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Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that causes red, itchy and scaly patches on your skin. These patches are most commonly on your knees, trunk, scalp and elbows. It is an autoimmune condition so there is no cure for it.
The most common type of psoriasis is Plaque Psoriasis, with 80-90% of psoriasis patients affected by this type. People of any race, sex and age can get psoriasis, with some studies showing men can be more affected more severely than woman.
Psoriasis may first appear as small bumps that then grow and form scales on top. The surface of the scales may shed and flake, and if scratched can tear from your skin causing bleeding. Symptoms can also affect other parts of your body such as your nails being cracked and crumbly, and joint pain.
TYPES OF PSORIASIS
- Plaque psoriasis: This is the most common type with the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back usually affected.
- Pustular psoriasis: Is a rare type of psoriasis defined by its pus-filled blisters.
- Guttate psoriasis: This type of psoriasis generally affects young adults and children and is usually triggered by a bacterial infection such as strep throat.
- Inverse psoriasis: This psoriasis tends to affect skin folds of the breasts, groin and buttocks and can be caused by fungal infections.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis: This is the least common type of psoriasis and can cover the entire body. It's rash can be accompanied by burning and itching.
- Nail psoriasis: This psoriasis affects finger and toenails. It causes abnormal nail growth, discolouration and pitting and can cause the nails to crumble if severely affected.
SYMPTOMS OF PSORIASIS
The symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on the type of psoriasis.
They can include:
- Dry, itchy and raised patches of skin covered with scales
- Pitted, discoloured and crumbling nails
- Smooth patches of inflamed skin in skin folds on the body
- Pus-filled blisters
- Peeling rash that covers the body and itches and burns intensely
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO GET THE RIGHT DIAGNOSIS FOR PSORIASIS
As psoriasis is an autoimmune disease it cannot be cured, and its symptoms must therefore be managed. You should see a doctor if you believe you have psoriasis to have it diagnosed correctly, and so a health care plan can be discussed with them. If you have already been diagnosed then you should see your health care provider if your symptoms are getting worse, or causing you discomfort and pain.
CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF PSORIASIS
Just as triggers vary from person to person, so to can the management of psoriasis.
Medication provided for psoriasis will often include the prescription of a steroid cream. Care should be taken when using steroid creams as they can often have a rebound effect when stopped and can lead to Topical Steroid Withdrawal in certain individuals.
Non-medicated ways of helping psoriasis symptoms are:
- using a moisturiser to help with dry skin
- soaking in lukewarm water with epsom salts, oatmeal, milk or olive oil
- Diet changes including reducing alcohol intake and increasing foods such as fish, nuts and fresh fruit and vegetables
