Skin Disease Treatment

What Is Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition of unknown cause affecting around 2 per cent of the population.

It may be very localized but can affect the entire body surface area.

It can be associated with nail changes and joint disease. Increasingly, it is recognized that it is associated with metabolic syndrome and a worse cardiovascular risk profile.

Common Signs And Symptoms Of Psoariaisis

  • Red patches of skin covered with thick silvery scales. Patches can range from few spots of dandruff-like scaling to major eruptions that cover large areas.
  • Dry and cracked skin. It may be associated with bleeding
  • Itching
  • Burning sensation
  • Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
  • Swollen and stiff joints

Causes Of Psoriasis

  • Heredity – if one parent is affected, there is a 15% chance of the child getting the disease and 60% if both the parents are affected.
  • Consumption of incompatible foods (such as fish and milk together)
  • Excessive smoking
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Mental stress
  • Psychological trauma

Different Types Of Psoriasis

Chronic Plaque Psoriasis

This is the commonest form of psoariasis. It causes dry, raised, red skin lesions (plaques) covered with silvery scales. It is associated with itching and is painful. These have a predilection for extensor surfaces, notably elbows, knees, and sacrum.

Nail Psoriasis

It can affect fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth, and discolouration. It can result in separation of the nail from the nail bed called onycholysis.

Guttate Psoriasis

It is marked by small, water drop shaped, scaling lesions on trunk, arms, legs, and scalp. It primarily affects young adults and children.

Inverse Psoriasis

Marked by smooth patches of red and inflamed skin. Mainly affects the skin of armpit, in the groin, under breasts, and around genitals.

Pustular Psoriasis

Presents with pus-filled blisters appearing just hours after the skin becomes red and tender. It is associated with fever, chills, diarrhoea and itching.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

A least common type of psoriasis. Here the entire body is covered with a red, peeling rash that can itch or burn intensely.

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