What is Psoriasis?
The National Psoriasis Foundation describes psoriasis as an immune disease affecting approximately three percent of the American population.
Immune diseases stem from faulty signals in the body that typically have no known cause and result in widespread inflammation. The most obvious signs of psoriasis are scales on the skin and raised plaques. The appearance of plaques can be considerably different based on skin tone and type of psoriasis.
Treatment
Treating psoriasis can improve a patient’s quality of life by decreasing the appearance of plaques and the associated scaling and itch. There are many different ways to treat psoriasis. The extent of the skin involvement and the presence of arthritis will determine a patient’s appropriate therapy. It is important to keep in mind that individual patients can respond differently to certain therapies.
- Biologic Medications
- Systemic Medications
- Ultraviolet B (UVB) Phototherapy
- Excimer Laser Therapy
- Pulsed Dye Laser
- Topicals
- Complementary and Alternative Treatments
Living with psoriasis has unique challenges, but health care providers are becoming more aware of the impact psoriasis can have on a person’s quality of life. The best way to prevent flares is to avoid and treat known triggers, such as infections and specific medications.
FAQs
How is my immune system affecting my psoriasis?
When you have psoriasis, your immune system instructs your skin cells to grow faster than they should. New skin cells normally replace old skin cells monthly. However, the faulty response of psoriasis means your body does not have the chance to keep up with the growth. Rather than shedding old skin cells as your body would normally do, skin cells pile on top of each other and cause dry, red, and flaky patches to appear.
Psoriasis causes new skin cells to grow in only three to four days instead of the typical 30 days. The most common symptoms associated with psoriasis include itching, stinging, and burning sensations. You can develop scales or plaques anywhere on your body, but they are most likely to appear on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back. Most people develop psoriasis between the ages of 15 and 25, and it is generally a life-long condition. It affects men and women equally. Children can also develop this immune condition.
The overall health of your immune system and the genetic traits you receive from each parent both play a role in whether you will develop psoriasis. Infection, stress and injuries can trigger psoriasis, but the exact cause of the flare-ups remains unknown.
What are the different types of psoriasis?
You could have one of five types of psoriasis or a combination of any of the types described below.
Erythrodermic:
This type is exceptionally rare, affecting just two percent of psoriasis sufferers. The primary symptoms of erythrodermic psoriasis are intense reddening of skin and skin that sheds in large sheets rather than small patches.
Guttate:
Approximately eight percent of people with psoriasis have this type. Common symptoms include small, round red spots on the torso, arms, legs, or anywhere else on the body.
Inverse:
Up to 25 percent of people with psoriasis have this type. The most common symptoms are deep red spots and itchiness in the skin folds, including underneath the breasts, genital areas, buttocks, and underarms.
Plaque:
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis, affecting approximately 80 percent of people with this immune response condition. Plaques are often itchy and painful, and depending on your skin tone, they can appear purple, red, or silver. This type impacts 80-90% of psoriasis patients.
Pustular:
Roughly three percent of people with psoriasis have this type. You will notice white painful pus-filled bumps that may or may not have reddened skin surrounding them. These bumps can be on one or two areas of the body or may cover the entire body. The pus in these pustules is caused by inflammation and is not contagious.
Psoriasis is treatable, and Anne Arundel Dermatology is here to help. To learn more about treatment options which include topical and systemic medications as well as phototherapy, contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our providers. For more information about two safe and effective treatment options, visit our pages on Excimer Laser Therapy and Phototherapy.
Visit Chevy Chase Cosmetic Dermatology Center
Our team provides thoughtful, expert care for all your skin health needs. We are proud to offer the most advanced general and cosmetic dermatology services in the greater Washington D.C. area. Your best skin awaits.