Types of Psoriasis: Pictures, Symptoms and Treatments
Psoriasis is an immune system-caused skin condition that impacts millions worldwide. It triggers a rapid buildup of skin cells, leading to thick, scaly patches that can appear red on lighter skin tones and violet, dark brown, or gray on darker skin tones.
This condition can occur at any age but most commonly develops between 15 and 35. It has several distinct types that can manifest in various body parts, posing physical and emotional challenges. While not contagious, this life-long condition may require long-term management and can impact quality of life.
If you notice persistent changes in your skin or other related symptoms, it’s crucial to seek professional medical advice. A healthcare provider can accurately diagnose psoriasis and recommend treatments tailored to your needs.
Cause of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is mainly caused by an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells as a threat. This abnormal immune response results in inflammation and accelerates the production of skin cells, disrupting the skin’s natural regeneration process.
Normally, skin cells take approximately 28 to 30 days to mature and shed from the skin’s surface. In contrast, the rate of skin cell turnover is accelerated in individuals with psoriasis every 3 to 7 days. The rapid buildup of skin cells forms the characteristic thick, scaly patches known as plaques.
Overactive T-cells, which usually protect the body from infections, are at the core of this issue. The exact mechanism behind why the immune system becomes overactive is not entirely understood but is linked to intricate interactions between genetic factors and environmental influences.
Risk Factors for Psoriasis
Various factors play a role in increasing your risk of developing this condition or exacerbating existing psoriasis. Recognizing these risk factors is essential for identifying at-risk populations and tailoring flare-up prevention strategies.
Genetic Factors
One of the strongest risk factors for psoriasis is a family history. If a close relative has the condition, your risk of developing it is significantly higher due to the inheritance of specific genetic markers.
Although not everyone with these genes will develop the disease, the presence of a genetic link may still predispose you to it. Although having a family history of psoriasis reflects an increased risk, it does not guarantee the condition will manifest.
Age and Gender
Psoriasis can develop at any age, but most cases are diagnosed in adults between 15 and 35. The risk of developing psoriasis peaks around ages 16–22 and again between 50–60.
Certain types are more common in children and young adults, while others, such as pustular psoriasis, are more frequently seen in middle-aged adults. Although gender does not directly affect the risk of developing psoriasis, research suggests that men and women may experience different severities of the condition.
Obesity and Skin Integrity
Obesity is another significant risk factor for psoriasis. Excess body weight can result in chronic inflammation, which can trigger or worsen psoriasis symptoms. The skin folds in obese individuals are more prone to friction and sweating, creating a favorable environment for skin flare-ups.
Furthermore, obesity is often associated with metabolic syndrome, which includes a cluster of conditions that increase your risk for heart disease and diabetes. This metabolic imbalance can further complicate psoriasis and increase its severity.
Smoking and Alcohol Consumption
Research suggests that smoking can increase the likelihood of developing severe psoriasis. The chemicals and byproducts in cigarettes, vape juices, and other tobacco products may provoke inflammation, aggravate the immune system’s response, and trigger psoriasis flare-ups.
Smokers with psoriasis are at a higher risk of developing larger lesions, with a healing process that may be slower compared to non-smokers. Heavy alcohol consumption also negatively impacts the immune system, making psoriasis more likely to develop or worsen.
Alcohol can cause dehydration that exacerbates the dryness and irritation of the skin associated with the condition. These factors can hamper the effectiveness of psoriasis treatments, particularly for individuals undergoing medication therapy.
Stress
Stress is considered a significant trigger for psoriasis because it directly impacts your immune system. When the body is under stress, it produces stress hormones that temporarily increase immune system activity and increase inflammation.
Both emotional stress, such as anxiety, grief, or life changes, and physical stress, like illness or injury, can act as triggers. Also, the symptoms and appearance of lesions can lead to increased stress, creating a cycle where stress triggers psoriasis flare-ups, and the flare-ups further elevate stress levels.
Autoimmune Disorders and Infections
Individuals with autoimmune disorders, like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, or Lupus, are at a higher risk of developing psoriasis due to chronic inflammation that disrupts the immune system. The shared inflammatory pathways between these diseases and psoriasis increase the likelihood of flare-ups.
While not everyone with an autoimmune disorder will develop psoriasis, the overactive immune response heightens the risk. Infections can also exacerbate psoriasis, like throat infections where the immune response can mistakenly affect the skin, causing psoriasis lesions.
