Have you heard about Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease with unknown cause that has been considered as an inflammatory disease.
This implies your immune system treats healthy cells as though they were infected. Because of this, fresh skin cells develop considerably more quickly than usual and accumulate in dense regions.
Inflammation may manifest physically as scales and elevated plaques on the skin (plaques may appear differently on individuals with different skin types).
It is a frequent, chronic condition that has no cure. It may hurt, keep you up at night, and would make a person difficult to focus. The illness frequently goes through cycles where it will flare up for a few weeks or months before decreasing. Infections, cuts, burns, and specific drugs are common psoriasis triggers in persons with a hereditary predisposition to the condition.
However, there are some types of psoriasis with different skin manifestations, and we should know how to differentiate it.
Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis, the most typical kind of psoriasis, results in scale-covered, dry, elevated skin patches (plaques). They could be few or numerous. Symptoms typically show up on the scalp, lower back, elbows, and knees. Depending on the skin tone, the patches have different colors. On dark or Black skin, the afflicted skin may heal with transient color changes (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
Erythrodermic psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis is a frequently occurring type of condition which can cover the entire body in a peeling rash that can itch or burn severely. It may be acute or chronic. This disease can lead a person to death if it was severe and untreated.
Guttate psoriasis
A skin condition known as guttate psoriasis frequently manifests without prior notice. Children and young adults are the main groups affected by this. Usually, a bacterial infection, like strep throat, is what sets it off. Small, drop-shaped scaling lesions on the trunk, arms, or legs are its tell-tale sign.
Nail psoriasis
Pitting, irregular nail growth, and discoloration can all be brought on by psoriasis and affect both fingernails and toenails. The nail bed may become loose and separate from psoriatic nails (onycholysis). The nail may break if the illness is severe.
Pustular psoriasis
If you have ever seen pus-filled blisters with a distinct appearance are definitely the result of pustular psoriasis. Usually, the symptoms are large or tiny regions of the palms or soles, as well as scattered patches.
Inverse psoriasis
An immune-mediated condition called inverse psoriasis results in a rash on parts of your body where your skin rubs up against itself. It can be itchy, which can be uncomfortable, and it can make you feel self-conscious. It is not contagious, though, and treatments may help your symptoms go better.
There is yet no complete cure for psoriasis. Treatments are administered to help alleviate symptoms, reduce inflammation, and promote skin cell regeneration. They can also aid in the removal of plaques. Currently, there are three types of psoriasis treatments: topical therapies, light therapy, and oral/injected drugs.
If you’re seeing any of the shown symptoms or manifestations of psoriasis on your skin, please get a doctor’s consultation to get the best care and treatment.
REFERENCES
- Boyd, A. S., & Menter, A. (1989). Erythrodermic psoriasis. Precipitating factors, course, and prognosis in 50 patients. J Am Acad Dermatol, 21(5 Pt 1), 985-991.
- Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Inverse Psoriasis: What It Is, Treatment, Groin & Armpit. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22852-inverse-psoriasis
- Guttate Psoriasis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments. (2022). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22812-guttate-psoriasis
- Muneeb, S., al Aboud, D. M., Crane, J. S., & Kumar, S. (2022). Pustular Psoriasis. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537002/
- National Psoriasis Foundation. (2020). What is erythrodermic psoriasis? https://www.psoriasis.org/erythrodermic-psoriasis/
- Psoriasis – Symptoms and causes. (2022, June 4). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840
- Watson, S. (2022, February 4). Nail Psoriasis: What It Is and How to Treat It. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/nail-psoriasis
