Psoriasis

Psoriasis is the condition of the skin where the skin cells start to multiply at abnormal levels. Usually, cell regeneration occurs and balances with the dead skin cells. Since the skin cells start to develop abnormally, they rise to the top of your skin and die out leaving behind a red plaque covered with white scales. They typically occur on the knees, elbows and sometimes in your scalp. There are many reasons attributed to why skin cells behave abnormally. The common reason is that they are linked to the way your immune system performs.

This illness is characterized by over-multiplication of skin cells up to 10 times faster than normal growth. As dead underlying cells reach the skin’s surface, their voluminous accumulation causes raised, red plaques that gets covered with white scales. This disease typically happens on the elbows, knees and scalp. Psoriasis can also affect the palms, torso and soles of the feet. Psoriasis, can also at time be found associated with psoriatic arthritis, which leads to swelling and pain in the joints. It is estimated that in India there is 10 to 30 per cent of people who have psoriasis also are sufferers of psoriatic arthritis.

What are the different types of psoriasis?

Psoriasis can happen for several reasons ranging from trauma, emotional stress to streptococcal infection. A recent study of this disease has indicated that some abnormality in the immune system is the factor that triggers this disease. There are five different types of psoriasis:

Plaque psoriasis: It is a type of psoriasis which gives red, raised patches on the skin. These are covered by silvery dead skin cells.

Guttate psoriasis: It causes small red spots on the skin. This occurs after the patient has gone ill.

Inverse psoriasis: This type of psoriasis usually occurs in the skin folds. It causes sore and red patches of the skin.

Pustular psoriasis: This type of psoriasis causes pus-filled bumps on the palms and soles. These are painful and itchy at the same time. It causes flu-type symptoms which include fever, dizziness, loss of appetite etc.

Erythrodermic psoriasis: It resembles a severe sunburn as it makes the skin bright red. In this type of psoriasis which causes fast heart rate, itching and pain. It is to be mentioned that this is an emergency condition which should be consulted to a doctor.

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

1. Patches of inflamed and red skin that are covered by slivery, loose scales. They may be painful, itchy and can even crack and bleed at times.
2. The fingernails and toenails may become pitted and change colour. They also may get began to crumble or get detached from the nail beds.
3. Scales and patches or crust may form on the head of the psoriasis patients.