Understanding Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes skin cells to multiply too quickly. This faster growth cycle interferes with the usual skin turnover process and can leave skin itchy, flaky, and inflamed. Psoriasis is not contagious and does not spread through person-to-person contact.
Common symptoms include itchy patches of thick skin and skin that is scaly, silvery, or flaky. Patches often appear on the face, neck, scalp, elbows, knees, palms, and feet, but plaques can occur elsewhere on the body.
Types of Psoriasis
Psoriasis can take several forms:
- Plaque psoriasis: Inflamed, red skin with white scales.
- Guttate psoriasis: A form that occurs most often in children and young adults.
- Inverse psoriasis: Smooth red patches without scales, often in areas such as the armpits, groin, genital skin folds, or beneath the breasts.
- Pustular psoriasis: Pustules surrounded by red, inflamed skin. Fever, chills, and nausea may also occur.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis: A serious form that affects a large part of the body and can cause severe itching, burning skin, fluid loss, and changes in heart rate or body temperature.
- Nail psoriasis: Tender, yellow-brown nails with chalk-like material beneath the nail beds.
- Psoriatic arthritis: Psoriasis accompanied by arthritis or joint inflammation.
Pustular psoriasis with systemic symptoms and erythrodermic psoriasis require prompt medical attention.
Diagnosis
Psoriasis can resemble other skin disorders, including eczema. Evaluation begins with a physical examination of the affected skin and a review of overall health. A dermatologist may sometimes recommend a skin biopsy to confirm psoriasis.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type of psoriasis, the amount and location of affected skin, and the severity of the condition. Options include:
- Topical creams, ointments, and lotions to soothe symptoms such as flaky skin
- Retinoids to slow skin-cell growth and lessen swelling and redness
- Phototherapy using ultraviolet light to slow skin-cell growth
- Biologic medications for moderate to severe psoriasis to reduce inflammation
