What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune skin disorder that causes the rapid buildup of skin cells, leading to scaling on the skin’s surface. It is a long-lasting condition that varies in severity, ranging from small patches to full-body coverage. While the exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

The most common symptoms of Psoriasis include raised, inflamed red patches of skin, often covered with silvery-white scales. These patches, known as plaques, are typically found on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back, but they can appear anywhere on the body. The red patches are covered with thick scales, which are dead skin cells that build up rapidly due to the accelerated skin turnover caused by the condition.

In addition to these plaques, psoriasis can cause the affected areas to become dry and cracked, sometimes leading to bleeding. This dryness can be uncomfortable and may increase the risk of skin infections. The condition is often accompanied by intense itching and a burning or stinging sensation, which can lead to scratching and further irritation.

Psoriasis can also affect the nails, causing them to become thickened, ridged, pitted, or discolored. In more severe cases, the nails may crumble or detach from the nail bed. Some individuals with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, a condition that causes stiffness, pain, and swelling in the joints, potentially leading to joint damage if left untreated.

Scalp psoriasis is common and can extend beyond the hairline to areas such as the forehead, the back of the neck, and around the ears. This type often causes dandruff-like flaking, itching, and discomfort. In severe cases, the plaques can become painful, particularly if they crack and bleed, leading to significant discomfort and a reduced quality of life.

Types Of Psoriasis

Different types of psoriasis present with specific symptoms. For example, guttate psoriasis appears as small, drop-shaped red spots, often on the trunk, limbs, and scalp. Inverse psoriasis manifests as smooth, red patches of inflamed skin in body folds like under the breasts, in the groin, or around the buttocks. Pustular psoriasis involves white, pus-filled blisters surrounded by red skin, usually on the hands or feet, while erythrodermic psoriasis causes widespread redness, severe itching, and pain, potentially covering the entire body.