What is Psoriasis? Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Type

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Characterised by red, rough, scaly patches on the skin, it can have an altering impact on a person’s quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment help with managing symptoms and preventing complications and ensure a better quality of life.

This blog explores Psoriasis, its types, causes, and management strategies to provide a comprehensive overview of this complex condition.

What is Psoriasis? 

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells which causes buildup of cells on the skin’s surface. This causes thick, silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that can be painful.
As a psoriatic disease, it primarily involves the skin but can also affect joints, causing psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis is a chronic condition and has periods of remission and flare-ups influenced by various triggers.

What are the types of Psoriasis?

Understanding the different types of Psoriasis disease and its manifestations can help facilitate effective treatment and management. The psoriatic disease manifests in several forms:

1. Plaque Psoriasis: This is the most common type and is characterised by raised, inflamed, red lesions covered with silvery-white scales. These plaques often appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
2. Guttate Psoriasis: Marked by small, dot-like lesions, this type of psoriasis often starts in childhood or young adulthood and can be triggered by respiratory infections like strep throat.
3. Inverse Psoriasis: Causes smooth, red lesions that appear in skin folds, like the underarms, groin, and under the breasts. Friction and sweating can exacerbate this type.
4. Pustular Psoriasis: Features white pustules surrounded by red skin. It can be localised to certain areas like the hands and feet or cover most of the body.
5. Erythrodermic Psoriasis: A severe, life-threatening form characterised by widespread redness over most of the body, severe itching, and pain. It requires immediate medical attention.
6. Nail Psoriasis: Affects fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth, and discolouration.
7. Psoriatic Arthritis: In addition to skin symptoms, it causes joint stiffness, pain, and swelling, leading to potential joint damage if untreated.

What are the Causes of Psoriasis?

While the exact psoriasis causes are unknown, it can result from a mix of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

1. Immune System Dysfunction: Psoriasis skin condition is an autoimmune disorder where T-cells, a type of white blood cell, mistakenly attack healthy skin cells. This triggers an overproduction of new skin cells, leading to the buildup characteristic of Psoriasis.
2. Genetic Predisposition: A family history of Psoriasis increases the risk, indicating a genetic component. Certain genes are associated with the development of the disease.
3. Environmental Triggers: Factors such as infections, skin injuries, stress, and cold weather can trigger or exacerbate psoriasis symptoms.
4. Medications: Some drugs, including lithium, beta-blockers, and antimalarial medications, may induce or worsen Psoriasis.
5. Lifestyle Factors: Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption are connected to an increased risk and severity of Psoriasis.
6. Obesity: Excess weight can worsen psoriasis symptoms, particularly inverse Psoriasis, due to increased skin folds and friction.

What are the Symptoms of Psoriasis?

Recognising psoriasis disease symptoms helps with early psoriasis diagnosis and effective management. Common symptoms include:

1. Red, Raised Patches with Silvery Scales: Known as plaques, these are the most typical sign of Psoriasis. They result from rapid skin cell production and often appear on the elbows, scalp, knees, and lower back.
2. Dry, Cracked Skin that May Bleed: Accelerated skin cell turnover leads to dryness and fissures, which can be painful and susceptible to bleeding.
3. Itching, Burning, or Soreness: Inflammation of the affected areas causes discomfort ranging from mild irritation to severe itching and pain.
4. Thickened, Pitted, or Ridged Nails: Nail psoriasis leads to abnormal nail growth, discolouration, and sometimes separation of the nail from the nail bed.
5. Swollen and Stiff Joints: Psoriatic arthritis, associated with Psoriasis, results in joint pain and stiffness, affecting mobility and daily activities.

Psoriasis can be a challenging condition, both physically and emotionally. Early diagnosis and management strategies help in controlling symptoms and improving quality of life. Consult with a healthcare provider and book a test with Dr Lal PathLabs today to develop an effective treatment plan customised to individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Psoriasis contagious?

No, Psoriasis is not contagious. It is an autoimmune disease resulting from an overactive immune system, not an infection. Psoriasis is not transmitted through touching someone who has it, and it does not spread from person to person through physical contact.

2. Can diet affect psoriasis symptoms?

While no specific diet can cure Psoriasis, certain foods may help manage symptoms. Anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation. Avoiding processed foods, red meat, and excessive alcohol can also help minimise flare-ups.

3. Does Psoriasis only affect the skin?

Primarily known for affecting the skin, Psoriasis can also impact other parts of the body. Psoriatic arthritis, for example, affects the joints, causing pain and stiffness. Individuals with Psoriasis may also develop cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression.