Psoriasis is an immune disease that unfortunately has no cure. However, there are medications and other lifestyle choices that can help control psoriasis by minimizing flare ups and working to make flare ups disappear. Psoriasis occurs when one's skin cells reproduce too quickly. This occurs under the skin, but is visible on the outside of the skin. This leaves extra skin cells still on the skin leading to scaly and red patches. Psoriasis can occur on the scalp as well, of which people can easily assume they have dandruff and not psoriasis, leading to ineffective treatment. These patches can be itchy and painful and are difficult to get rid of. While over the counter treatments can be helpful, the treatment of psoriasis requires care from a doctor, including prescription medication. In addition to dealing with the physical symptoms, having psoriasis can make one feel self-conscious due to the way the skin looks and the need to scratch almost constantly. It is common for psoriasis sufferers to have a low self-esteem due to their condition.
Most Common Types of Psoriasis
There are seven different types of psoriasis. Knowing the specific type of psoriasis helps medical professionals to determine the most appropriate treatment. The most common type is plaque psoriasis. Eighty percent of psoriasis sufferers have this type of psoriasis. This type can appear on any part of the body, but is often found on elbows, knees, lower back and one's scalp. This type of psoriasis has red skin on which silvery-white scales sit. These patches can burn and itch. The body's immune system causes the life-cycle of skin cells to speed up, causing the build-up of cells. It is this build-up that is evident on the skin.
Guttate psoriasis affects up to 10% of people with psoriasis. This type typically develops after a person has a cold or upper respiratory infection. The exact reasons why some people develop it and others do not is unknown. Strep throat is a prime trigger for a flare-up for Guttate psoriasis. The breakout patches are smaller than plaque psoriasis and look more like small, circular-shaped spots. Guttate psoriasis usually affects people under the age of 30. This type of psoriasis usually appears on the arms, legs, trunk and scalp. The scales associated with this type are thinner than in plaque psoriasis, but the symptoms of itching and pain are still present.
Inverse or Seborrheic psoriasis, like plaque psoriasis has more red skin and less scales than other types and the skin can look shiny. It is made worse or flare ups occur by sweating and friction. People who are overweight get this type of psoriasis more than others. It is often found in folds of the skin such as the groin area, the armpits, the genital area, the buttocks, and under the breasts. Like the other forms, the patches are itchy and can burn and be painful.
Pustular psoriasis is another type. This type form white blisters on the skin within patches of red skin. These blisters are filled with white blood cells. Pustular psoriasis typically covers a large area of skin. The blisters come and go quickly. When there is a flare up there, one also often has chills and fever and this type of psoriasis is very itchy. Pregnancy is a common trigger for this type. Certain medications are also triggers. People often experience flare ups when stopping certain medication as well, such as topical steroids. Pustular psoriasis often has flare ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What causes psoriasis?
A: The exact cause is not yet known. Most medical professionals agree that it is a combination between specific triggers and genetics.
Q: How is psoriasis treated?
A: There is a wide variety of treatment options for psoriasis. the most common treatments are ointments that relieve itching and inflammation, Vitamin D analogues which slow down skin cell growth, topical creams that decrease inflammation, Anthralin which removes scales, Salicylic acid which reduces scaling and coal tar which helps remove scales and reduces inflammation.
Q: Are there other treatments if topical treatments do not work?
A: For more severe cases of psoriasis systemic treatment is used. This includes oral and other medications. This includes medication that alter the immune system called biologics.
Q: Are there natural or alternative remedies that can be used to treat psoriasis?
A: Although not as effective as traditional medications, there are some natural remedies that can be used. Aloe vera, fish oil, and oregon grape can ease symptoms and work to clear skin.
Q: What can be done to prevent flare ups?
A: Just like there is no cure, there is nothing that can be done to prevent flare ups from occurring. Medication can reduce flare ups and stopping smoking and reducing stress also help limit flare ups.
