Psoriasis – Types, causes and popular treatments
Characterized by a rapid build-up of cells, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition and is usually chronic in nature. Due to the rapid build-up of cells, the surface of the skin becomes red, scaly and inflamed.
If the condition is too severe, the surface of the skin may even crack and bleed.
Skin Psoriasis usually develops on the joints such as your elbows and knees. However, it does develop in other areas of your body like the hands, feet, neck, scalp, mouth, face and genitals.
Different types of Psoriasis
The five most common types of skin psoriasis are as follows:
Plaque psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. It results in inflamed, red patches all over the skin. Most of these patches are covered with silver-white scales or plaques. Plaque psoriasis is usually found around the elbows, knees, and scalp.
Guttate psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis usually affects children more than adults. It is usually characterized by pink spots and is commonly found around the torso, arms, and legs. The pink spots are not as thick and raised like plaque psoriasis.
Pustular psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis is usually found more commonly among adults. In this condition, you will find white, pus-filled blisters and red, inflamed skin. It is usually found on the hands and feet.
Inverse psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis is characterized by bright areas of inflamed, red, shiny skin, which develop under the armpits or breasts, the groin and around the genitals.
Erythrodermic psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis usually covers large areas of the body and is not as common as the other types of skin psoriasis. People with this condition almost look sunburned.
What causes skin Psoriasis?
One of the most common causes of skin psoriasis is your genes. If you have a family history of the disease, then you are more prone to end up with the same.
Another causal factor of skin psoriasis is a weak immune system. Since the immune system is supposed to protect the body from disease, people with skin psoriasis do not have a very strong immune system.
Some of the other causes of skin psoriasis are:
- Stress
Skin injury like cuts, scrapes, burns - Skin infections
- Medications
Skin Psoriasis: Treatment
For a mild form of this condition, skin psoriasis treatment includes topical treatments like the application of certain creams, lotions or sprays. Injections can be used to treat this psoriasis too.When the case is more severe, skin psoriasis treatment includes a larger area of skin, so topical treatments will not be very effective. In such cases, ultraviolet light treatments and systemic treatments that include total body treatments in addition to tablets and injections.In spite of the many skin psoriasis treatments that are available, this skin disorder is not entirely curable and can occur every once in awhile. However, with proper care of your skin and good medication and treatment, skin psoriasis can be managed effectively.