Psoriasis is a chronic disease that affects the skin as well as the body as a whole. It can be somewhat hereditary but may also depend on lifestyle. It is important to know that psoriasis is not contagious; it manifests on the skin via dry, flaky patches that can be irritated and look sore.
Psoriasis: What is it?
The dry, flaky skin rashes that characterize psoriasis occur due to increased cell renewal in the skin. From the moment a new skin cell starts its journey through all skin layers until it reaches the stratum corneum, it takes about a month for healthy skin. In psoriasis, the skin's cell renewal process does not slow down, leading to inflamed skin that develops dry, scaly patches.
The condition of psoriasis comes and goes more or less throughout your life. During some periods you feel better, while other periods can be worse; psoriasis can also go into remission. Therefore, it is important to use skincare that soothes and maintains the skin during different periods to keep the skin healthy and reduce severe flare-ups. Common areas where psoriasis occurs are the lower back, elbows, knees, legs, soles of the feet, scalp, face, and palms.
With psoriasis on the body, keeping the skin soft is crucial, and this also applies to Dry Skin. Using products with anti-inflammatory ingredients works to your advantage, as they have a Soothing effect on the skin and minimize the appearance of rashes.
Common signs and symptoms of psoriasis
Psoriasis can appear in different ways, and there are various forms of the skin condition. The characteristics of psoriasis can look different and vary from person to person:
- Red patches covered with silvery scales.
- Small scaly spots (most common in children).
- Dry, cracked skin that may bleed or itch.
- Itching or a burning sensation is common.
- Thickened, pitted, or ridged nails may occur.
- Swollen and stiff joints.
Different forms of psoriasis
The skin beneath the rashes is often red or purplish depending on your skin tone, which in itself is an indication of inflammation. The rashes, which can also be called plaques, come and go and vary in size as well as how much they flare up.
There are different forms of psoriasis, and the most common form is called plaque psoriasis due to its shape. These most often appear on areas like the lower back, elbows, knees, and scalp.
- Nail psoriasis: Psoriasis can also affect fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth, and discoloration. Nails may also loosen, and in severe cases, the nail may crumble.
- Guttate psoriasis: This type primarily affects young adults and children. It is usually triggered by a bacterial infection such as strep throat. It presents as small, drop-shaped, scaling lesions on the trunk, arms, or legs.
- Inverse psoriasis: Mainly affects skin folds such as the groin, buttocks, and breasts. It appears as red patches of skin that worsen with friction and sweating. Fungal infections can trigger this type of psoriasis.
- Pustular psoriasis: This type is less common and occurs on the palms or soles in smaller areas, but it can also appear in widespread patches. It can cover the entire body with red, scaling rashes that itch or burn intensely.
- Psoriatic arthritis: Causes joint pain and swelling typical of arthritis. The joint symptoms may be the only symptom