Psoriasis is a type of skin problem that causes itchiness, rashes and scaly patches mostly on the knees, scalp and elbows. It is a very common but chronic disease that doesn’t have a cure yet. It causes inflammation in the skin. It may affect people of any age, gender or region. It is estimated that more than 3% of the US population has psoriasis. It is caused due to an overactive immune system that produces inflammation in the skin. It is not a contagious disease and you can sit around people without being worried.
According to glow Pittsboro, the symptoms of psoriasis are:
- Red patches on the skin: Such patches may be covered with silver-looking scales known as plaques. They can appear anywhere on the body but mostly they are found on the lower back, on the knees, elbows and palms.
- Dry skin: The problematic area becomes dry and it may also itch at times. You may also experience deep cracks and bleeding. This can cause pain and discomfort.
- Pain in the joint: Few people who have psoriasis may experience a condition known as psoriatic arthritis. It causes pain in the joint and the affected area may become stiff and may even swell. It can affect any joint in the body such as the fingers, knees or ankles.
- Itching: Psoriasis causes itchiness and discomfort in the affected region. Due to this, you may also experience a kind of burning sensation when the skin folds or gets in contact with a foreign object.
- Thick nails: A person suffering from psoriasis may develop thick nails which may get discolored too. In certain cases, the nails may even become loose and get separated from the finger.
- Plaques on the scalp: Psoriasis may affect the scalp of the person where thick plaques may develop. These plaques can even travel to your forehead, neck and ears. This causes lots of itching, discomfort and embarrassment.
If you are suffering from psoriasis, consult a dermatologist who will begin with the diagnosis after a physical checkup. He will examine the symptoms and ask you a few basic questions. The healthcare professional may ask about the history of skin conditions in your family, the time when you first noticed the symptoms, home remedies that you may have tried, the type of soap and shampoos that you use, etc. There are various treatment options available some of them include steroid creams, moisturizers for the skin, certain medicated shampoos, vitamin D3 ointment, etc.
