Exactly What is Skin Psoriasis?

The mission of Skin Psoriasis Organization is providing free information for people who suffer from skin psoriasis.

Skin Psoriasis is a common skin condition causing skin irritation and redness. Most people suffering from skin psoriasis have thick looking red skin with flaky scales which are usually silvery-white in color.

What are the Causes of Skin Psoriasis

Skin Psoriasis is a very common skin condition. Anyone can get SkinPsoriasis, however it most often starts in mid-teen thru mid-30s of age.

Skin Psoriasis is not contiguous and cannot be spread to others.

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Skin Psoriasis is often hereditary in nature and passed-down thru the family. Doctors think it may be an auto-immune condition. This occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and inflames or destroys healthy body tissue.

Normal skin cells grow deep in the skin and rise to the surface about monthly. When you have psoriasis, this process takes place too fast. Dead skin cells build up on the skin's surface.

The following conditions may start a psoriasis event or make the condition harder to treat:

Psoriasis of the skin on back of lower arm and elbow Psoriasis may be worse in people who have a weak immune system. This may be due to:

Some people with psoriasis may also have arthritis (psoriatic arthritis).

Symptoms of Skin Psoriasis

Psoriasis can appear suddenly or slowly. Many times, it goes away and then comes back.

The main symptom of skin psoriasis is irritated and flaky red patches of skin. Patches are most often seen on the elbows, knees, and middle of the body. But they can appear anywhere, including on the scalp.

The skin may be:

Other symptoms may include:

There are 5 main types of psoriasis of the skin:

Exams and Tests for Skin Psoriasis

Your skin doctor or nurse can very often diagnose this condition by looking at your skin.

Sometimes, a skin biopsy is done to rule out other possible conditions. If you have joint pain, your doctor may order x-rays.

Treatment for Skin Psoriasis

The goal of treatment is to control your symptoms and prevent infection.

Three treatment options are available:

TREATMENTS USED ON THE SKIN (TOPICAL)

Most of the time, psoriasis is treated with medicines that are placed directly on the skin or scalp. These may include:

SYSTEMIC (BODY-WIDE) TREATMENTS

If you have very severe psoriasis, your doctor will likely recommend medicines that suppress the immune system's problems response. These medicines include methotrexate or cyclosporine. Retinoids such as acitretin can also be used.

Newer drugs called biologics are used when other treatments do not work. Biologics approved for psoriasis treatment include:

PHOTOTHERAPY

Some people may choose to have photo-therapy.

OTHER TREATMENTS

If you have an infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics.

AT HOME CARE

Follow these tips at home:

Support Groups for Skin Psoriasis

Some people may benefit from a psoriasis support group.

Outlook / Prognosis for Skin Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a life-long condition that can be controlled with treatment. It may go away for a long time and then return. With proper treatment it will not affect your overall health. Some people with psoriasis have a type of arthritis.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of psoriasis or if the skin irritation continues despite treatment.

Tell your health care provider if you have joint pain or fever with skin-psoriasis attacks.

If you have symptoms of arthritis, talk to your dermatologist or rheumatologist.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have a severe outbreak that covers all or most of your body.

Prevention of Skin Psoriasis

There's no known way to prevent psoriasis. Keeping the skin clean and moist and avoiding your specific psoriasis triggers may help reduce the number of flare-ups.

Doctors recommend daily baths or showers for persons with psoriasis. Avoid scrubbing hard as it may irritate the skin and cause an attack.

Other Names for Skin Psoriasis

Plaque-Psoriasis and Psoriasis-of-the-Skin

Suggested Resources Below

    Healthy Skin

    Regrow Skin

    Guttate Psoriasis

    Personalized Medicine

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