Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that fastens the life cycle of the skin cells. It is caused by the overactive immune system. It is unfortunate that psoriasis has no remedy. However, it can be manageable with some changes in lifestyles and proper medications.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of psoriasis can be different from person to person. Some common symptoms are –
- White, silver and red patches of skin with thick circle scale
- Dry cracked skin that sometimes bleeds
- The feeling of burning, itchiness, and soreness
- Stiff and swollen joints
Psoriasis can be of different types. They are –
- Plaque psoriasis: The plaques are itchy and painful, and they can be multiple in numbers.
- Guttate psoriasis: They are bacteria triggered infection. You can find small water-drop shaped scaling lesions on your legs, arms, and scalp, they might be the symptoms of Guttate psoriasis.
- Nail psoriasis: Symptoms are abnormal nail growth and discolored nails. Sometimes, the nails loose and separate from the nail bed.
- Inverse psoriasis: If you find smooth patches of red, inflamed skin under the breast, in the armpit or around the genitals, they can be the symptoms of inverse psoriasis.
- Psoriatic arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint and the symptoms can be mild to severe.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis: This is the rarest one. It covers the whole body with itchy and burning red, peeling rash.
When to see a doctor:
If you experience any of the above symptoms, go and see the doctor as soon as possible.
What triggers psoriasis?
There are several factors that trigger psoriasis and worsen the condition. They are –
- Strep throat or skin infections
- Smoking
- Skin injury like severe sunburn, scrape or cut, bug bite
- Stress
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Certain medications for high blood pressure, antimalarial drugs, etc
Risk factors:
The factors that increase the risk of developing this condition are –
- Family history:
Your gene can be a curse to you if anyone of your family members has had this disease.
- Bacterial and viral infections:
It has been observed that people with HIV suffer from this chronic disease with time.
- Stress:
Since stress impacts our immune system, it can lead to psoriasis.
- Smoking:
Smoking is responsible for a number of diseases including psoriasis.
- Obesity:
Excess weight can affect your immune system and increase the risk of psoriasis.
Treatment:
Psoriasis cannot be cured but it can be managed with a healthy lifestyle. Always try to keep your weight under control. Quit smoking and limit your drinking habit. Talk to your physician and follow him. Your doctor can diagnose the type of psoriasis and treat you according to that.