Psoriasis Symptoms

What exactly causes psoriasis is not specifically known. However, the development of this condition is related to the immune system. What happens in this skin condition is a rapid production of cells on the surface of the skin. This in turn affects the life cycle of skin cells. Under normal conditions, our skin cells are subjected to grow and flake off about every 4 weeks. So, new skin cells replace the old ones as they shed. However, this condition is an abnormal growth of new skin cells which move rapidly to the surface of the skin and give rise to many symptoms and signs.

Symptoms that Indicate Psoriasis

Due to the rapid production of new skin cells, itchy dry silvery scales develop on the skin. Accompanying these are bright red patches which are covered by these scales. Small scaling points are common symptoms of psoriasis in children. These patches commonly occur in the knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet, or lower back areas of the body. Dry cracked skin which may bleed when scratched, and mild scaling to thick, crusted plaques on the scalp, along with itching, burning, soreness, and swollen and stiff joints are other symptoms. Patients also suffer from nail disorders such as thickened, pitted or ridged nails, yellow discoloration of the nails and buildup of skin debris under the nails. This is called nail psoriasis.

Talking about symptoms of the scalp psoriasis, it is common to notice red areas with silvery-white scales. These areas are itchy and can leave your hair and shoulder with flakes of dead skin, when scratched.

Inverse psoriasis is marked by the development of smooth patches of red and inflamed skin. This kind appears under the armpits, under the breasts and around the genitals. Apart from the scalp, inverse and nail psoriasis, there are other kinds of the condition. The types and their symptoms are as follows.

Plaque Psoriasis: The condition may affect any part of the body, but more commonly the genitals and soft tissues inside the mouth. Symptoms which occur are skin lesions; red and dry, and covered with silver-colored scales.

Guttate Psoriasis: People below 30 are the common victims of this condition and they suffer from symptoms such as sores which develop in the areas of the trunk, arms, legs and scalp. These sores are usually in the form of a water drop.

Pustular Psoriasis: The skin of the affected area becomes red and tender. Prior to this, pus-filled blisters develop in the area. Other accompanying symptoms could include fever, chills, severe itching, and fatigue.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis: This is a rare kind of psoriasis which appears with an itching and burning red peeling rash. This rash may cover the entire body.

Psoriatic Arthritis: It is named so due to its symptoms which are swollen and painful joints apart from scaly, itchy and inflamed skin.

Treatment

Cases which are mild to moderate can be treated with creams and ointments. Severe cases may be dealt with a combination of oral and topical medications. Topical corticosteroids work to suppress the immune system and help in slowing down the production of the skin cells. The strength of this medicine depends upon the affected area of the skin. For instance, for face and skin folds, low-potency ointment is prescribed.

Other medications include topical retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors, coal tar, moisturizers, etc. In order to make the treatment more effective, patients may also be recommended to go for light therapy. This basically consists of exposing the skin to controlled amounts of natural sunlight. However, artificial ultraviolet lights are also used. Then comes injections, which are only used if the patient's condition is resistant to the other treatment methods.

At home, psoriasis symptoms may be managed and controlled by taking daily baths using oatmeal, Epsom salts or Dead Sea salts. Using moisturizers also help, as it prevents the skin from drying out. Short sunbath sessions and regular application of medicated creams and ointments speed up the healing process. Drinking alcohol reduces the effectiveness of all such treatments. So avoid it until you have fully recovered. To conclude, it is a good idea to cover the affected areas at night after applying ointment-based moisturizer. Wrap the area with a plastic wrap overnight and take a bath the next morning to wash away the scales.