PSORIASIS

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory condition that can impact the skin, nails, and joints. In psoriasis, skin cells multiply at a rapid rate, causing the accumulation of scales and the formation of dry, thickened, red, and white scaly patches on the skin. While more prevalent in adults, it can affect individuals of any age group, with both women and men being equally susceptible. It's important to note that psoriasis is not contagious and does not spread through direct contact with affected skin.

What are the causes of psoriasis?

The development of acne involves four primary mechanisms:

• Immune system dysfunction: Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system prompts rapid skin cell growth. This excess growth leads to the accumulation of cells on the skin's surface, forming patches.
• Genetic predisposition: Family history plays a role in psoriasis development, as certain inherited genes can increase susceptibility to the condition, especially if immediate family members have psoriasis.
• Environmental influences: External factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, stress, inadequate sleep, and the presence of other health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms.

Overall, these factors collectively contribute to the onset and worsening of psoriasis.

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

Psoriasis symptoms can vary widely based on the type and severity of the condition, as well as from person to person. Common features include:

• Raised, dry, and red patches of skin covered with silvery-white scales, often found on elbows, knees, hands, feet, and the back.
• Itching, burning sensations, or occasional pain in affected areas.
• Scalp rashes resembling dandruff but with redder, thicker skin and larger, thicker scales.
• Inverse psoriasis may affect genitals or skin folds, presenting as red, inflamed areas.
• Nail abnormalities like pitting, yellowish discoloration, or thickened, dystrophic nails.
• oint symptoms like pain, swelling, or stiffness.
• Symptoms may come and go, with periods of remission followed by flare-ups triggered by various factors.

What are triggering factor of psoriasis ?

Triggers that can cause psoriasis flare-ups in affected individuals include:

• Stressful situations or events.
• Infections, particularly streptococcal throat infections.
• Cold weather conditions, especially during winter.
• Skin trauma such as cuts or sunburn.
• Certain medications like beta blockers, lithium, and anti-malarial drugs.
• Alcohol consumption and smoking.

What are the types of psoriasis?

• Plaque psoriasis:The most common type of psoriasis primarily affects adults and is characterized by large, red, scaly skin lesions on areas such as the elbows, knees, back, and scalp. It can involve varying amounts of body surface area, ranging from small patches to larger areas.
• Guttate psoriasis:This form of psoriasis targets children and young adults without prior psoriasis history. It frequently emerges after recent infections like pharyngitis or a sore throat. Its hallmark is the sudden appearance of smaller lesions with reduced scaling, often found on the back and abdomen.
• Pustular psoriasis:Pustular psoriasis can be a severe and sometimes life-threatening variant of the condition. It manifests rapidly, forming multiple small pustules that may merge into larger patches. Symptoms may include fever, abnormal white blood cell and calcium levels, and the development of pus-filled blisters on the palms and soles. These blisters can rupture, leading to painful skin breaks and potential disability.
• Inverse psoriasis:Localized psoriasis affects areas of the body that are less visible, such as the groin, armpits, buttocks, genitals, and the skin under the breasts. It is occasionally misdiagnosed as a fungal or bacterial infection.
• Palmoplanter psoriasis:This type of psoriasis is confined to the palms, soles, or both. Nails are often affected as well. Typical presentations include dry skin, numerous skin cracks, and white scaly thick red plaques.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis:In this type of psoriasis, the lesions affect over 90% of the body's surface area.
• Nail psoriasis:Nails can be affected in psoriasis with or without skin or joint involvement. It often begins with small pits on the nail surface, resembling pinpricks. Additionally, nails may develop tan-brown spots (called "oil spots") or separate from the nail bed (known as "onycholysis"). In severe cases, nails may become thick and crumbly.
• Psoriatic arthritis:Around one-third of individuals with psoriasis experience psoriatic arthritis, characterized by joint pain and inflammation. Typically, skin symptoms manifest first, although approximately 15 percent of patients may develop arthritis (joint swelling and stiffness) prior to psoriasis symptoms. Those with psoriatic arthritis commonly face significant nail issues.