This information guide, a part of PS’s Condition centerDetects reality in this health problem: what it is, what it might look like and strategies that medical experts say have proven to help. You should always consult your doctor about issues relating to your health and before you start any medical treatment.
More than seven million people in the United States have psoriasis, according to American Academy of Dermatology (And if you didn’t know it, Kim Kardashian is one of them). This chronic, inflammatory skin disease can be frustrating and difficult to treat, especially because it can affect both physical and mental health.
“Psoriasis can affecting a patient’s body imageCausing Anxiety and Depression, “Certified dermatologist Jodi Logerfo, DNP. People Mayel like the Condition Makes the Skin Unatractive or Worry, is psoriasis contagious? Which not, the doctor notes. While there no cure’s no cure Manage Symptoms, Understand What Triggers Their Flare-Upps, and Lessen The affects the psoriasis has on their lives.
Experts displayed in this article
Jodi Logerfo, DNP, is a dermatologist on Orentreich Medical Group.
Jay WoffordMD, is a board -certified dermatologist and colleague at the American Academy of Dermatology.
Anna ChaconMD, FAAD, is a board -certified dermatologist based from southern Florida.
Robin Evans, MD, is a board -certified dermatologist at Southern Connecticut Dermatology.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is triggered by immune system errors, says Dr. Logerfo. People with psoriasis experience overactive skin cell growth, where skin cells multiply “up to ten times faster than normal,” she says. Instead of dropping, the cells are built up on the skin’s surface, which causes scaly spots called plaque.
Plaque can occur anywhere on the body, but are usually found on the elbows, knees, lower back, scalp and genitals, says board certified dermatologist Jay Wofford, MD. Psoriasis can also affect the area under the breasts, in the armpits or on nailsthe soles on your feet or palms. In some cases it may evenly dive into the scalp. While some people experience it in one or two areas, others may experience psoriasis that spreads to other areas over the years.
Psoriasis symptoms
Symptoms of psoriasis may vary, but usually include:
- Red, shiny, itchy notes: This is the most well -known symptoms of psoriasis. These stains, known as plaque, are usually well defined, symmetrically distributed, silvery and/or scared, says dermatologist Anna Chacon, MD. The skin spots are discolored, appear red on light -skinned people and purple or brown on dark -skinned people.
- Moist, shiny skin: This usually occurs in skin folds, says Dr. Chacon.
- Nail changes: Nails can become rough or crumbly or show changes in color, sometimes mistaken for a fungal infection.
- Changes in the structure after itching: For people with psoriasis, says Dr. Chacon, it often leads to lichenification, alias a leathery texture and increased skin markings. “Skin cracks or cracks can also occur,” she says.
- Combustion or pain in affected areas. The rash can also be cyclic, flushing for weeks or months before sinking.
Psoriasis causes
Psoriasis is an immune -mediated disease, which means it is the result of abnormal immune cell activity. In this case, the immune system is overactive and causes skin cells to be replaced faster than usual, says Dr. Chacon.
What makes this happen? “The human body produces new skin cells in the deepest skin layer,” says Dr. Chacon. Then “the skin cells move up through the different skin layers until they reach the outermost levels, where they die and flake off.” Usually this process takes about three to four weeks. For people with psoriasis it can take three to seven days. The abnormal speed of this process causes “immature cells (to) to build on the skin’s surface,” says Dr. Chacon, which is what causes psoriasis-affected skin to flake, scale and break out in plaque.
The exact causes of psoriasis are unknown, but doctors believe that two different aspects play a role.
- Genetic factors: Is psoriasis genetic? “There is a strong hereditary component for psoriasis in most people with the condition,” says Dr. Wofford, which means that if someone in your family has psoriasis you may have a greater chance of developing the condition.
- Environmental trigger: “Psoriasis occurs in people with a genetic predisposition (who is inherited) who has experienced some known or unknown trigger, which causes the immune system to perform,” says Dr. Wofford. Trigger differs from patient to patient but may include alcohol, smoking, stress, menopauseInfections, medicines including lithiumand even Cold weather.
Psoriasis is also associated with metabolic syndrome, Crohn’s diseaseCardiovascular disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), among other serious conditions, says Robin Evans, MD, from Southern Connecticut Dermatology.
People with psoriasis can also develop psoriatic arthritis, causing joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Most will only develop arthritis years after they first experienced psoriasis, according to Mayo ClinicBut symptoms can occur simultaneously for some people and even before skin symptoms in others.
Most effective psoriasis treatments
Many people want to know how to cure psoriasis permanently. Unfortunately, there is no cure, but treatment options are available, depending on the severity.
- Treatment for mild or limited psoriasis: If you have mild psoriasis (defined as having plaque five to 10 percent of the body or less), you will probably be treated with current creams and lotions, which may include steroids, retinoids and vitamin D analogues, says Dr. Logerfo. Localized phototherapy or light therapy, which “uses narrowly directed rays of ultraviolet light” to reduce inflammation, is Also an alternativeSays Dr. Wofford.
- Treatment for severe psoriasis: For severe psoriasis (plaque of more than five to 10 percent of the body) patients are given “systemic” treatments, such as medicines via mouth or injection. Phototherapy can also be used for severe psoriasis.
In addition to prescription treatments, there are also some things you can do to manage psoriasis symptoms at home:
- Avoid picking and scratching on your skin. This includes picking around plaque as well as unaffected skin, because “trauma for the skin is a known trigger for psoriasis,” says Dr. Wofford.
- Try food sensitivity tests. Although food cannot cause psoriasis itself, many foods contribute to inflammation in the body, which can trigger psoriasis. Talk to a doctor about trying food sensitivity training, taking supplements or managing your diet to limit psoriasis outbreaks. According to John Hopkins MedicineYou can reduce inflammation by limiting alcohol, dairy, gluten and foods with refined carbohydrates, saturated and trans fats and processed sugar. Try to upload your diet with Anti -inflammatory foods Like fish, tofu, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans and lentils.
- Limit stress. “Psoriasis can create a lot of stress and problems for patients, and we know that stress can aggravate the condition,” says Dr. Evans. Try Manage stress As much as possible to avoid inflating.
If you think you have psoriasis, be sure to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment options. Psoriasis symptoms are only aggravated if they are not treated.
Equally important is the impact as psoriasis can have on your mental health. “(Psoriasis) can have emotional impact on one’s personal, social and intimate life,” says Dr. Evans. “It is important to know that there is help, there is treatment and patients should seek help from a board -certified dermatologist for a consultation and recommendations.”
If you or a beloved fight with anxiety, call Axty and Depression Association of America (1-240-485-1001) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (1-800-950-6264). You can also SMS “Helpline” to 62640 (for Nami) or Dial 988, the country’s hotline for mental health.
Maggie Ryan Was assistant editor at Popsugar. Maggie is a long -term runner and athlete and has almost four years of experience in covering topics in the wellness space, specializing in fitness, sports, nutrition and mental health.