What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes red patches all over the infected area which further develops into flare-ups. In this disease, the skin cells multiply 10 times faster than usual, this causes redness and itching on the skin. Usually, the most affected areas are scalp, elbows, knees, or neck. The usual replacement of skin cells in a healthy human body takes about 28-30 days but in psoriasis, this process is rapidly done every 2- 3 days. It is usually diagnosed by the appearance of the wounds on the skin.

The disease is genetic and is communicable too. The members of the same family are prone to suffer from the disease. It has strong heredity components but not every family member needs to inherit the disease from their ancestors. It usually clutches the patients at adulthood however chances of catching the infection rely upon the immunity of the individual.

Psoriasis is caused due to immune disorder in the body. The immune cells in the body start malfunctioning which results in patched flared skin. The disease is usually non-curable, lest the precautions and diet can provide a relief from dreadful symptoms. Few medical treatments are available but still, it cannot be cured fully. The treatments, medications, and diet plans together works in minimizing the pain and itching. Several allopathic treatments such as light treatment are a bit successful but do not cure the disease.

Types of psoriasis

Plague psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type which is diagnosed in almost 70% of the patients. They develop red, scaly patches over their body. They can also develop puss-filled bristles along with flare-ups. They can appear on any part of the body but most common areas are the scalp, elbows, knees, or other joints.

erythrodermic psoriasis

Of all the types of psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis is the most severe form of psoriasis.
It is the result of hyperactive immune system.
Erythrodermic psoriasis develops red, scaly, erythromatous plaques on the skin with severe itching.
It affects the wide region of the skin that acts a barrier, thereby causing the skin prone to develop infections.

scalp psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis initially appears like dandruff on the scalp. But later it may spread to the forehead, neck, or back of the ear. It is also in the form of scaly patches with flare-ups. People often relate hair loss with it but actually, it is because of continuous scratching at the scalp. It is advised to keep the area moist to avoid scratching. However, the hair loss is not permanent, and it regrows.

inverse psoriasis

Psoriasis that usually affects the flexural areas of the body.
It affects the armpits, groin region, under breasts, naval , genitals like penis, vulva, natal cleft and around the anus.
Areas that rub against each other or possess friction are at high risk of developing inverse psoriasis.
It develops red, scaly, shiny, inflamed patches

PUSTULAR PSORIAsis

Psoriasis that usually affects the flexural areas of the body.
It affects the armpits, groin region, under breasts, naval , genitals like penis, vulva, natal cleft and around the anus.
Areas that rub against each other or possess friction are at high risk of developing inverse psoriasis.
It develops red, scaly, shiny, inflamed patches

GUTTATE PSORIASIS

It is visible on the skin in the form of small red patches ranging from 1mm to 100mm diameter. The patches are teardrop-shaped. It often leaves the skin clear if identified and treated at an earlier stage. It is because of the bacterial outbreak of streptococcus. Skin burns, cuts and medicines used to treat heart diseases and malaria also becomes the prime reason of the disease.

nail psoriasis

Nail psoriasis is found in nail matrix or nail beds. It is observed that nail psoriasis affects fingernails more than the toenails because fingernails have a higher growth rate. The surface of the nails develop small pits, they discolor and becomes tender and raised.