Red and itchy scaling on the skin is known as psoriasis. This condition most commonly appears on the knees, elbows, and scalp. However, this skin disorder can cover large parts of the body in severe cases, including the legs, hands, and back. The disease usually starts in early adulthood, but it may also occur later in life. Sadly, this autoimmune condition is incurable, but treatments can help manage it better.

Symptoms

Depending on the type of psoriasis, the symptoms can vary. Some of the common symptoms are:

• Red skin patches

Psoriasis causes red skin patches that are often covered with thick, silvery scales.

• Scaly scalp

There is a coating on the scalp.

• Itchy skin

It causes dry, cracked skin that tends to itch and may sometimes bleed.

• Dry skin

The skin becomes dry and cracked, causing it to bleed.

• Pitted nails

The fingernails or toenails become pitted, crumbly, or fall off.

• Swollen joints

Psoriasis can also cause the joints to become swollen and stiff.

Types

The following are the five types of psoriasis:

Plaque psoriasis

The most common type is plaque psoriasis which causes red, inflamed patches covered by silvery-white scales on light-toned skin. It causes purple, grayish, or darker brown patches on those with a darker skin tone. This type usually occurs on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.

Scalp psoriasis

This type of psoriasis can affect not only the scalp but also the hairline, forehead, and skin around the ears. It may appear as thick, crusted plaques with a silvery sheen on the scalp and other areas of the body. Scalp psoriasis is common in people who have chronic plaque psoriasis.

Inverse psoriasis

This type causes bright red, shiny lesions that appear in the skin folds of the groin, buttocks, and breasts. The condition can worsen with friction and sweating.

Erythrodermic psoriasis

Erythrodermic is the least common yet severe type of psoriasis. It causes redness of the skin and the shedding of scales in sheets and can cover large areas. A person may also experience severe itching, pain, and inflammation.

Guttate psoriasis

This type is common in children and adolescents. Small, scaly red spots appear mainly on the torso and limbs. This type can be triggered by a range of conditions, including an upper respiratory infection, strep throat, tonsillitis, stress, and injury to the skin.

Pustular psoriasis

This is a rare type of psoriasis that causes white, pus-filled blisters on the palm of the hands and soles of the feet. It can make activities such as writing or walking extremely painful.

Nail psoriasis

Psoriasis can also affect the fingernails and toenails. In severe cases, nails may crumble or detach from the nail bed.

Complications

When left untreated, psoriasis can lead to complications, including:

• Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis causes progressive damage to the joints and is most common in people aged 30-50 years.

• Eye problems

The inflammation caused by psoriasis can also affect parts of the eyes and could result in conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and uveitis.

• Mental health conditions

Psoriasis is a condition that affects the skin. People are more likely to experience low self-esteem and depression.

• Cancer

There is a higher risk of certain types of cancer, including lymphoma, skin cancer, colon cancer, kidney and liver cancers, and esophageal cancer.

• Cardiovascular disease

The inflammation caused by psoriasis can also damage the heart and blood vessels, leading to a heart attack or stroke.

Risk factors

Psoriasis can affect anyone. But certain factors can increase the risk of developing it. They include:

• Family history

If someone’s parents, grandparents, or sibling has psoriasis, they may be at a higher risk of getting it.

• Stress

Stress can affect the immune system and may increase the risk of developing this condition.

• Smoking

Smoking increases the risk of this disease and its severity.

• Alcohol

Heavy drinkers have a higher risk of developing this condition.

• Infection

Upper respiratory infections such as tonsillitis, sinusitis, or strep throat that affect the immune system can also increase the risk of psoriasis.

• Skin injuries

Skin injuries, such as cuts, scrapes, or surgery, can also increase the risk of developing psoriasis in that area.

Lifestyle and home remedies

There are certain things to keep the symptoms under control, and they include:

• Bathe daily and keep skin moisturized

Taking daily baths with lukewarm water will help remove the scales from the skin. Also, using a moisturizer after a bath will help reduce flare-ups.

• Eat healthy foods and exercise

A nutritious diet consisting of vegetables and legumes and exercising regularly can play a crucial role in psoriasis management.

• Enjoy the sun every day

To reduce the symptoms of psoriasis, regular exposure to natural sunlight may be beneficial.

• Reduce stress

Stress can lead to flare-ups in people with this condition. Practicing yoga and breathing techniques may help in managing stress.

Sadly, psoriasis cannot be cured, but treatments can help you in managing the symptoms and lead a better life.