Psoriasis is a long-lasting (chronic) skin condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is not contagious, which means it doesn’t spread from person to person, but it can be uncomfortable and sometimes even painful. Psoriasis causes skin cells to build up quickly, leading to thick, red, scaly patches. These patches can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.
What Causes Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is caused by a problem with the immune system. Normally, our skin cells grow and fall off every 28 to 30 days. In people with psoriasis, the immune system tells the body to make new skin cells too quickly every 3 to 4 days (National Psoriasis Foundation, 2023). These extra skin cells pile up on the surface of the skin and form thick, scaly patches.
Doctors believe that psoriasis is partly genetic, which means it can run in families. If someone in your family has psoriasis, your chances of getting it may be higher. However, not everyone with a family history will get the condition. Certain things can also trigger or worsen psoriasis, such as stress, infections (like strep throat), cold weather, injury to the skin, smoking, and heavy alcohol use (Mayo Clinic, 2024).
Types of Psoriasis
There are several types of psoriasis, but the most common one is plaque psoriasis. This type causes raised, red patches covered with a silvery-white layer of dead skin. Other types include:
- Guttate psoriasis: small, dot-like spots that usually appear after an infection.
- Inverse psoriasis: smooth, red patches in skin folds, like under the arms or behind the knees.
- Pustular psoriasis: white, pus-filled bumps surrounded by red skin.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis: a very severe form that can cause redness and shedding of skin over large parts of the body. It may require emergency care (American Academy of Dermatology, 2023).
Symptoms and Impact
The symptoms of psoriasis can vary from person to person. Common signs include:
- Red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales
- Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
- Itching, burning, or soreness
- Thickened or ridged nails
- Painful, swollen joints (in psoriatic arthritis)
Living with psoriasis can be challenging. Some people may feel embarrassed or self-conscious about how their skin looks. It can also affect sleep and quality of life. In fact, psoriasis is more than just a skin disease it can also lead to emotional distress, anxiety, or depression (World Health Organization, 2022).
Psoriatic Arthritis
About 1 in 3 people with psoriasis may also develop a related condition called psoriatic arthritis. This affects the joints and can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. It can happen at any age and may begin before or after the skin symptoms appear. If not treated, it can lead to joint damage (National Psoriasis Foundation, 2023).
Treatment Options
While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are many ways to manage it. Treatment usually depends on how serious the condition is and what type of psoriasis someone has. Some common treatments include:
- Topical treatments: creams and ointments like corticosteroids or vitamin D analogues that reduce inflammation and slow down skin growth.
- Phototherapy: a special type of light therapy using ultraviolet (UV) light to slow skin cell growth.
- Systemic medications: pills or injections that work throughout the body. These are used for more severe cases and include drugs that target the immune system, like methotrexate or biologics.
Healthy lifestyle changes can also help. Avoiding triggers, eating a balanced diet, staying active, managing stress, and not smoking can make a big difference (Mayo Clinic, 2024).
Living with Psoriasis
Managing psoriasis is a lifelong journey, but many people with the condition live full and happy lives. It’s important to work with a dermatologist or healthcare provider to find a treatment plan that works best for you. Support groups and online communities can also be helpful for sharing experiences and coping strategies.
Raising awareness about psoriasis helps reduce stigma and encourages more people to seek help.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology. (2023). Psoriasis: Overview. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/what
- Mayo Clinic. (2024). Psoriasis – Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840
- National Psoriasis Foundation. (2023). About Psoriasis. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/
- World Health Organization. (2022). Global report on psoriasis. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/global-report-on-psoriasis
