What is Psoriasis?

Table of Contents

• What is Psoriasis?
• What Causes Psoriasis?
• What are the Symptoms of Psoriasis?
• How Does Psoriasis Course?
• What are the Types of Psoriasis?
• How is Psoriasis Diagnosed?
• How is Psoriasis Treated?

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis, a type of autoimmune skin disease, causes skin cells to multiply more than normal and is characterized by raised and scaly lesions on the skin. Since this disease, which negatively affects quality of life, lasts a lifetime, treatment methods usually aim to reduce symptoms. Psoriasis, also known as psoriasis, usually manifests itself in early adulthood. In many cases, symptoms of the disease appear in certain areas of the body. However, in much more severe cases, it is possible to state that many areas of the body are affected by this condition.

Within the scope of the disease, a type of error occurs in the person’s immune system. This error causes healthy cells to be destroyed very quickly and new cells to be formed. Following physical findings is a necessary step in reducing disease symptoms. In addition, it is very important to systematically follow the psychology of patients. Because the disease also has psychological effects. It will be useful for the person to see a dermatologist from the first moments they see symptoms within the scope of disease treatment.

What Causes Psoriasis?

The causes of psoriasis are not fully determined. However, studies on the subject reveal that genetic factors and the immune system cause the development of the disease.

The causes and risk factors of the disease, which are extremely important within the scope of psoriasis treatment, can be listed in general terms as follows:

• Skin traumas
• Stress
• Throat or skin infections
• Various medications used for blood pressure or malaria treatment
• Tobacco use or exposure to smoking
• Cold or dry climate conditions
• Accompaniment of different autoimmune diseases

Each of these and similar issues are among the triggers of the disease. Genetic factors are an extremely important risk factor for the disease. People with a family history of psoriasis have a higher probability of developing the disease compared to other individuals. For this reason, family history is also listened to during the diagnosis of the disease.

What are the Symptoms of Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disease characterized by various symptoms. Since the types of the disease are different from each other, the symptoms may also vary. Plaque-type psoriasis manifests itself with red spots. Red spots covered with silvery scales can be seen in different parts of the body. The plaques that appear on the skin can be itchy and painful. Sometimes they can even crack and bleed. In addition, fingernails and toenails can also be affected by this condition. Color changes and pitting can be given as examples of deformations in the nail structure.

Pustular psoriasis, which is mostly seen in adults, causes a red and scaly skin appearance. Blisters containing white or colored fluids can appear in different parts of the body. The fluid inside the blisters is not inflammatory.

Although the symptoms vary according to the type of disease, blisters usually appear on the skin. Itching often occurs on these blisters. On the other hand, pain and soreness can also occur. It is extremely important to choose appropriate treatment methods for the disease, which seriously affects the person’s daily life. For this reason, you should definitely see a specialist after the symptoms of psoriasis appear. In addition, adhering to the preferred treatment methods after diagnosis will ensure that you are less affected by the negative effects of the symptoms that appear.

How Does Psoriasis Course?

Psoriasis progresses through two different periods: flare-ups and remissions. While the course of the disease varies from person to person, these two periods are characterized by the development of the disease.

Various symptoms manifest themselves during the flare-up period. These include lesions and itchy blisters, cracking and bleeding on the skin, red and raised plaques, thickening and discoloration of the nails. These symptoms directly affect the person’s daily life during the flare-up period. The duration of the flare-up may vary from patient to patient. For this reason, it is not possible to clearly state how long the flare-up period will last. In some patients, the recovery period lasts 2 to 3 months. In addition, there are patients who have a recovery process of several years. Psoriasis treatment comes to the fore at this stage. The effects of the symptoms are minimized with various treatment methods.

During the healing process of the disease, previously occurring lesions partially or completely disappear. In addition, it is observed that the skin color returns to normal. In addition, itching and pain accompanied by blisters on the skin are also eliminated. This allows the person to achieve a much better quality of life.

The disease, which manifests itself with psoriasis symptoms, must first be diagnosed and then the necessary treatment methods must be applied. Because the disease is chronic and flare-ups of the disease are seen at various periods. Therefore, it is very important to apply the right treatment methods in order to minimize the symptoms during the flare-up process.

What are the Types of Psoriasis?

Psoriasis types, which progress with various symptoms, differ. The common types of the disease can be listed as follows:

• Guttate Psoriasis: It mostly occurs in children and adolescents. It progresses with redness and rashes. It is likely to be seen after throat infections.
• Plaque Psoriasis: Plaque psoriasis, which is among the types of psoriasis, is one of the most common types. Raised plaques can appear in different parts of the body, especially the knees, elbows, and scalp. Raised plaques usually have silvery dandruff.
• Pustular Psoriasis: It is characterized by pimples containing pus. Pimple forms can appear in different parts of the body.
• Psoriasis in Joints: It is a type that can be characterized by psoriasis directly in the joints. It is also possible to see psoriasis in the joints of people with skin involvement. Psoriasis is mostly seen in the joints of the hands and feet.

The types of psoriasis mentioned appear in the form of certain symptoms. It directly affects the person’s life.

How is Psoriasis Diagnosed?

There are various methods that allow the diagnosis of psoriasis to be made. A physical examination is performed by a dermatologist during the periods when the disease is active. Symptoms are easily noticed with the examination. The knees, elbows, nails and belly button are examined in detail. It is determined whether there are signs of psoriasis in these areas.

In addition to the physical examination, a biopsy is also requested. A skin sample is taken as part of the application. Then, the skin is analyzed in a laboratory environment for any infection. Physical examination and biopsy are extremely important in terms of diagnosing the disease. Especially if there is an early stage of psoriasis, appropriate treatment methods are determined so that the patient can have a much better quality of life.

How is Psoriasis Treated?

The definitive treatment for psoriasis is to alleviate the symptoms using various methods. Steroid creams and moisturizers are generally recommended for dry skin. Creams containing vitamin D can be used for psoriasis that occurs on the scalp. Treatment methods known as phototherapy can be preferred in the treatment of more severe diseases.