Psoriasis

Rash forms differ depending on the cause, and psoriasis is a common condition that causes a chronic and very annoying rash that might lead, in some cases, to other problems.

Psoriasis

It’s a chronic autoimmune (the immune system attacks the body itself) disease that causes dermatitis.

Types of psoriasis:

Plaque psoriasis

It’s the most common type and affects 80-90% of cases. It causes dry, itchy patches (plaques) covered with scales. They usually appear in the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp.

Guttate psoriasis

It mainly affects children and young adults and is usually triggered as a result of a bacterial infection, such as strep throat. It’s characterized by small, drop-shaped scaly spots on the trunk, arms, or legs.

Erythrodermic psoriasis

It’s a severe, uncommon condition that affects large areas of the skin and leads to a scaly rash that is itchy and erythrodermic.

Pustular psoriasis

It’s a rare type that causes pus-filled blisters on small areas of the palms or soles.

Inverse psoriasis

It mainly affects the skin folds of the skin, like the groin, buttocks, and breasts, causing inflamed patches without scales that worsen with fractions and sweating. They might be triggered by fungal infections.

Nail psoriasis

It affects the fingernails and toenails, causing pitting and abnormal growth, in addition to discoloration. In some cases, onycholysis could occur, which means that the nails might loosen and separate from the nail bed.

Causes and triggers of psoriasis

The reason for psoriasis isn’t completely understood, yet there are some environmental factors that trigger it, such as:

• Some infections, like streptococcal or skin infections.
• Cold and dry weather.
• Skin injuries, like cuts, bites, and severe sunburns.
• Smoking and being near smokers.
• Heavy alcohol consumption.
• Some medications, such as lithium, high blood pressure medications, and antimalarial drugs.
• Rapid withdrawal of oral or injected corticosteroids.
• Family history.
• Stress and emotional traumas.

Symptoms of psoriasis

• A rash that differs in how it looks and where it spreads between people.
• Cyclic rashes, which means that they appear for weeks or months, then subside.
• Dry and cracked skin that might bleed.
• Itchiness and a burning feeling.

Complications of psoriasis

• Psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints.
• Temporary discoloration.
• Eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and uveitis.
• Obesity.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Hypertension.
• Cardiovascular disease.
• Other immune diseases, such as celiac disease, sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease.
• Mental disorders like depression.

Diagnosis of psoriasis

• Medical history.
• Physical examination.
• Biopsy.

Management of psoriasis

There isn’t a cure for psoriasis, and management depends on the type and severity of the condition, which includes:

• Topical treatment with creams and ointments.
• Light therapy.
• Oral and injected medications.
• Following a healthy lifestyle and increasing physical activity.