What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a long-term inflammatory skin condition, which can occur at any age.
People living with psoriasis typically experience periods of flares, followed by remission. There are several different types of psoriasis, and the symptoms are not only confined to the skin, but also can affect the nails, joints and have a profound knock-on impact to mental health.
What causes psoriasis?
Psoriasis develops as a result of both internal and external factors.
Research suggests that in people with psoriasis, t-cells in the immune system attack healthy cells, causing skin cells to reproduce more often than usual. By way of comparison, skin cells are usually replaced every 3-4 weeks, but in psoriasis cells are formed and replaced in 3-4 days.
This build up of cells creates the patches of inflamed skin associated with psoriasis.
It is understood that flare ups of psoriasis can be triggered as a result of infection, injury to the skin, alcohol, hormonal changes and stress.
What are the different types of psoriasis?
There are several types of psoriasis with varying characteristics, including:
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The most common type of psoriasis presenting in about 85% of cases, with raised inflamed patches of skin, with silvery scales and defined edges. On light skin tones the plaques will be pink or red in colour, while in dark skin tones they will usually be grey in colour. Plaques commonly appear on the knees, elbows, trunk, scalp, behind the ears, the base of the back and between the buttocks.
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Appears as small psoriasis lesions usually on the trunk of the body, often following a case of tonsilitis or other throat infection. The lesions appear red or pink on light skin tones but may appear as a darkening of the skin on black and brown skin.
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Usually presents as chronic plaque psoriasis, on the scalp area.
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Flexural (Inverse) Psoriasis
Occurs in the folds of the skin such as under the armpits, behind the knees, under the breasts and between the buttocks.
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Is when psoriasis occurs on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands.
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A rare type of psoriasis where small pus-filled spots appear on top of areas of inflamed skin. It is widespread and is considered a medical emergency.
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Is an extremely aggressive form of psoriasis which affects the majority of the skin (more than 90%) and is a potential medical emergency.
“My psoriasis first appeared after a loss in the family… I find that even now my flares are so connected to my stress levels.”
— JULIE —
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
Psoriasis usually causes patches of dry, scaly skin referred to as plaques.
In white skin, these patches are pink or red in colour. In black and brown skin these patches may appear as a purple or dark brown colour. These patches are often covered with silvery coloured scales.
The area can be extremely itchy and painful.
Psoriasis can also have an effect on the nails, with pitting, thickening and discolouration occurring. In some cases, the nails can lift from the nail bed.
People with psoriasis are also at increased risk of developing psoriatic arthritis, which causes swelling, pain and stiffness in the joints and in areas where tendons join the bone.
What is the treatment for psoriasis?
While there is no known cure for psoriasis, the condition can be treated and managed.
Treatments vary from one individual to the next but generally include the application of emollients to soften the scales, reduce itching, maintain hydration, and provide a protective barrier. An emollient such as Emollin® works to trap moisture within the skin, reduces scaling and relieves itching. Emollin softens the cracked areas, making the skin feel more comfortable.
Topical steroid treatments may also be prescribed to reduce inflammation.
In severe cases, your doctor may recommend UV light therapy or internal treatments such as tablets or injectables.
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