Psoriasis – Overview
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp. Psoriasis is a common, long-term (chronic) disease with no cure. It can be painful, interfere with sleep and make it hard to concentrate.
Psoriasis is thought to be an immune system problem. Triggers include infections, stress and cold.
The most common symptom is a rash on the skin, but sometimes the rash involves the nails or joints.
People may experience
Pain areas: in the joints
Skin: rashes, dryness, fissures, flakiness, peeling, small bump, thickness, or redness
Also common: depression, inflamed tendons, itching, joint stiffness, plaque, or small dents in nails
The condition tends to go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a while. Common triggers in people with a genetic predisposition to psoriasis include infections, cuts or burns, and certain medications.
Causes
While scientists do not know what exactly causes psoriasis, we do know the immune system and genetics play key roles. The genetics of psoriasis are complex, and it is possible to develop psoriasis even if you have no family history of the disease.
A triggering event may cause a change in the immune system, resulting in the onset of psoriasis symptoms. Common triggers for psoriasis include stress, illness (particularly strep infections), injury to the skin and certain medications.
Triggers
Psoriasis triggers vary from person to person. What may worsen your psoriasis might not have any impact on someone else. Common psoriasis triggers include:
Stress
Stress is one of the most common psoriasis triggers. At the same time, a psoriasis flare can cause stress. This may seem like an endless loop. However, relaxation techniques and stress management may help prevent stress from impacting psoriasis.
Injury to Skin
Psoriasis can appear in areas of the skin that have been injured or harmed. This is a result of the Koebner [KEB-ner] phenomenon, which states scratches, sunburns, bug bites and vaccinations can all trigger a psoriasis flare.
Illness
Anything that can affect the immune system can trigger psoriasis. That is why you may experience a flare following an ear infection, bronchitis, tonsillitis or a respiratory infection. There is a connection between streptococcus infection (strep throat) and guttate psoriasis, as it often triggers the first onset of guttate psoriasis in children.
It is possible to have strep throat without showing symptoms. If you have had strep throat in the past, talk with your health care provider about getting a strep throat test if your psoriasis flares.
Weather
The weather may trigger a flare. Cold weather can often cause psoriasis flares due to less sunlight and humidity, heated and drier indoor air, as well as stress and illness. Warm weather can often improve psoriasis because of natural sunlight and higher humidity.
Other Possible Triggers
Although it is less common, some people with psoriasis suspect that allergies, certain foods, alcohol or environmental factors trigger their psoriasis. A great way to learn about your unique set of triggers is to track them over time. Keeping records of your symptoms and triggers can help you anticipate and treat your flares.
FAQs
Is psoriasis an illness or disease?
Psoriasis is a long-lasting (chronic) disease that usually involves periods when you have no symptoms or mild symptoms, followed by periods when symptoms are more severe.
Can psoriasis be cured?
Although there is no cure, there are more effective treatments for psoriasis today than ever before. Treating psoriasis can help improve symptoms as well as lower the risk of developing other health conditions such as psoriatic arthritis, heart disease, obesity, diabetes and depression.
How do you get psoriasis away?
Treatment for psoriasis usually helps to keep the condition under control. Most people can be treated by their GP.
- topical – creams and ointments applied to your skin.
- phototherapy – your skin is exposed to certain types of ultraviolet light.
- systemic – oral and injected medications that work throughout the entire body.
What is the root cause of psoriasis?
Psoriasis occurs when skin cells are replaced more quickly than usual. It’s not known exactly why this happens, but research suggests it’s caused by a problem with the immune system. Your body produces new skin cells in the deepest layer of skin.
Does COVID-19 cause psoriasis?
NO. However patients with Covid‐19 have a state of hyperinflammation and may cause exacerbation of psoriasis.
What are the 5 types of psoriasis?
The five official types include:
- Plaque psoriasis. The most common form, plaque psoriasis causes red, raised, scaly patches that feel painful and itchy.
- Guttate psoriasis. Guttate psoriasis is the second most common form and is marked by small, red lesions.
- Pustular psoriasis
- Inverse psoriasis
- Erythrodermic psoriasis
Is psoriasis caused by stress?
Stress is a common trigger for a psoriasis flare. Stress also can make itch worse. This makes managing stress a particularly important skill for people with psoriasis.
How do you stop psoriasis from spreading?
Still, you can do a lot on your own to help control and prevent flare-ups.
- Use Moisturizing Lotions
- Take Care of Your Skin and Scalp
- Avoid Dry, Cold Weather
- Use a Humidifier
- Avoid Medications That Cause Flare-Ups
- Avoid Scrapes, Cuts, Bumps, and Infections
- Get Some Sun, But Not Too Much
- Zap Stress
Can psoriasis spread by touching?
Psoriasis causes red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. It can look like a rash, so you may worry that you could get it from someone else or pass it to others. But rest easy: It’s not contagious. You cannot catch the disease by touching someone who has it.
Are salt baths good for psoriasis?
Despite little scientific evidence to support it, many people with psoriasis use Epsom salt baths or Dead Sea salt baths to help manage skin symptoms. Soaking in a salt bath may help soften scales and relieve psoriasis itch. The magnesium in the salt is what’s thought to benefit psoriasis skin.
Can psoriasis be hereditary?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that can run in families. Your skin cells grow too quickly and pile up into bumps and thick scaly patches called plaques. You’re more likely to get psoriasis if your blood relatives also have it. That’s because certain genes play a role in who gets the condition.
Can I pass psoriasis to my baby?
How is psoriasis hereditary transmitted? If both parents have psoriasis then the risk of children developing psoriasis is 75% and if one parent has psoriasis, the risk of children developing the disease is 15%.
Is psoriasis a lifelong disease?
Because psoriasis is a lifelong disease, it’s understandable that you may want to stop treatment at some point. Always talk with your dermatologist before you stop treatment. Some treatments can be stopped immediately. Others need to be discontinued slowly to prevent psoriasis from worsening (rebound).
Has anyone got cured from psoriasis?
Although there is no cure, there are more effective treatments for psoriasis today than ever before. Treating psoriasis can help improve symptoms as well as lower the risk of developing other health conditions such as psoriatic arthritis, heart disease, obesity, diabetes and depression.
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