Viral infections such as HIV can also exacerbate psoriasis. The compromised immune system in HIV-positive individuals can make the condition more severe and challenging to manage. Even other viral infections like the flu can trigger or exacerbate symptoms due to the heightened immune response.
Skin Injury
Experiencing skin injuries such as cuts, scrapes, or sunburns can trigger psoriasis through the phenomenon known as the Koebner response. This means that new psoriasis lesions can form at the sites of skin trauma or even in areas of the skin that were previously unaffected.
This response is particularly notable in individuals predisposed to the condition and typically occurs 10 to 14 or up to 20 days after the injury. Other skin conditions, such as eczema, infections, or even allergic reactions, can also trigger similar psoriasis outbreaks through this same response.
Medications
Certain medications can trigger psoriasis or exacerbate existing symptoms. Lithium, commonly used to treat psychiatric conditions, is known to trigger psoriasis flare-ups by disrupting immune pathways and increasing inflammation.
Similarly, beta-blockers, prescribed for heart conditions and high blood pressure, can worsen psoriasis by interfering with immune regulation and vascular processes. Antimalarial and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have also been associated with psoriasis outbreaks.
These medications can overstimulate the immune system and promote inflammation as part of their side effects. Furthermore, steroidal medications are effective management for flare-ups, but rapid withdrawal can cause severe rebound psoriasis symptoms from the sudden loss of immune suppression.
Hormone Changes
Hormonal changes happen during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. These events can trigger psoriasis for the first time or worsen existing manifestations. These shifts are believed to influence the immune system’s activity, which is already imbalanced in those with the condition.
Women may notice changes in their skin condition during these life stages. During pregnancy, some individuals experience an improvement in their psoriasis, while others may see it worsen. Flare-ups are also common after childbirth due to the rapid drop in hormone levels during the postpartum period.
Weather
Weather conditions can significantly impact psoriasis. Cold, dry weather worsens symptoms by drying out the skin, causing it to crack and become irritated. Indoor heating during these times dries out the air even more, worsening skin dryness and increasing the likelihood of outbreaks.
Conversely, hot, humid weather may improve psoriasis for some individuals, but excessive heat and sweating can also irritate the skin and trigger flare-ups, particularly in areas prone to friction. Sudden weather changes or seasonal transitions can also trigger psoriasis symptoms for many individuals.
Vaccinations
Vaccination, while essential for protecting against illnesses, can sometimes trigger psoriasis flare-ups. When individuals with psoriasis receive a vaccine, the immune response intended to fight off pathogens may inadvertently provoke a flare-up, leading to increased inflammation and worsening of psoriasis symptoms.
Live vaccines containing weakened viruses or bacteria may slightly increase the flare-up risk, though non-live vaccines may also pose a small risk. However, the likelihood of vaccination worsening psoriasis symptoms is low, and such cases are rare.
Types and Symptoms of Psoriasis
Psoriasis manifests in several distinct forms, each with symptoms that vary in intensity and appearance. While the specific signs vary depending on the type, itching and burning sensations are common symptoms across many forms.
These symptoms can disrupt daily routines and affect quality of life. Understanding these types can help you identify specific signs and seek appropriate medical advice for effective management.
Plaque Psoriasis
Psoriasis vulgaris, commonly called plaque psoriasis, is the most prevalent form of the condition. This type is marked by thick red or purplish patches (depending on the skin tone) covered with silvery-white or gray scales.
These plaques usually develop on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, though they can also develop anywhere. Patches usually range from 1 to 10 centimeters in size but can grow larger and may merge, covering a wider area in your body.
The condition can cause significant discomfort and impact the quality of your life, particularly if the plaques are in visible areas. Scratching or picking at the scales can often worsen the symptoms, causing more irritation and redness and potentially leading to cracking or bleeding.
Guttate Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis often occurs in childhood or young adulthood. It is marked by small, separate, drop-shaped lesions that appear as red spots on lighter skin tones and violet or brown spots for darker skin tones.
The lesions are usually thinner than those seen in plaque psoriasis and tend to be more spread, covering larger areas of the skin, such as the torso and limbs. They can also appear on the face and scalp.
While guttate psoriasis may go away on its own, it frequently recurs, especially following strep throat infections or periods of stress. It can sometimes evolve into plaque psoriasis, which requires long-term management.
