PSORIASIS SYMPTOMS

Individuals with psoriasis experience symptoms such as itching, cracking, stinging, burning, or bleeding (ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc.).

Lack of sunlight and low indoor humidity in the winter months can cause the psoriasis symptoms to worsen (Hall 132).

The skin is most likely to crack at the joints where the body bends, or in areas where the individual scratches. Scratching should be strictly avoided, because it can cause bleeding and infection.

Psoriasis has also been known to cause pits or dents to form in fingernails and toenails.

There is also the possibility that the soft tissue inside the mouth and genitalia can be affected.

In some cases, psoriasis will cause joint inflammation that produces arthritis symptoms. This condition is called psoriatic arthritis.

People with psoriasis may notice that there are times when their skin worsens, then improves. Conditions that may cause psoriasis flareups include changes in climate, infections, stress, and dry skin. Also, certain medicines, most notably beta-blockers, which are used in the treatment of high blood pressure, and lithium or drugs used in the treatment of depression, may cause an outbreak or worsening of the disease.

Cause of Psoriasis

There are many different theories as to the cause of psoriasis. Although no one knows for sure, many scientists believe that a biochemical stimulus triggers the abnormally high skin growth which will in turn cause the skin lesions (National Psoriasis Foundation).

Heredity also plays a role in the development of psoriasis. Individuals who have a family member with a severe case of psoriasis tend to experience early onset of the disease (Camisa 55).

Recent research studies indicate that psoriasis may be a disorder of the immune system. The T cell, a white blood cell, normally works to fight off infection and disease. Scientists believe that having an abnormal immune system may cause abnormal activity by T cells in the skin. These abnormally active T cells cause skin inflammation and increased cell production. Diet and vitamin influences are thought to play a role in psoriasis development and progression (Kligman 729).

Because psoriasis is a lifelong condition, the levels of its severity and improvement can fluctuate over time. Psoriasis is not a contagious skin condition. An individual instead, has a genetic predisposition for psoriasis, which can be activated by certain environmental factors or emotional stress.

Individuals with psoriasis may find that their condition tends to flare up due to stress, certain medications, winter weather, and infections (ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc.). Most often psoriasis affects the scalp, knees, elbows, hands, and feet (National Psoriasis Foundation).

Types of Psoriasis

The best place to begin is to determine what type of psoriasis you have and thenthe best course of treatment. Below you will find a listing of the more common types of Psoriasis:

Types of PSORIASIS:

Palmoplantar Psoriasis is psoriasis of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

Plaque Psoriasis appears as red lesions covered with white scales.

Guttate Psoriasis appears as small, drop-shaped red patches of psoriasis.

Inverse Psoriasis appears as smooth inflamed lesions in skin folds.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis appears as scaly red skin over all the body.

Pustular Psoriasis appears as a large red area containing pustules.

Psoriatic Arthritis is psoriasis accompanied by arthritis.

Scalp & Ear Psoriasis is psoriasis appearing on the scalp or ears.

Nail Psoriasis is psoriasis which affects the fingernails or toenails.