What is psoriasis ?

Psoriasis is a skin Disease that causes scaling and inflammation (pain , swelling , heat, and redness ). Skin cells grow deep in the skin and slowly rise to the surface. This process is called cell turnover , and it takes about a month. With Psoriasis, it can happen in just a few days because the cells rise too fast and pile up on the surface.


Most psoriasis causes a patch of thick, red skin with silvery scales. These patches can itch or feel sore. They are often found on the elbows, knees, other parts of the legs.scalp, lower back, face palms, and soles of the feet. But they can show up other places such as fingernails, toenails, genitals, & inside the mouth.

Who gets Psoriasis?

Anyone can get psoriasis. Psoriasis can begin at any age. In many cases, there is a family history of psoriasis. Certain genes have been linked to the disease. Men and Women get psoriasis at about the same rate.

What are the risk factors and triggers for psoriasis?

Although the exact cause of psoriasis is not clear, certain risk factors & triggers (factors that set off your symptoms) can make a person more likely to develop the disease.

Risk factors:

  • Genes
  • Colder Climates
  • Infections (invasion of the body by certain intruders)
  • Medications
  • Trauma
  • Smoking
  • Stress
  • Overweight

What are the causes of psoriasis?

The causes of psoriasis are complicated & not fully understood. However , genes, environmental factors, medications, infections, & the body’s immune system, All play a role in the disease. The immune system serves as body’s guard against illness; however some diseases, Immune system does not work as it should.

In Psoriasis, Certain immune system cells, known as T-cells, become overactive and then “attack” the skin. This attack starts a number of events that make skin cells multiply too quickly and results in skin cells “stacking up” on the surface of the skin.

How many types of Psoriasis are there ?

There are different types of psoriasis :

  • Plaque psoriasis
  • Inverse Psoriasis
  • Erythrodermic Psoriasis
  • Pustular psoriasis
  • Guttate psoriasis

In general, people have only one type of psoriasis at a time. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of the disease, occurring in about 80 to 90 percent of people with psoriasis.

What are the symptoms of psoriasis ?

Psoriasis signs and symptoms can vary from person to person but may include one or more of the following:

  • Red patches of skin covered with silvery scales
  • Small scaling spots (commonly seen in children)
  • Dry cracked skin that may bleed
  • Itching, burning or soreness
  • Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
  • Swollen and stiff joints

Most types of psoriasis go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a time or even going into complete remission.

What Psoriatic Arthritis ?

Psoriatic arthritis is a long -term condition that causes swelling in the body joints of some people with psoriasis.

Who develops Psoriatic Arthritis ?

Psoriatic arthritis is more likely to develop in the people with psoriasis who have:

  • Lesions on the scalp and buttock areas
  • Nail involvement
  • Disorders of muscle or tendon attachment to bone

Psoriatic arthritis affects men and women equally. Although psoriatic arthritis may occur at any age, most of the time the disease first appears between 30 and 50 years age.

Comorbidities (other diseases) associated with Psoriasis / Psoriatic Arthritis

  • Heart (Cardiovascular Disease)
  • Cancer
  • Osteoporosis
  • Mood Disorder

How to cope with psoriasis symptoms?

There are many ways for you to cope with psoriasis symptoms besides prescribed medications,such as:

  • Daily Baths
  • Moisturizers
  • Exposures to sunlight
  • Avoid Triggers
  • Exercise & Massage

What lifestyle changes can be beneficial?

Getting regular physical activity, eating right managing stress can help you feel better each day. These changes can also help you improve your psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.

Physical Activities

  • Do regular, gentle exercise
  • To keep your joints flexible & the rest of your body healthy.
  • To maintain healthy Weight to reduce the risk of heart disease & minimize any extra stress on your joints.
  • Talk with your doctor or your physical therapist about the different types of exercise.
  • Balance exercise with rest especially if you are experiencing a flare from your psoriatic arthritis.
  • Talk with your doctor or your physical therapist about how long your break from the exercise should be when you are experiencing a flare.

Healthy Eating

  • It is important to follow a healthy, balanced diet that includes:
  • Whole grains, like oatmeal brown rice
  • Fresh fruits & vegetables
  • Low or no saturated fat, especially animal fat
  • Low amount of salt & sugar
  • Recommended amount of vitamins & minerals
  • Eat foods rich in omega -3 fatty acids, such as fish, that can help reduce inflammation in your body
  • Avoid food that may increase inflammation such as red meat, egg yolks, dairy products, sugar , white flour and processed foods.
  • If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation