Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition due to abnormal activity of one’s own autoimmune system. In this condition, the immune system tends to attack its own healthy cells and is responsible for inflammation in your skin.

In normal conditions, new skin cells replace old skin cells in about 30 days. In this condition, the process of regeneration of new skin cells shortens to three to four days due to an overactive immune system. This creates scales and frequent skin shedding on top of skin plaques (skin patches). 

Causes of psoriasis

The cause of psoriasis is not fully understood. But researchers have speculated that there is an interplay of both genetics and environment.

Types of psoriasis

Following are the many types of psoriasis:

1) Plaque psoriasis

The most common type of psoriasis usually appears on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp. Symptoms: Dry, itchy, raised skin patches (plaques) covered with scales

2) Nail psoriasis

Affects fingernails and toenails to loosen and separate from the nail bed (onycholysis). In severe cases may cause nails to crumble.

Symptoms: Pitting, abnormal nail growth, and discoloration

3) Guttate psoriasis

It appears on the trunk, arms, or legs and mainly affects young adults and children usually after bacterial infection such as strep throat. 

Symptoms: Small, red dots, scaling spots

4) Inverse psoriasis

It appears in the skin folds of the groin, buttocks, and breasts and can develop after a fungal infection.

Symptoms: Smooth red patches of inflamed skin. The symptom can worsen with friction and sweating

5) Pustular psoriasis

A rare type of psoriasis usually appears in the hands and feet but sometimes can cover most of the body.

Symptoms: Clearly defined pus-filled blisters

6) Erythrodermic psoriasis

The least common type of psoriasis can cover the entire body. It can occur after severe sunburn or taking certain medications.

Symptoms: Itchy and burning peeling rash 


What not to do if you have Psoriasis

Psoriasis goes through a pattern of cycles such as flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a while. However, there are many triggers that can cause frequent episodes of psoriasis. Following are the triggers that you should avoid to prevent frequent occurrence of psoriasis

  • Alcohol
  • Stress
  • Smoking
  • Injury to the skin
  • Cold weather
  • Certain infections and medications

Risks associated with psoriasis

Your body is at greater risk of developing diseases, all thanks to psoriasis. The following are the risk associated with it:

  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • Strokes and heart attacks
  • Psoriatic arthritis

Treatment of psoriasis

Although there is no permanent cure for psoriasis,  some effective treatments are available today that can provide you relief from painful recurrent symptoms. They help to reduce other health risks associated with it. The following are the available treatments:

  • Topical creams
  • Light therapy
  • Medication that can be taken orally or injectables

Is psoriasis contagious?

No, psoriasis isn’t contagious. So, do not distance yourself from anyone who is dealing with such a condition.

Your daily lifestyle habits such as (daily baths, skin moisturization, and avoiding long-term sun exposure) along with your treatment can help you alleviate. Reach out to your doctor if you notice flaring up of your symptoms as early treatment can save you from painful experience.

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