Psoriasis

 

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that ranges in severity from bothersome to debilitation and affects more than 7 million Americans.  Psoriasis causes cells to build up on the skin’s surface too quickly, resulting in the formation of thick, scaly skin patches called plaques.

 

Psoriasis Symptoms

 

Although symptoms of psoriasis typically depend on the type and severity of the condition, some symptoms psoriasis sufferers may experience include:

 

• Red, raised plaques that can crack or bleed

• Loose, silver skin scales

• Burning, itching skin

• Crusted plaques on the scalp

• Nail discoloration and pitting

• Joint stiffness and pain

 

Types of Psoriasis

 

There are six types of psoriasis, the most common of which are plaque psoriasis and guttate psoriasis.  

 

Plaque psoriasis is characterized by dry, red skin plaques, or raised patches, with silvery scales, while guttate psoriasis is characterized by smaller, finer plaques and typically occurs in young adults and children.

 

Other types of psoriasis include inverse psoriasis, which involves less scaling and larger areas of inflamed, dry skin, and pustular psoriasis, which involves scaly plaques with pus-filled sores and nail symptoms.

 

Erythrodermic psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are more severe forms of psoriasis. Erythrodermic psoriasis affects most of the body, leaving it covered in a bright red, inflamed rash that burns and itches, while psoriatic arthritis involves joint stiffness, swelling and pain.

 

Psoriasis Causes & Triggers

 

Although T cells, or lymphocytes, are white blood cells that are very important to the immune system, overactive T cells trigger a chain reaction in the autoimmune response that causes new skin cells to form at the skin’s surface much faster than they should.  An overabundance of epidermal tissue results in areas of thick, scaly tissue.

 

Researchers do not yet know what causes this malfunction in the T cells, however they believe genetic and environmental factors may play a role.

 

Illnesses that weaken the immune system, especially strep infection, may trigger a psoriasis outbreak, as well as stress or emotional trauma.  Physical trauma, such as a cut or scrape, may also trigger a psoriasis flare-up, as can certain medications, smoking, alcohol consumption and dry skin.

 

Psoriasis Treatment

 

Also there is no cure for psoriasis, there are many options to help treat it.

 

Over the counter options include:

 

• Coal tar (T gel)

• Salicylic acid (over-the-counter hair care products)

 

Prescription creams or lotions:

 

• Topical steroids such as clobetasol

• Vitamin D analogues (Taclonex ointment)

• Retinoids (Tazorac cream or gel)

 

Prescription pills:

 

• Methotrexate

• Otezla

 

Injection or biologic therapy:

 

• Enbrel

• Humira

• Stelara

• Cosentyx

 

Would you like to learn more about Psoriasis Treatment?  Call us to schedule a consultation at Clovis Dermatology.