Flexural or Inverse Psoriasis
Flexural or inverse psoriasis appears in the folds of your skin, such as under the breasts, in the groin, or around the buttocks. This type is characterized by red or purple lesions that are shiny and smooth.
The sweat and moisture trapped in skin folds prevent the formation of scaly patches commonly seen in other types of psoriasis. Due to its appearance and location, inverse psoriasis can sometimes be misdiagnosed as a fungal or bacterial infection.
The affected areas can be particularly sensitive to skin-on-skin contact, friction, and sweating, which can cause discomfort and irritation. The moist environment also increases the risk of developing secondary infections.
Pustular Psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis appears as white bumps on red or darkened skin. While it can develop anywhere, it is most common on the hands and feet, known as palmoplantar pustulosis. Inflammation causes the skin on the palms and soles to thicken, reducing elasticity and resulting in dry, scaly brown patches.
The skin becomes stiff and tends to crack, especially in areas with frequent movement or pressure. This cracking causes discomfort and makes walking, standing, or using the hands difficult. The Von Zumbusch subtype is a serious form that affects most of the skin’s surface.
It can be life-threatening and appear with severe systemic effects like fever, chills, fatigue, and widespread pain. Regardless of the subtype, pustular psoriasis can be physically draining, painful, and uncomfortable. Many individuals experience a continuous cycle of flare-ups, with pustules appearing and then improving or drying out temporarily before recurring.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis, also known as exfoliative psoriasis, is a rare and severe form that affects large portions of the body. It is marked by widespread redness, silvery scales, and the shedding of large skin sections, which differs from the smaller, finer scales usually seen in other types of psoriasis.
Due to its extensive skin damage, it can cause intense itching and pain. This form of psoriasis is considered a medical emergency because it severely compromises the skin’s ability to maintain body temperature and protect against infections.
As a result, it can lead to life-threatening complications like dehydration, heart failure, or sepsis. Erythrodermic psoriasis can develop from poorly controlled plaque psoriasis or pustular psoriasis. It may also be triggered by factors such as alcohol use disorder or abrupt discontinuation of systemic psoriasis medications.
Nail Psoriasis
Nail psoriasis is another common manifestation of psoriasis. Because it shares similar appearances, it is often mistaken for fungal infections or other nail disorders. It can cause pitting, grooves, ridges, and discoloration of the nails, which may turn yellow, brown, or red.
The nails may become thickened or brittle, resulting in loosening or crumbling. Discolored patches, known as “oil drops” or “salmon patches,” can form beneath the nail, causing the nails to develop ridges or separate from the nail bed, a condition called onycholysis.
In severe cases, the nails may completely detach. These changes can be unsightly and affect daily tasks, making fine motor activities more difficult, such as buttoning clothes or typing. In addition, nail psoriasis is often an early indicator of psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
The inflammation affecting the nails can also target the joints, leading to swelling, stiffness, and pain. Research shows that individuals with nail psoriasis are more prone to developing PsA than those without it, and nail changes often precede joint symptoms.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis combines skin symptoms of psoriasis with joint inflammation, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling in your joints. It may impact any joint in the body, including the spine and joints on the fingers or toes. Its severity can vary from mild to severe.
It is sometimes mistaken for rheumatoid arthritis or gout, but red or purple patches of skin with plaques usually help distinguish this condition from others. The joint symptoms may come and go but can become chronic and progressively worsen over time, potentially leading to permanent joint damage.
Scalp Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis is a common manifestation of plaque psoriasis that varies in severity. It typically appears in red, itchy areas with silvery-white scales on the scalp and can spread beyond the hairline to the forehead, neck, and around the ears.
These patches may form one large area or multiple smaller ones. They can range from mild- resembling dandruff-like flaking to more severe forms with intense itching, pain, and thick scaling, especially near the hairline. In some cases, scratching or picking at the plaques can lead to hair loss.
Scalp psoriasis can also interfere with regular hair hygiene, as excessive scratching increases the risk of scalp infections. The visibility of scalp psoriasis impacts self-esteem and can cause significant emotional distress, often leading to social anxiety.
Confirming Psoriasis
Diagnosing psoriasis involves a combination of clinical assessments and tests. While the process can be complex, early detection allows doctors to create personalized treatment plans to lessen symptoms and enhance well-being.
Clinical Interview
Reviewing your medical history is a vital step in diagnosing psoriasis. Your healthcare provider will examine your family history to determine if psoriasis runs in your family and ask about past infections that can trigger certain psoriasis types.
