About the disease
Psoriasis is a skin disorder, which develops when skin cells multiply faster than usual. As a result, as skin cells die, the accumulation of them on the surface of the skin is so big that a person develops red plaques. Usually these raised plaques are covered with white scales. In most cases, psoriasis develops on such skin areas as knees and elbows. In some cases, this condition can also develop on the scalp and palms as well as on the soles of the feet. In rare cases, torso can also be affected, but this area can be affected only in men.
There are different stages of psoriasis. In mild stages a person may have only a visible redness on the elbows, which does not bother him/her and not cause any additional symptoms. In more progressed stages the affected areas of the skin can become itchy and irritated, making a person want to continuously scratch it. In severe cases, new plaques can keep developing and merge with the old ones, thus covering bigger areas of the skin and causing a more distinguished irritation. Also, the plaques can crack and even cause bleeding if psoriasis is not treated on time.
In progressed stages, the fingernails can become affected by the disease. In fact, many patients who have a long-term history of psoriasis have crumbling nails o the fingers and toes. Discoloration of the nails can be present as well.
Although the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, the psoriatic arthritis is believed to be an underlying cause. According to The National Psoriasis Foundation, up to 30% of people with psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis. Both these conditions are caused by certain abnormalities in the immune system.
Symptoms
- Red patches on the skin
- Silvery scales on the red patches
- Itchy skin
- Cracking
- Bleeding
- Changed color of the fingernails
- Crust on the head
- Flare-up during cold weather or because of stress
Diagnosis
- Usually a general examination by the dermatologist is enough to diagnose psoriasis. A dermatologist will examine the red patches and fingernails to determine the stage of psoriasis.
- A biopsy of the skin sample is used in some cases if there is a doubt whether a patient has psoriasis or eczema as these two diseases have similar manifestation.
- A blood test can be ordered to rule out the possibility of infection.
- An X-ray of the joints is needed if a person complaints of the painful joints. Thus, he/she needs to be checked to rule out the arthritis.
Treatment
- Conservative treatment includes prescription of various creams and ointments, designed to alleviate the itching and redness of the affected patches of the skin. Some medication can be prescribed to regulate normal division of the skin cells and prevent development of psoriasis in future. Phototherapy or laser treatment can also be prescribed for treatment of psoriasis. Certain pills can also prevent flare-ups in future. If a person knows triggers of his/her psoriasis, then these triggers need to be avoided. Triggers may include cold weather, alcohol consumption, stress and so on.
Authors: Dr. Vadim Zhiliuk, Dr. Sergey Pashchenko
