Psoriasis is a condition that’s very widespread. It affects more than 8 million people in the U.S. alone – and even more people around the world are living with psoriasis. Though its symptoms make it seem like a skin condition, psoriasis is actually an immune-mediated disease that’s caused by inflammation. And when it’s present, it can cause painful, visible inflammation on the skin. To learn more about psoriasis, you can search for information online.
Psoriasis is a far-reaching condition that can affect any area of your body, including organs and tissues. It can even lead to additional health conditions like psoriatic arthritis. Men, women, and even children can develop psoriasis. If you’re worried about psoriasis, it’s important to search online for symptoms and facts about the condition.
To understand psoriasis, you should know how it appears, what can trigger it, and how it can be treated.
What Psoriasis Looks and Feels Like
Psoriasis can appear in many different ways. Its symptoms can change from person to person, case to case.
However, there do tend to be some common signs and symptoms that you can look for. These include:
- Red patches of skin.
- Patches of thick, silvery scales.
- Small scaly spots.
- Dry, cracked skin that itches or bleeds.
- Itching.
- Burning.
- Soreness.
- Thickened, pitted, or ridged nails.
- Swollen, stiff joints.
Even the size and scope of psoriasis symptoms can vary. For example, you might experience something as small as a few spots of dandruff-like flaking or scaling. You might see a major plaque form, covering a large area of your skin. It just depends on your unique case.
Psoriasis symptoms can also come and go. This condition often goes through cycles, flaring up and presenting symptoms for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. It can then disappear by going into remission, making symptoms disappear. This can make it seem like the psoriasis has gone away – but it’s important that you still see a doctor. Psoriasis can return frequently or infrequently, and you’ll want to make sure you’re properly managing the condition.
You should see a doctor if you think you may have psoriasis. It’s especially important to see a doctor if you’re experiencing discomfort, pain, joint issues, or symptoms that become severe or widespread. Psoriasis can lead to other conditions, which is why it’s so important to monitor and manage.
Psoriasis Triggers
Because psoriasis can come and go in flares, it can be difficult to determine what brings on a bout of new symptoms. However, doctors do know that certain lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and other factors can be psoriasis triggers.
While the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, it is known that this condition is affected by both the immune system and genetics. This means that psoriasis triggers can differ from person to person. Knowing what might trigger your psoriasis is important so you can avoid what might bring on symptoms.
The following are some well-known and lesser-known psoriasis triggers:
- Stress.
- Taking certain medications, including some arthritis, high blood pressure, and antimalarial drugs.
- Infections like strep throat, bronchitis, and tonsillitis.
- An injury.
- Smoking.
- Drinking alcohol.
- Gaining weight or becoming overweight.
- Certain foods, including gluten and nightshade vegetables like tomatoes and potatoes.
- Hormonal changes, particularly in women.
- Weather changes, like changes in humidity or temperature.
- Getting a tattoo or piercing.
Talk with your doctor if you’re interested in learning more about what may be triggering psoriasis symptoms or flare-ups in your unique situation.
Treating Psoriasis
If you do have psoriasis, you don’t have to suffer its symptoms. There are a number of different treatment options for this condition, and you may be able to achieve relief or minimize your symptoms by using one or a combination of these treatments.
There are three types of psoriasis treatments:
- Topical Treatments: These are creams and ointments that are applied right onto your skin. They include ingredients like corticosteroids, salicylic acid, and moisturizers.
- Systemic Medications: These are prescription medications like biologics and retinoids that are taken orally or injected. They’re typically used for those whose psoriasis isn’t responsive to other treatments.
- Light Therapy: This treatment option uses UV light or natural sunlight to slow the rapid cell growth caused by psoriasis. It’s great for mild to moderate psoriasis cases.
Your needs and your psoriasis can change with each flare-up. Make sure to talk with your doctor if you’re concerned about what’s happening with your health, or if you think you might have psoriasis. Knowing triggers, treatments, and how you can live more comfortably is important. And with the right treatment and management, you can work to control psoriasis.