Psoriasis

Woman scratching arm on grey background

Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin condition. The result of a rapid buildup of skin cells, psoriasis causes red, raised, dry and cracked scaly patches, and even blisters, to form on the skin. In some cases, psoriasis affects the fingernails, causing yellowing and small depressions. Psoriasis can be mild, moderate or severe, and, in most cases, causes itching and burning in affected areas or skin.

Psoriasis is the result of an autoimmune disorder, in which skin cells replace themselves every 3 to 4 days, rather than the usual 30, creating a buildup of cells on the skin's surface, and causing symptoms to appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet and genitals. Although there is no cure, there are several treatments available to effectively relieve symptoms. In the United States, more than seven million men, women and children have psoriasis.

Causes of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is caused by an immune-system disorder involving a type of white blood cell called a "T lymphocyte" (T cell). Although T cells usually travel through the body to fight off viruses and other foreign substances, in patients with psoriasis, they attack healthy skin cells. This causes an increased production of healthy skin cells, which then build up on the surface of the skin, causing scaling and patches. The symptoms of psoriasis can worsen as a result of certain triggers, including the following:

  • Infections
  • Injury to the skin
  • Stress
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol consumption

Certain medications are also triggers for psoriasis.

Psoriasis Symptoms

Symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on each patient, but often include the following:

  • Red patches of skin covered with silvery scales
  • Crusting
  • Dry, cracked skin
  • Itching or burning
  • Soreness
  • Thickened nails

For many people who have it, psoriasis is merely a cosmetic issue. In some cases, however, it causes severe pain, especially when associated with arthritis. The symptoms of psoriasis usually come and go; it is a cyclic disorder, with remissions and flareups occurring throughout a patient's life.

Types of Psoriasis

There are seven different types of psoriasis, each causing different symptoms. Some types are more common than others. Although patients usually have only one type of psoriasis at any given time, another type can appear once the first has cleared.

Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type; it affects about 80 percent of psoriasis patients. It causes raised red lesions that are covered with silvery white scales, and usually appears on the elbows, knees, scalp and back.

Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis usually begins during childhood or early adulthood. It causes small red spots to appear on the skin of the torso, arms and legs, and is associated with bacterial infections such as strep throat.

Inverse Psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis develops in the armpits or groin, under the breasts, or in other folds of skin. It manifests itself as bright-red lesions that can become irritated from sweat and friction. It is most common in overweight patients.

Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis causes white, pus-filled blisters that are surrounded by red areas of skin. It is often triggered by medication, ultraviolet light, pregnancy or infection, and is most common in adults.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is the least common type of psoriasis. It often causes redness and scaling on the whole body, and can lead to serious illness if left untreated.

Nail Psoriasis

Nail psoriasis affects the nails, causing them to thicken and yellow, and develop small pits in the nail bed. Patients with nail psoriasis are likely to also have a fungal infection.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a combination of psoriasis and arthritis. It can cause swelling, pain and discoloration of the joints, in addition to the skin-related symptoms of psoriasis.

Psoriasis Treatment Options

Treatment for psoriasis focuses on clearing the skin of current symptoms. Treatments for the root cause of of psoriasis are intended to interrupt the abnormal cycle that has caused an increased production of skin cells. This can be achieved through topical treatment, oral medication, light therapies or a combination of the three.

Topical Treatment

Topical treatment for psoriasis usually includes the use of of corticosteroids, vitamin D or topical retinoids. These topical medications target inflammation, skin-cell growth and DNA activity to effectively treat the symptoms of mild-to-moderate psoriasis.

Light Therapy

Light therapy may be used in combination with topical treatments to slow the production of skin cells, and improve the overall appearance of the skin. Light therapy includes exposure to natural sunlight or narrowband ultraviolet-B light.

Oral Medication

Oral medications may be prescribed for severe cases of psoriasis, or those that are unresponsive to other types of treatment. Prescription oral medications include retinoids, methotrexate or cyclosporine.

Patients with psoriasis can help relieve symptoms by keeping the skin clean and moisturized, covering the affected areas while sleeping, and avoiding catalysts such as stress, smoking and alcohol. By adhering to a doctor's treatment plan and following the recommended home remedies, effective relief from psoriasis is possible.

Psoriasis FAQs

What is parakeratosis?

Normally, the outer layer of skin, which consists of keratinocytes, is replaced about once a month. In someone who has psoriasis, this process occurs more quickly, and the keratinocytes rapidly reach the skin's surface before they can be properly incorporated into surrounding tissue or, even, fully mature. As a result, the skin flakes off. This accelerated process is called parakeratosis.

Is it possible to have psoriasis and another skin condition at the same time?

Many skin diseases can accompany psoriasis; they include fungal and yeast infections, scabies, cutaneous (skin) lymphoma, and cutaneous manifestations of syphilis. However, although they resemble each other symptomatically, psoriasis and eczema are rarely experienced at the same time. And psoriasis may actually reduce a person's risk of eczema, perhaps because the immune system is affected differently by each.

Does psoriasis make a person more susceptible to infection?

Psoriasis itself is only associated with risk of infection when skin, plaques or pustules are invaded by harmful bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. The risk of infection is greater when the skin's surface is broken by excessive scratching. Proper hygiene, antibacterial products and other preventative methods may be recommended to lower the chance of infection.

Does psoriasis cause hair loss?

Temporary hair loss may result from removing thick scales on the scalp that trap hair, or from certain medications that may be used, such as salicylic acid.

Does psoriasis worsen during the winter?

Low humidity leads to dry, itchy skin in the winter, often prompting scratching, picking and scrubbing, and the formation of new lesions. To prevent this from happening, using a moisturizer is recommended, as is patting, rather than rubbing, skin dry after bathing.

Can a skin injury lead to a new lesion?

Yes. This condition is known as Koebner's phenomenon. Psoriasis patients with Koebner's phenomenon can develop a psoriatic lesion at the site of a skin injury, or in the same place as another skin condition. About 10 percent of psoriasis patients develop a psoriatic lesion each time the skin is injured. Lesions are especially likely to form at an injury site when psoriasis is active.

Does Sunlight effect psoriasis?

Natural sunlight in moderation can lessen the effects of psoriasis. In fact, psoriasis is sometimes treated using ultraviolet light.

Can psoriasis be cured?

Although there is currently no cure, many cases of psoriasis can be treated successfully, with outbreaks not occurring for months or years at a time.

What is the treatment for psoriasis?

Treatment for psoriasis focuses on clearing the skin of current symptoms. Treatments for the root cause of of psoriasis are intended to interrupt the abnormal cycle that has caused an increased production of skin cells. This can be achieved through topical treatment, oral medication, light therapies or a combination of the three.

Are there any home remedies for controlling psoriasis?

Patients with psoriasis can help relieve symptoms by keeping the skin clean and moisturized, covering the affected areas while sleeping, and avoiding catalysts such as stress, smoking and alcohol. By adhering to a doctor's treatment plan and following the recommended home remedies, effective relief from psoriasis is possible.

Contact Us In Tampa & Dade City

If you are interested in learning more about our psoriasis treatments, or if you wish to determine whether you are a candidate for treatment, be sure to book a one-on-one consult with one of our top doctors. Call (813) 877-4811 to reach our office or fill out the Appointment Request Form on this page!

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