Psoriasis is a long-term, non-contagious skin disorder, occurring due to an accelerated life cycle of skin cells. This rapid turnover results in a build-up of cells on the skin’s surface, forming scales and red patches that can be itchy and sometimes painful. Psoriasis is a chronic disease that manifests in cycles, presenting in flare-ups for weeks or months, then subsiding or even going into remission.
Psoriasis Symptoms, Locations, and Types
Psoriasis symptoms vary, but may include red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales, dry and cracked skin that may bleed, and itching, burning, or soreness. Plaque psoriasis, the most common form, presents as patches of raised, reddish skin covered with silvery-white scales.
One common area of appearance is the scalp, giving us the term scalp psoriasis. In such cases, red, itchy areas with silvery-white scales appear on the scalp, sometimes extending beyond the hairline to the forehead, back of the neck, and around the ears.
Causes and Triggers of Psoriasis
It’s essential to know that psoriasis causes revolve primarily around immune system anomalies. Specifically, T cells, a type of white blood cell, inadvertently attack the skin cells. This error in immune response initiates an overproduction of new skin cells, T cells, and other white blood cells, including neutrophils. The resultant swelling, inflammation, and accelerated skin cell production form the crux of psoriasis. Triggers like infections, stress, cold weather, certain medications, and skin trauma can exacerbate psoriasis causes, leading to flare-ups.
Stages of Psoriasis
Psoriasis often starts or worsens due to identifiable triggers. The disease may commence with small patches that merge to form larger plaques, followed by a period of remission before another flare-up.
Psoriasis vs Eczema
Both psoriasis and eczema cause changes in the skin’s appearance, but there are distinctions. Eczema elicits an intense itch that can feel like a tickle, causing scratching. In contrast, psoriasis creates a thicker, rougher, and more inflamed patch of skin covered with silvery-white scales.
Psoriasis Treatment
While a cure for psoriasis is yet to be discovered, treatments can offer significant relief. Lifestyle changes, such as moisturizing regularly, avoiding triggers, and using non-prescription creams, may improve psoriasis symptoms. Topical corticosteroids are commonly used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis. Severe cases might require phototherapy or systemic medications, with newer biologic drugs targeting the immune system (read more).
Life with Psoriasis
Living with psoriasis can be challenging, but with the right approach, it’s manageable. A healthy lifestyle, stress management, and attention to mental health are integral to managing this chronic condition.
Remember, psoriasis may be a lifelong condition, but it doesn’t define you. With proper understanding and psoriasis treatment, it’s possible to lead a healthy and active life despite psoriasis.