Definition
Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes skin redness and irritation. Most persons with psoriasis have thick, red skin with flaky, silver-white patches called scales .
See also: Guttate psoriasis
Symptoms
Persons with psoriasis have irritated patches of skin. The redness is most often seen on the elbows, knees, and trunk, but can appear anywhere on the body. For example, there may be flaky patches on the scalp.
The skin patches or dots may be:
- Pink-red in color (like the color of salmon)
- Dry and covered with silver, flaky skin (scales)
- Raised and thick
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Definition
Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes skin redness and irritation. Most persons with psoriasis have thick, red skin with flaky, silver-white patches called scales .
See also: Guttate psoriasis
Symptoms
Persons with psoriasis have irritated patches of skin. The redness is most often seen on the elbows, knees, and trunk, but can appear anywhere on the body. For example, there may be flaky patches on the scalp.
The skin patches or dots may be:
- Pink-red in color (like the color of salmon)
- Dry and covered with silver, flaky skin (scales)
- Raised and thick
Additional symptoms may include:
- Genital lesions in males
- Joint pain or aching (psoriatic arthritis)
- Nail changes , including nail thickening, yellow-brown spots, dents (pits) on the nail surface, and separation of the nail from the base
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Causes
Psoriasis is a very common condition. The disorder may affect people of any age, but it most commonly begins between ages 15 and 35. It can appear suddenly or slowly. In many cases, psoriasis goes away and then flares up again repeatedly over time. The condition is not contagious.
Psoriasis seems to be an inherited disorder. That means it is passed down through families. Doctors think it probably occurs when the body's immune system mistakes healthy cells for dangerous substances. See: Inflammatory response
Skin cells grow deep in the skin and normally rise to the surface about once a month. In persons with psoriasis, this process is too fast and dead skin cells build up on the skin's surface.
Psoriasis may affect any or all parts of the ...
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Treatment
The goal of treatment is to control your symptoms and prevent secondary infections.
Psoriasis that covers all or most of the body is an emergency that requires a hospital stay. You may receive painkillers, medicines to make you sleepy (sedatives), fluids through a needle in your vein, and antibiotics to fight any infection.
Mild cases of psoriasis are usually treated at home. Your doctor may recommend any of the following:
- Cortisone (anti-itch) cream
- Creams or ointments that contain coal tar or anthralin
- Creams to remove the scaling (usually salicylic acid or lactic acid)
- Dandruff shampoos (over-the-counter or prescription)
- Moisturizers
- Prescription medicines containing vitamin D or vitamin A ...
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Possible Complications
- Pain
- Severe itching
- Secondary skin infections
- Side effects from medicines used to treat psoriasis
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Outlook (Prognosis)
Psoriasis is a life-long condition that can be controlled with treatment. It may go away for a long time and then return. With appropriate treatment, it usually does not affect your general physical health.
Prevention
There is no known prevention. Keeping skin clean and moist and avoiding your specific psoriasis triggers may help reduce the number of flare-ups.
Doctors recommend daily baths or showers for persons with psoriasis. Avoid scrubbing too hard, because this can irritate the skin and trigger an attack.
Exams and Tests
Your doctor will look at your skin. Diagnosis is usually based on what the skin looks like.
Sometimes, a skin biopsy is done to rule out other possible conditions. If you have joint pain, your doctor may order x-rays.
References
Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology . 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004.
Rakel P. Conn s Current Therapy 2005 . 57th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005.
