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Psoriasis
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes red, itchy, scaly patches on the skin's surface. This buildup of skin cells most commonly occurs on the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp. Psoriasis is a chronic and common condition that tends to go through cycles such as flaring for several weeks or months, then subsides for a while or lessens.
Psoriasis is a result of a sped-up skin production process. Normally skin cells grow deep in the skin then slowly rise up to the surface of the skin. Symptoms of psoriasis differ from person to person and depend on the type of psoriasis diagnosed.
Symptoms include:
- Red, raised inflamed patches of skin.
- Dry skin that may crack and bleed
- White/silver looking scales or plaques on the red patches
- Thick, pitted nails
- Painful swollen joints
- Itching and burning sensations around the patches
- Soreness around the patches
There are different types of Psoriasis, namely:
Plaque psoriasis
This is the most common type of psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis causes dry, raised, red skin patches/lesions that are covered with silvery scales. The plaque may be itchy or tender and usually appear on the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp.
Pustular psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis is more common in adults and causes white, pus-filled blisters and areas of red, inflamed skin. Pustular psoriasis occurs in smaller areas of the body like the hands or feet but can be widespread.
Guttate psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis is common in childhood. It causes small pink spots on the torso, arms or legs. These spots are rarely thick or raised like plaque psoriasis.
Erythrodermic psoriasis
This is a severe and rare type of psoriasis that normally covers large sections of the body. With this type, the skin appears sunburned. In most cases, patients diagnosed with erythrodermic psoriasis tends to have a fever or become very ill.
Inverse psoriasis
This type of psoriasis causes bright areas of red, shiny, inflamed skin. Patches of inverse psoriasis normally develop under armpits, breasts, and groin or around skinfolds in the genitals.
How is Psoriasis treated?
Psoriasis treatment is aimed at reducing inflammation and scales, slow the growth of skin cells and remove plaques. As a dermatologist, Dr Limba may recommend the following treatments:
Topical treatments:
These are creams and ointments applied directly to the skin to help reduce mild to moderate psoriasis. These may include topical corticosteroids, topical retinoids, salicylic acid, and moisturiser.
Systemic medications:
People with moderate to severe psoriasis or who haven't responded well to other treatment types may require oral or injected medications. These medications may include methotrexate, biologics, cyclosporine or retinoids.
Light therapy:
This treatment uses ultraviolet (UV) or natural light. Sunlight kills the overactive white blood cells that attack healthy skin cells and causing rapid cell growth. UVA and UVB light may be used to reduce symptoms of mild to moderate psoriasis.
Psoriasis FAQ:
What are the triggers of psoriasis?
External triggers like stress, environment, alcohol, infection and certain medications may start a new bout of psoriasis.
Is psoriasis similar to eczema?
In their early stages, they may appear to be similar, with each appearing to be red, inflamed areas of skin that may be itchy. Over time, the difference becomes clear.
Is psoriasis contagious?
No, psoriasis is not contagious.
