Understanding Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells. It causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin, forming scales and red patches that are itchy and sometimes painful.
Key Fact: Psoriasis is not contagious; you cannot catch it from another person or spread it to someone else through skin-to-skin contact.
Common Symptoms
Red Patches
Red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales (plaques).
Dry, Cracked Skin
Skin that may bleed or itch intensely, often worse in dry environments.
Itching or Soreness
Persistent itching, burning, or soreness around the affected areas.
Thickened Nails
Thickened, pitted, or ridged nails on fingers or toes.
Swollen Joints
Stiff and swollen joints, which may indicate psoriatic arthritis.
Risk Factors
- Family history
- Stress
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Certain infections (especially strep throat)
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually based on a physical examination of your skin, scalp, and nails.
Common Treatments
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Topical Corticosteroids: Creams or ointments used to reduce inflammation and itching in mild to moderate cases.
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Phototherapy: Exposing the skin to controlled amounts of natural or artificial ultraviolet light.
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Biologics: Injected drugs that target specific parts of the immune system to treat moderate to severe psoriasis.