Psoriasis

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic condition that causes inflamed, red, raised areas of skin that often develop dry, silvery scales called plaques. The condition most often occurs on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back.

Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin disease which causes the immune system to treat healthy skin like it is a foreign substance. Skin cells grow faster than normal and build up in raised red patches. There is no cure, but treatments can help ease symptoms.

Who is at risk for psoriasis?

People are more at risk for the condition if they have a direct family member with psoriasis. Other things that put patients at risk include smoking, obesity, HIV or strep infections, heavy alcohol use, stress and certain medicines such as those for high blood pressure (beta blockers), bipolar disorder (lithium), and medicines for malaria.

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

Psoriasis comes in several forms. Symptoms can occur differently in each person. They can include:

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. Symptoms may include patches of red, raised skin on the torso, arms, legs, knees, elbows, genitals and scalp. Nails may also thicken, become pitted and separate from the nail beds.
Pustular psoriasis includes small blisters filled with pus (pustules). The pustules may be all over the body or just on the palms, soles and other small areas.
Guttate psoriasis mostly affects children. Symptoms may include many small spots of red, raised skin. Strep throat usually comes just before of this type of psoriasis.

How is psoriasis treated?

Treatment will depend on patients’ symptoms, age and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is and where on the body the plaques are located.

The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and slow down the rapid growth and shedding of skin cells. The patient’s physician may suggest a combination of treatments including creams, photo or laser therapy, anti-inflammatories or other medicines.

How to manage psoriasis

Keep skin clean and moist.
Stay away from irritants like deodorants, antiperspirants or abrasive cleaners or detergents. Eat more food with omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, trout, flaxseed and tofu.
Stay at a healthy weight.
Avoid things that trigger flare-ups like smoking or stress.
Stick with treatment.