Psoriasis: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
You must have seen people having dark red patches on a large body area. What are those red patches? Well, that’s the inflammation that occurs on the skin, known as Psoriasis. The condition affects the scalp, elbows, and knees. It slowly multiples to the skin cell and inflames another skin part. Moreover, it discolours the inflamed area and forms a scale called plaques. Let’s learn more about the disease and why it is dangerous:
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a noncontagious autoimmune condition that causes skin inflammation, which turns into large, scaly patches. In this condition, the infected cell multiplies and spreads all over the area, and the area turns red, pink, or purple, irritating the skin. When the infected area forms scale then, the condition is called plaque psoriasis. Furthermore, the condition is commonly found in people with age 20 or above. In 2020, over 7.5 million American adults became victims.
Types
Psoriasis has many faces, but what is similar in them is the skin’s redness, which leads to irritation. Let’s check them out:
1. Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque Pso is one of the most common psoriasis types. Almost 80-90% of people with the disease have plaque psoriasis. It has another name, p. vulgaris. In this condition, an additional white layer forms on the red patches, which causes irritation and itchiness. Moreover, it mainly affects the forearms, shins, navel area, and scalp.
2. Guttate psoriasis
Guttate Pso is common in young adults but also affects adults. In this condition, it instead affects the whole area red, forming small patches. Only 2% of all people suffering from this disease have guttate Pso. Also, the affected skin can cause irritation.
3. Inverse psoriasis
Inverse Pso occurs on areas of skin that rub each other, such as the armpits, beneath the breasts, belly folds, buttocks, neck creases, and more. 3% and 7% of people have this disease. It is also common to have the plaques but with no scale.
4. Pustular psoriasis
Pustular Pso differs from others as it causes the red area fills with yellowish pus-filled bumps called pustules. It mainly occurs on the hands and feet but is also found in other body areas. Furthermore, the condition is non-infectious.
5. Erythrodermic psoriasis
Erythrodermic Pso is one of the rarest types of Pso. In this condition, the whole body is infected, about 90% and above the skin. The irritation can increase due to sunburn. Moreover, it causes skin discolouration and skin shedding.
Symptoms
Here are some of the major symptoms of Pso. Let’s check them out:
- Itchy skin
- Cracked and dry skin with bleeding
- Skin pain
- Nails that are pitted or cracked
- Joint pain
Furthermore, it mainly affects elbows, knees, scalp, fingernails, toenails, genitals, lower back, palms, feet, face and inside of your mouth. If you feel joint pain and swelling alongside the skin irritation, the condition is Psoriatic arthritis. Due to excess inflammation, the condition of Pso converts into Psoriatic arthritis. Also, if the patient does not get treatment on time, it can damage the joints.
Triggers
As we know, Psoriasis is a noncontagious autoimmune condition, which means the body’s immune system causes it. In this condition, the immune system overreacts and creates excess skin cells, leading to this condition. But what triggers them are:
1. Stress: It is one of the major triggers of Pso. It is because of hormonal changes; as excess skin cells develop, the body’s condition slowly changes, which can trigger Pso. Mainly, emotional stress triggers it.
2. Medicines: Many medicines can also contribute to triggering the Pso, such as Lithium (used for treating mental illness), blood pressure and hea
rt medicines (propranolol or quinidine), Antimalarial medicines (chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine and more).
3. HIV: People who are infected with HIV trigger Pso, which can lead to major skin pain and inflammation. However, medicines can reduce the irritation.
4. Sunlight and skin injury: Sunlight is hot which can increase the irritation on the skin so try to avoid going in sun. Skin injury can cause severe pain and burns.
5. Alcohol: Avoiding alcohol during this condition is better as it triggers the inflamed skin. Consuming alcohol can increase the flare, which may be harmful.
Complications and Treatment
If you are suffering from this disease, it can lead you to severe health-related problems, which are harmful to your body physically and mentally. Moreover, it is important to know what problems you may develop. Here are some of the major problems:
- Depression
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Cardiovascular disease
- Metabolic syndrome
- IBD
- Obesity
- Dyslipidemia
- Diabetes
- Cancer such as lung cancer, lymphoma, and non-melanoma skin cancer
Furthermore, there is no specific treatment there to treat the condition. But here are some remedies which can help and relieve your body, such as:
Hydrocortisone creams: Helps in reducing the inflammation and itching
Salicylic acid: Softens and smoothes the skin and also reduces the scales from the skin.
Anti-itch agents: Help reduce itching. You can use calamine, hydrocortisone, camphor, or menthol agents.
Bottom Line
Psoriasis is a type of skin disorder that causes redness in the skin. Moreover, it can increase inflammation and cause a white layer of scales called plaque psoriasis. It has many types, such as Plaque, Guttate, inverse, pustular, and erythrodermic. After plaque, the second most popular Pso is Guttate psoriasis. Furthermore, it has many triggers, such as alcohol, stress, sunburn, injury and more. It has no treatment, but using Salicylic acid and anti-itch agents and cream is helpful.
Also read our blogs: 10 Cheap and Popular Sunscreen For Oily Skin
