August 06, 2018
If you suffer from psoriasis then you know how painful the symptoms can be. This might lead you to wonder, then, what causes psoriasis? It turns out that, while less is known about the root cause of psoriasis, much progress has been made in developing ways to reduce flair-ups (Hooray!). Read on to learn what causes psoriasis and some healthy lifestyle changes you can make that will get you back to living your best life!
What Causes Psoriasis and How to Treat It
In this article:
- Psoriasis Symptoms to Watch Out For
- What Are the Different Psoriasis Types?
- What Causes Psoriasis to Flare-Up?
- Treatment of Psoriasis
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin condition that forms patches of skin that are red, itchy, and sometimes painful. It can occur anywhere in the body but most commonly forms on the elbows, scalp, palms, soles, and knees. It’s considered a chronic autoimmune disease that comes and goes.
Psoriasis Symptoms to Watch Out For
Each type of psoriasis has a unique set of symptoms, but the most common to all are the following:
- Itchy skin
- Red patches
- Scaly patches
- Joint pain and soreness
What Are the Different Psoriasis Types?
- Plaque psoriasis is the most common type. It commonly appears on the elbows, scalp, lower back, and knees. This looks like thick red patches with white or silver scales.
- Pustular psoriasis is the more severe type of psoriasis. It develops quickly. It comes in the form of white pustules around the reddish skin. These pustules can join together and form scales on the hands and feet. They can also cause flu-like symptoms.
- Inverse psoriasis or flexural psoriasis have a red and shiny appearance. This type of psoriasis commonly appears where sweat or moisture is present, especially on skinfolds like the armpits, breasts, and genitals.
- Guttate psoriasis is common among children and young adults. It appears as small, drop-shaped, red spots and often found on the limbs and torso. It can also appear on the scalp and face.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis, also known as exfoliative psoriasis, is a rare type of psoriasis. It looks like burns that are red and scaly.
- Psoriatic arthritis is a combination of psoriasis and arthritis.
What Is the Main Cause of Psoriasis of the Skin?
It is still uncertain among medical experts as to what causes psoriasis. However, studies have found a strong correlation between psoriasis and the immune system. Overactive T cells attack healthy skin cells causing them to rapidly multiply and accumulate on the surface of the skin. This causes the red patches and itchiness.
What Causes Psoriasis to Flare-Up?
There are triggers know to cause psoriasis to flare up even after a successful treatment. These include:
- Infection
- Alcohol
- Stress
- Wounds
- Medications
- Smoking
- Obesity
Treatment of Psoriasis
The first step towards proper psoriasis treatment is getting an assessment from a dermatologist. The assessment will determine which treatments will be most effective. There are specific treatments for each type of psoriasis, and they include the following:
- Topical medication
- Oral medication
- Corticosteroids
- Light therapy or phototherapy
- Biologic drugs
Watch this video from Nucleus Medical Media for a close look at what happens when you have psoriasis:
While there’s treatment available for each type of psoriasis, prevention techniques are the most beneficial. It’s imperative to have a treatment plan for pre-existing conditions, practice good hygiene, and follow a healthy diet and lifestyle to prevent future breakouts.
Have you ever had psoriasis? What home remedies did you try? Share your experience with us in the comments section below!
Up Next: Essential Oil For Psoriasis: Try These 7 Scents