Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic condition of the skin and nails that manifests in flare-ups that cause elevated blotches of bumpy, red skin with silvery or whiteish-looking scales to appear. The plaques can occur anywhere on the body, but are most commonly seen on the elbows, knees, and scalp.

Psoriasis can cause rashes that last for weeks or months at a time. This autoimmune disorder often begins during early adulthood, and it can stop or return intermittently in the future. It is not contagious and cannot be spread through physical contact.

Some of the most common triggers for flare-ups include:

Plaque psoriasis, the most common type, causes silvery plaques that are prone to itching and bleeding, along with discolored or pitted nails. Guttate psoriasis shows up as small, red, teardrop-shaped dots that are not as thick as plaque psoriasis patches. It affects children and young adults more frequently. Pustular psoriasis produces painful, pus-filled blisters along with red patches. It is most typically found on the palms, soles of the feet, fingers, and toes.

Each variation has its own unique symptoms. The rash can affect just a few areas or, in more severe breakouts, grow over large areas over the body. Aside from redness and scales, common signs of the disorder include flaking, inflammation, thickened skin, dryness, cracking, dandruff-like skin, and swollen or stiff joints. People living with this skin condition may be more vulnerable to serious health conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, anxiety, and depression.

The root cause of the disease is thought to be an immune system malfunction. The body’s immune system is designed to target harmful bacteria and viruses. In psoriasis, the skin is abnormally inflamed as a result of chemicals produced by a type of white blood cell known as T lymphocytes. These “T cells” have a problem that causes them to attack normal, healthy skin cells.

An overly active immune system can cause skin cells to develop at an unusually fast rate: up to 10 times more than their normal speed. The body isn’t able to get rid of this excess, so the cells accumulate as scaly patches on the outer surface.

Having a close family member with the disease can put you at a greater risk, as genetic factors increase the likelihood of developing it.

A professional experienced in clinical dermatology, such as a physician assistant working with a board-certified dermatologist, can assess your overall medical history, physically examine your skin, and potentially perform a skin biopsy to help with a diagnosis. Unfortunately, no cure for the disorder has been found, but there is a wide range of treatment options, along with lifestyle changes patients can make to greatly reduce symptoms.

Treatments are designed to slow down the growth of skin cells, relieve itching and dryness, and improve the appearance of the affected skin. Skincare specialists may prescribe topical creams and moisturizers. Stress relief techniques such as deep breathing exercises, exercise, and medication are also recommended to mitigate symptoms.

South Jersey Skin Care & Laser Center offers help for a range of problems beyond psoriasis, including eczema, acne, and other conditions.