Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes cells to build up rapidly on your skin. This overgrowth of cells causes scaling on your skin that further cause itching or discomfort. The scales are whitish silver and they appear as red patches. You may also experience redness and inflammation around the scales. In some cases, the scales or patches can even break and cause bleeding.
The build-up of cells takes place within a few days and scales develop on elbows, knees, hands, neck, feet, etc.
What are the Different Types of Psoriasis?
There are different types of psoriasis as follows:
- Plaque psoriasis: It is the most common type of psoriasis and it develops on the knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp. It causes white-silver scales and they appear in raised, inflamed and red colour.
- Inverse psoriasis: This type of psoriasis occurs at the skin folds. It causes redness, and inflammation on the skin. It mainly occurs on the groin, armpits, under breasts, and around other skinfolds in the buttocks and genitals.
- Guttate psoriasis: It is most commonly seen in children and it causes small pink spots on your skin. Guttate psoriasis occurs on arms, legs, and torso. It can be caused due to stress, tonsillitis, use of certain medications, and upper respiratory infections. It may disappear on its own without any medications. However, it may return later.
- Pustular psoriasis: It is a rare type of psoriasis and is common in adults. It causes white pustules or puss-filled blisters and will be surrounded by red and inflamed skin. It mostly occurs in smaller regions such as hands, and feet.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis: Erythrodermic psoriasis is very severe and develops on large sections of your skin. People with this type experience fever and it appears as sunburns.
Common Signs of Psoriasis
The symptoms of psoriasis are based on the type of psoriasis and the most common symptoms include the following:
- Discolouration of nails
- Red patches on the skin that are painful and itchy
- Plaques of scales on the scalp
- Soreness, burning, and itching
- Stiff joints
- Smaller spots of scaling
- Cracked skin that may even bleed when broken
If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should consider visiting a dermatologist immediately to prevent your condition from progressing.
What Causes Psoriasis?
The exact reason for psoriasis is still unknown. But many researches and studies have shown that it is an autoimmune system disorder. Psoriasis affects your immune system and leads to the production of T cells that are responsible for fighting against infections.
In people with psoriasis, a certain trigger can instruct their immune system to attack the skin cells. It produces more T cells or white blood cells and they consider triggers as infections and they fight against infections by producing chemicals. These chemicals cause inflammation.
The autoimmune activity in people with psoriasis causes excess production of skin cells. In general, it usually takes one month to replace old skin cells. However, the psoriasis condition causes skin cells to build up within 3 to 4 days.
The common triggers for psoriasis include:
- Skin injuries
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Changes in hormones
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Use of certain medications
Diagnosis and Treatment for Psoriasis
To diagnose psoriasis, there is no particular test. The doctor will conduct a physical examination to look for symptoms of psoriasis. The doctor will examine your rashes and lesions. The signs vary based on the severity of your condition and the type. The doctor will also ask about your health condition and your family’s health history. To rule out other possible conditions, your doctor may conduct a skin biopsy.
The treatment for psoriasis is also based on the type of psoriasis and its severity. The treatment options include topical treatments, medications and systemic therapies. If the psoriasis is mild, ointments may be prescribed. If the psoriasis is severe, medications will be prescribed to prevent your signs and symptoms. Systemic therapies are recommended for patients with moderate or severe psoriasis and they focus on preventing the progression of the disease.
Looking for Psoriasis Treatment? Visit IRA Radiance Skin and Hair Clinic Today
If you are looking for psoriasis treatment, visit IRA Radiance Skin and Hair Clinic today. We have a team of dermatologists who have been treating different skin problems including Psoriasis in Hyderabad. Before deciding the treatment, our doctors will carefully determine the cause and the severity of the condition. Then we suggest the right treatment solution for you. Do not delay and schedule your appointment today.