Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes a swift buildup of skin cells. This accretion of cells is the reason why scaling appears on the skin’s surface.
Irritation and inflammation around the scales is fairly common. Archetypal psoriatic scales are whitish-silver and grow in thick, red patches. Occasionally, these patches crack and bleed.
Typically, skin cells develop deep in the skin and gradually rise to the surface. Ultimately, they fall off. The normal life cycle of a skin cell is approximately thirty days.
Symptoms
Psoriasis signs and symptoms can differ from person to person. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Dry, broken skin that may bleed or itch
- Itching, scorching, or tenderness
- Red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales
- Small scaling spots
- Inflamed and stiff joints
- Thickened, bumpy, or ribbed nails
Psoriasis patches can range from a small number of spots of dandruff-like scaling to major outbreaks that cover large areas. The most frequently affected areas are the scalp, face, elbows, palms, lower back, knees, legs, and the soles of the feet.
Most kinds of psoriasis go through cycles. It can flare for a few weeks or months, then subside for a time or even go into remission.
Types
Other types of psoriasis include:
Pustular Psoriasis – causes red, scaly skin with tiny pustules on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Triggers:
- Exposure to certain chemicals
- Infection
- Pregnancy
- Stress
- Too much ultraviolet (UV) light without using sunscreen
- Steroids
Guttate Psoriasis – causes small, red spots, mainly on the limbs and torso, during childhood and young adulthood.
Triggers:
- Anti-malarial and beta-blocker medications
- Injury to the skin
- Respiratory infections
- Strep throat
- Stress
- Tonsillitis
Inverse Psoriasis – causes bright red, shiny lesions that appear in skin folds, such as the armpits, under the breasts, and the groin.
Triggers:
- Friction
- Fungal infections
- Sweating
Erythrodermic Psoriasis – causes fiery redness of the skin and shedding of the scales. It may also develop if your psoriasis is hard to control. It needs to be treated immediately because it can lead to severe illness.
Triggers:
- Allergic drug reaction
- Infections
- Medications such as anti-malarial drugs, cortisone, lithium, or strong coal tar products
- Severe sunburn
Life with Psoriasis
Psoriasis might make you feel isolation. You might consider that no one understands you, but you are not the only one who goes through this. Other people are experiencing what you are going through at present, and they are thriving.
Stress is a common trigger for a psoriasis flare. It can also make itching worse. This makes managing stress a predominantly significant skill for people with psoriasis. Consider these ways some people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are doing in order to reduce stress in their lives.
- Exercise
- Get outside help
- Meditation
Psoriasis goes where you go, so it is vital to learn how to handle psoriasis in these spaces. That includes how to speak about psoriasis to administrators, students, and teachers, or to co-workers and managers. There are methods to help people understand your point of view and situation.
You do not have to be embarrassed of your psoriasis, but you may not want it to be the first thing people see. Particular clothes and fabrics, combined with moisturizing, can help you feel and look your best in any season or situation.
Speak with a healthcare professional if you are struggling with life with psoriasis.