What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by inflammation and the rapid overproduction and shedding of skin cells. This leads to the formation of thick, scaly patches, often on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. While not contagious. Can be painful, disrupt sleep, and reduce quality of life. The precise cause is unknown แทงบอล UFABET ราคาดีที่สุด ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ but believed to involve an interplay of genetic and environmental factors triggering an overactive immune response that attacks healthy skin cells.
Types of Psoriasis
Psoriasis presents in various forms, each with unique symptoms and traits:
1. Plaque
The most prevalent type, features raised, red lesions with silvery-white scales, commonly on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
2. Guttate
Primarily affects children, with small red spots appearing on the torso and limbs, often after an upper respiratory infection.
3. Pustular
Marked by skin blisters filled with pus, usually on the palms and soles, potentially triggered by medications, infections, or stress.
4. Inverse
Impacts skin folds like the groin and buttocks, worsening with friction and perspiration.
5. Erythrodermic
Although rare, this type is severe. It causes widespread body redness and scaling, sometimes due to sunburn or certain drugs.
6. Psoriatic arthritis
Causes joint pain and inflammation, in addition to skin symptoms.
Symptoms
Some common symptoms include:
- Thick, red skin patches with silvery-white scales that itch or burn
- Commonly appear on elbows, knees, scalp, trunk, palms, and soles of feet
- Dry, cracked skin prone to itching and bleeding
- Thick, ridged, or pitted nails
- Poor sleep quality owing to discomfort
The specific symptoms of psoriasis can vary depending on the type:
- Plaque causes red, scaly plaques, most frequently on the scalp, knees, lower back, hands, and feet
- Guttate appears as small, reddish, white-scaled spots on the chest, abdomen, arms, and thighs, often triggered by strep infections
- Inverse leads to smooth, shiny, red skin in the armpits, groin, genitals, and under the breasts
- Pustular causes pus-filled bumps surrounded by red skin, typically on the hands and feet but can be generalised
- Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare, severe type causing red, scaly skin over most of the body, along with fever, chills, and dehydration
What part of the body will affect?
- Scalp: red, scaly patches on the scalp
- Elbows: dry, cracked skin on the elbows
- Knees: red, scaly patches on the knees
- Lower back: dry, cracked skin on the lower back
- Hands and feet: red, scaly patches on the hands and feet
- Nails: thickening, pitting, or separation of the nails
- Joints
The location and extent of psoriasis symptoms can vary significantly from person to person. While some individuals may have only a few small patches, others can experience widespread coverage. Working closely with a dermatologist can help determine the most effective psoriasis treatment plan based on the specific areas of the body affected.