Your provider will review any current or past medications you are taking that could influence symptoms. They will also discuss other factors, such as stress, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Lastly, the provider may ask about other autoimmune or skin conditions relevant to your diagnosis.
Visual Examination
Psoriasis is often diagnosed through a simple physical examination. Your healthcare provider will carefully observe your skin, scalp, and nails for indications of psoriasis. Common signs healthcare providers look for are red, scaly patches and plaques and distinct symptoms such as cracking or bleeding.
The size, shape, texture, and location of lesions help determine the type and extent of psoriasis. Your doctor will also work to rule out other skin conditions, like eczema or fungal infections, which can be similar in presentation.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are often used to rule out other autoimmune conditions and infections that may present with similar symptoms. These tests can detect signs of inflammation, which is common in many autoimmune diseases.
It may also identify signs of infection or abnormal immune system activity that could affect treatment decisions. By eliminating other possible causes, doctors can accurately determine whether the skin flare-ups are due to psoriasis or a related condition.
Skin Sampling
A biopsy involves obtaining a small skin sample for examination under a microscope. If your healthcare provider suspects psoriasis but needs confirmation, they may perform a biopsy to rule out other skin conditions or infections. This offers a more definitive diagnosis than a clinical assessment alone.
The procedure can typically be done in the doctor’s office during your appointment and involves local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. The skin sample is then sent to a lab and analyzed for characteristic patterns and cell changes associated with psoriasis.
Managing Psoriasis at Home
Managing psoriasis at home involves lifestyle changes that you can do to help decrease symptoms and alleviate discomfort. Consistently practicing self-care and avoiding personal triggers can significantly minimize flare-ups and complement medical treatment benefits.
Keep Skin Moisturized and Clean
Maintaining well-moisturized and clean skin is essential for managing psoriasis. After physical activities or exposure to heat, wash off sweat with mild soap to maintain cleanliness. To gently dry your skin, use a soft towel and pat the skin rather than rubbing.
After bathing, apply a gentle, fragrance-free, non-greasy moisturizer specifically formulated for sensitive or dry skin. Regularly applying moisturizer helps retain hydration, stop dryness, and enhance your skin’s texture and look, making psoriasis symptoms less visible and easier to manage.
Healthy Diet and Hydration
Staying hydrated and following a nutrient-rich diet contribute to healthier skin and reduced psoriasis symptoms. A diet that includes whole grains, fruits, lean proteins, and vegetables supports weight loss and reduces inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids are also particularly beneficial for their anti-inflammatory properties and other health benefits.
Drinking enough water throughout the day helps keep your skin hydrated, which prevents dryness and flaking. Staying well-hydrated also strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, making it more resistant to irritants and flare-ups. Avoiding processed foods, red meat, dairy, and snacks high in sugar reduces inflammation and helps manage psoriasis flare-ups.
Stress Management Techniques
Effective stress management is essential for controlling psoriasis flare-ups. Integrating relaxation techniques, including deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga, into your daily routine helps promote a sense of calmness. These practices help decrease cortisol levels—the body’s stress hormone—thereby minimizing inflammation and preventing flare-ups.
Regular walking, swimming, and other physical activities can help manage stress, lose weight, and improve mood. Dedicating time to hobbies, nature, or journaling provides emotional relief and promotes relaxation. Prioritizing self-care, getting enough sleep, and balancing activities with rest are crucial for controlling stress and managing your condition effectively.
Cold Compress
A cold compress can quickly relieve itching and help reduce inflammation during psoriasis flare-ups by numbing the skin and temporarily minimizing redness and swelling. It can also calm burning sensations and slow the rapid turnover of skin cells.
Use wrapped ice or dampened clean cloth with cold water. Apply the compress for 10 to 15 minutes at a time and repeat as needed throughout the day. Be careful not to overdo it, as prolonged exposure to cold can unintentionally damage the skin.
Skin Protection and Climate Adjustments
Wearing soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo can minimize friction and reduce skin irritation and discomfort from psoriasis. Choosing loose-fitting clothes over tight garments allows your skin to breathe, helping to minimize sweat-induced irritation and friction.
Keeping your nails short can help prevent accidental skin injuries from scratching. If nighttime scratching is an issue, wearing soft gloves may help during your sleep. Using breathable mattress covers and bedding can help reduce skin irritation from sweat, allowing for a more comfortable and restful night.
