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Home > Blog > What is Psoriasis Disease? Its Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What is Psoriasis Disease? Its Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What is Psoriasis Disease? Its Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Max Lab

Jun 27, 2024

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disorder that leads to itchiness and sometimes discomfort. The most frequent form is plaque psoriasis, which comes in the form of a rash with thick, itchy, scaly patches, typically appearing on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. These thick, red scaly patches are also known as plaques. Although there is a less chance of cure for psoriasis, various treatments may help manage and mitigate the symptoms.

 To understand what psoriasis is, it's important to know that it is a persistent skin condition that, while treatable, cannot be cured and may potentially lead to complications like psoriatic arthritis, autoimmune disorders, or metabolic syndrome. Consulting a skilled dermatologist for comprehensive treatment can effectively manage and help prevent the progression of the condition.

Types of Psoriasis

Psoriasis can be form in various types, including:

  • Plaque psoriasis: The most common form, affecting 80% to 90% of psoriasis patients, is characterized by thick, scaly patches.
     
  •  Inverse psoriasis: Found in skin folds, causing smooth, red patches without scales.
     
  • Guttate psoriasis: Often triggered by streptococcal infection, appearing as small, red, drop-shaped scaly spots, typically affecting children and young adults.
     
  • Pustular psoriasis: Features small, pus-filled bumps on plaques.
     
  • Erythrodermic psoriasis: A severe type covering more than 90% of the skin, causing widespread discolouration and shedding.
     
  • Sebopsoriasis: Seen on the face and scalp, combining symptoms of psoriasis disease and seborrheic dermatitis with greasy, yellow scales.
     
  • Nail psoriasis: One of the causes of psoriasis disease discolouration, pitting, and changes in fingernails and toenails.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

Symptoms of psoriasis disease include:

  • During the early stage of psoriasis, a patchy rash that varies significantly in appearance from person to person, ranging from dandruff-like scaling to extensive eruptions covering large areas of the body.
     
  • Rashes that vary in colour, appearing as shades of purple with gray scale on brown or black skin, and pink or red with the silver scale on white skin.
     
  • Small scaling spots which are frequently observed in children.
     
  • Dry, cracked skin that may bleed.
     
  • Itching, burning, or soreness.
     
  • Cyclic rashes that flare up for a few weeks or months before subsiding.

Early signs of psoriasis typically begin with small bumps that gradually develop scales on their surface. The plaques may shed superficial layers, yet the underlying scales remain adhered. Scratching the rash can detach scales, leading to potential bleeding. As the rash progresses, it may evolve into larger areas of skin damage known as lesions. The right treatment of psoriasis disease can help in managing symptoms ranging from mild to severe. In ayurveda, psoriasis disease treatment often includes herbal therapies, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes aimed at balancing the body's doshas and reducing inflammation.

Causes of Psoriasis Diseases

The main cause of psoriasis involves dysfunction in immune cells, which mistakenly identify healthy skin cells as pathogens like bacteria or viruses. This triggers inflammation that accelerates the division of skin cells, leading to a buildup of new and old cells in thick plaques. This process results in the characteristic rash or psoriatic dermatitis, often accompanied by shedding of the upper layers of skin.

Psoriasis disease can also be influenced by various other factors:

  • Genetics plays a significant role, with a familial history present in one out of three individuals with the condition.
     
  • Environmental factors such as extreme temperatures, intense sunlight exposure, and insect bites can trigger or exacerbate symptoms.
     
  • Viral infections like rhinoviruses, HIV, HPV, and HCV, as well as bacterial infections like streptococci in the throat causing sore throats or tonsillitis, can provoke psoriasis flare-ups.
     
  • Lifestyle factors such as inadequate sleep and stress levels contribute to the onset and severity of symptoms.
     
  • Certain medications such as beta-blockers and lithium are known to worsen psoriasis.
  • Skin injuries or contact dermatitis following surgery can also trigger psoriasis outbreaks.

How is Psoriasis Diagnosed?

A dermatologist diagnoses psoriasis by conducting a physical examination and examining a small sample of skin under a microscope. Based on the type of psoriasis, its location on the body, and its severity, the dermatologist collaborates with the patient to create a personalized treatment plan.

While psoriasis disease cannot be cured, effective treatment helps manage symptoms and keeps the condition under control. Adhering to a treatment regimen is crucial for minimizing complications and addressing related health concerns. Many patients seek psoriasis disease treatment in Ayurveda, which emphasizes natural remedies and holistic approaches to manage symptoms and improve skin health.

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