herbal creams might also help to reduce psoriasis symptoms, such as those containing avocado and vitamin B12, Oregon grape or aloe. Oral remedies containing oregano oil or coleus might also help to reduce psoriasis symptoms. Talk with your doctor before employing any herbal or home remedies for treating psoriasis.
