Getting To Know Psoriasis

Updated on April 24, 2020

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that is considered to be chronic. It will come and go and there is no cure at this point. The condition can be managed through proper treatment along with an active role in management when away from the doctor’s office. Psoriasis in New York comes from an overproduction of skin cells throughout the body. These skin cells build on the skin quickly leaving raised, red patches that are covered with silver scales. The patches can be found all over the body and both men and women can get this skin condition; it cannot be transmitted from one person to the next. There have been studies that indicate it can appear in families; it is also connected to diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms

There are some symptoms that point to a flare-up of the disease. One of the first symptoms is the red, raised patches of skin with silver scales; these spots can itch and cause pain fairly quickly after being seen. The area may crack and bleed if a person does scratch, so patients are discouraged from even touching the affected areas unless applying medication. The patches can be small or large areas, but they are easy to spot in either case.

Types Of Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most seen type by doctors; it usually is found on the scalp, elbows, and knees, but can be anywhere. With inverse psoriasis, the red patches of skin are smoother and not as bumpy as plaque, they are seen in the armpits, under the breasts, the groin and the genitals. Children show up with Guttate psoriasis which has pink areas that are on the torso, scalp, legs, and arms. A bacterial infection can trigger this type of psoriasis and doctors commonly look for it in those that fall under the right age category. Blisters come quickly with the pustular type of psoriasis as it shows up on the hands and feet. There can also be fever and chills that accompany the pustules. Nail psoriasis is found in the fingernails and toenails with the possibility that nails can be lost during a flare-up. The erythrodermic type is not seen that much but is very severe. The condition looks like a sunburn over large areas of the body and the skin is red and will peel. With psoriatic arthritis, not only is the skin affected but also the joints.

Treatments

There are medications that can be helpful to someone who has psoriasis. For the milder or moderate psoriasis, topicals that are used include moisturizers, corticosteroids and retinol. Many topicals can be applied at home, making it an easier choice for patients that want to avoid excessive visits to the medical office or clinic. Medications can be given orally or by injection, but this category of medication is not for long term use. Some of the most prescribed injections are retinoids and biologics that work with the immune system to address prominent breakouts. For the injections to be given, a doctor must be present and will do the injection themself. Light therapy is useful for those with milder or moderate outbreaks.

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