Wearing protective clothing such as jackets, scarves, and gloves in cold or windy weather shields your skin from environmental triggers and irritation. Using a humidifier in frequently used areas at home helps keep the air moist, preventing skin dryness and relieving psoriasis discomfort.
Gentle Exfoliation
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly recommended over-the-counter exfoliants for psoriasis. It works by softening and dissolving thick, scaly plaques, making it easier to remove dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of scaling. Be sure to use it as directed to prevent irritation and skin sensitivity.
When exfoliating, it is important to use gentle tools, such as a soft washcloth, which is ideal for sensitive psoriatic skin. These cloths help to gently buff away dead skin cells without creating micro tears or irritation. Steer clear of scrubs with large, abrasive particles and texture.
Instead, look for scrubs made for sensitive skin with fine, smooth particles for gentle exfoliation, especially if you prefer products applied directly to the skin. Stick to gentle, circular motions, and limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, depending on your skin’s tolerance.
Always follow exfoliation with a deeply hydrating moisturizer to restore hydration and help soothe the skin. If your psoriasis is in an active flare state marked with red, inflamed patches, it’s best to avoid exfoliation until the skin calms down to prevent further irritation.
Sunlight Exposure
Moderate sunlight exposure can help improve psoriasis symptoms by decreasing the rapid growth of skin cells and reducing inflammation. Start with brief sessions of 5-10 minutes in the sun, gradually increasing exposure by a few minutes each day while monitoring your skin’s response.
To reduce the risk of sunburn, avoid peak sunlight hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Apply sunscreen to protect unaffected areas and limit sun exposure on psoriasis-affected skin. If irritation or symptoms worsen, stop immediately and see a healthcare provider.
Therapeutic Baths
Therapeutic baths are especially effective for managing milder forms of psoriasis, such as plaque, guttate, inverse, and scalp psoriasis. These baths help soften plaques, soothe irritated skin, and promote relaxation. Colloidal oatmeal reduces itching and inflammation by forming a protective barrier that locks in moisture.
Epsom salt baths soften scales and reduce redness, while Dead Sea salts contain minerals that may help improve skin hydration and reduce inflammation. Adding soothing oils like olive or coconut oil can further moisturize and help remove plaques more easily.
Always use lukewarm water, as hot water can strip the skin of moisture, dry it out, and worsen psoriasis symptoms. Keep bath sessions within 15-20 minutes to avoid over-soaking, which can influence skin irritations. After drying your skin gently with a towel, apply a moisturizer to help retain moisture.
Limit Alcohol Consumption and Stop Smoking
To effectively manage psoriasis, it’s important to quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Quitting smoking reduces inflammation, improves skin health, and supports better blood circulation and heart function.
Reducing exposure to secondhand smoke or vapor is also essential. Similarly, reducing or stopping alcohol intake helps hydrate the skin and reduce inflammation. These lifestyle changes can significantly improve symptom management, increase treatment success rates, and lower the frequency of flare-ups.
Medical Treatments for Psoriasis
While there is no cure for psoriasis, medical treatments can be highly effective when used with home remedies to manage symptoms and flare-ups. Understanding these can assist you in finding the most effective approach for your condition.
Local Skin Treatments
Topical treatments are often the initial approach for managing mild to moderate psoriasis. These include creams, ointments, and lotions applied directly to the affected areas. Corticosteroids are frequently recommended to reduce inflammation and suppress the overactive immune response in localized areas of the skin.
Low-strength formulations are commonly used for sensitive areas like the face and genitals, while stronger versions are required for thicker skin areas, such as the elbows and knees. However, exercise caution as long-term use of potent corticosteroids can cause skin thinning and other side effects.
Vitamin D analogues are often prescribed alongside corticosteroids for better results to help slow excessive skin cell growth and are particularly effective for treating thicker plaques. Skin-applied retinoids are sometimes prescribed, although commonly reserved for resistant cases of plaque psoriasis, to control skin cell overproduction and reduce inflammation.
Oral Medications
Oral medications are often prescribed for people with moderate to severe psoriasis, particularly when topical therapies are ineffective. Immunosuppressants target the immune system’s overactivity to help control inflammation while preventing joint damage in people with psoriatic arthritis.
