Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects about 125 million people globally. Though the disease is quite common, it remains a mystery for many people.

Psoriasis changes the life of people living with the condition, but it doesn’t have to be a burden. This article aims to shed light on the truth about psoriasis through a visual story.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes cells to rapidly build up on the surface of the skin. Normally, skin cells take about a month to grow and shed.

However, in a person with psoriasis, this process takes only a few days, resulting in the buildup of scaly patches on the skin.

Types of Psoriasis

There are several types of psoriasis, including:.

Plaque Psoriasis

The most common type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, which accounts for 80-90% of all psoriasis cases. Plaque psoriasis causes raised, red, and scaly patches on the skin, which are often itchy and painful.

These patches can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on the knees, elbows, scalp, and lower back.

Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis causes small, red, and scaly spots to appear on the skin. These spots can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on the trunk, arms, and legs.

Guttate psoriasis is often triggered by an infection, such as strep throat.

Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis causes pus-filled blisters to appear on the skin. These blisters are often surrounded by red, inflamed skin. Pustular psoriasis can be triggered by medications, infection, stress, or exposure to certain chemicals.

Inverse Psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis causes red, inflamed patches of skin to appear in skin folds, such as the armpits, groin, and under the breasts. These patches are often shiny and smooth, rather than scaly.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare but severe form of psoriasis that causes widespread redness, itching, and scaling of the skin. This type of psoriasis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Causes of Psoriasis

The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some people with psoriasis have a family history of the disease, while others develop it without any known risk factors.

Certain triggers can also cause psoriasis to flare up, including:.

Stress
Infection
Medications
Injury to the skin
Smoking
Heavy drinking

Symptoms of Psoriasis

The symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on the type of psoriasis a person has. However, some common symptoms include:.

Red, inflamed patches of skin
Silvery white scales on the skin
Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
Itching or burning sensation on the skin
Pitted or dented nails

Treatment for Psoriasis

There is currently no cure for psoriasis, but there are many treatment options available to help manage the symptoms, including:.

Topical creams and ointments
Light therapy
Oral medications
Biologic drugs
Lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress and avoiding triggers

Living with Psoriasis

Living with psoriasis can be challenging, but there are ways to manage the condition and improve quality of life:.

Work with a doctor to develop a treatment plan that works for you
Take care of your skin by keeping it moisturized and avoiding harsh products
Avoid triggers that can cause psoriasis to flare up
Reduce stress with relaxation techniques, such as yoga and meditation
Connect with a support group or therapist who understands the challenges of living with psoriasis

Conclusion

Psoriasis is a common and often misunderstood skin condition. While psoriasis can be a difficult condition to live with, it is not life-threatening, and many treatment options are available to manage the symptoms.

By working with a healthcare provider, avoiding triggers, and taking care of the skin, people with psoriasis can lead a full and healthy life.