Retinoids are typically reserved for more resistant or widespread psoriasis. These medications slow down skin cell production, but symptoms usually return once the treatment is stopped. This is similar to how many chronic conditions are managed—medications control symptoms but do not always offer a permanent solution.
Corticosteroids may also be prescribed during severe flare-ups to reduce symptoms due to their strong anti-inflammatory effects. However, this oral treatment carries the risk of serious side effects, so it is typically used for short periods and requires close monitoring.
Injections
Biologics are a common and effective treatment option for psoriatic arthritis and other moderate to severe cases, especially for patients who do not respond well to other therapies. These injectable medications specifically target immune system components to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression.
The most widely used biologics include tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin inhibitors. Some are administered via subcutaneous injections, while others require intravenous administration. Biologics are preferred because they offer long-term control of psoriasis and tend to have fewer systemic side effects than traditional immune suppressors.
Light Therapy
If you undergo phototherapy, you’ll be exposed to UVB light in a clinical setting or with home-based equipment under medical supervision. This treatment helps slow the rapid growth of skin cells and can be effective for moderate to severe psoriasis.
PUVA is another option that involves taking a light-sensitizing medication called psoralen before UVA exposure to enhance the therapy’s effectiveness. However, PUVA comes with potential risks, including a higher chance of skin aging, burning, and skin cancer, so treatment should always be medically supervised.
Talk Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you develop coping strategies to deal with stress, discomfort, anxiety, and depression. This therapy can provide support and guidance in improving self-esteem and body image, which can be negatively affected by the visible symptoms of psoriasis.
Learning effective stress management techniques and gaining emotional support can help you better manage your condition and improve your overall quality of life. Support groups and other psychosocial therapies can also offer valuable support from your peers, further helping you cope with the daily challenges of living with psoriasis.
Combination Therapy
Combination therapy uses multiple treatment methods together to manage psoriasis more effectively. This approach provides better management and control of symptoms than a single treatment alone.
Your doctor may propose the therapy depending on how severe your condition is and your previous treatment response. This personalized approach can reduce side effects by allowing lower doses and treatment duration rather than relying on higher doses of a single medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common types of psoriasis and their characteristic symptoms?
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type, marked by red, inflamed patches coated with silvery-white flakes or scales. These plaques usually manifest on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back and cause significant discomfort and itching.
Guttate psoriasis is marked by small, drop-shaped lesions on the trunk, arms, and legs, often appearing suddenly after infections. Flexural or inverse psoriasis manifests in skin folds under the breasts or groin with smooth, shiny, red lesions.
Pustular psoriasis features white pustules surrounded by red skin, mainly on the hands and feet. Erythrodermic psoriasis involves widespread redness and scaling, causing intense itching and pain. Nail psoriasis affects the nails, causing pitting and discoloration, while scalp psoriasis appears as red, scaly patches on the scalp.
What triggers psoriasis flare-ups?
Psoriasis flare-ups are often triggered by factors that influence the immune system. Stress is a major trigger because it can cause inflammation in the body, making the condition worse. Hormonal changes, like those during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can also worsen symptoms.
Injuries like cuts or sunburn can lead to new psoriasis lesions, while infections, particularly streptococcal throat infections, can initiate an immune response that worsens existing psoriasis symptoms. Other common triggers include certain medications, weather changes, smoking, alcohol consumption, autoimmune disorders, obesity, and vaccinations.
What are the treatment options for psoriasis?
Psoriasis treatment options differ based on the condition’s severity. Topical treatments, like corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, and retinoids, are frequently prescribed for mild to moderate cases. These are applied directly to the affected areas to reduce inflammation and scaling.
For more severe cases, oral medications and injections, including biologics and immunosuppressants, help control the overactive immune response. Phototherapy, involving exposure to UV light, is another effective treatment. Therapy for emotional support and lifestyle changes like a balanced diet and stress reduction management are also recommended.
Does psoriasis lead to mental and emotional issues?
Yes, psoriasis can significantly impact mental and emotional well-being. The visible manifestations of the condition often lead to self-esteem issues and social anxiety, affecting personal and professional relationships.
The chronic discomfort and pain associated with psoriasis can result in feelings of frustration, depression, and helplessness. Emotional stress can, in turn, exacerbate psoriasis symptoms, creating a challenging cycle.
Therapy and support groups can offer essential support. Psychology sessions are highly effective in assisting patients in learning strategies to manage stress and improve their mental health, leading to better overall management of the condition.
