Despite its very visible appearance on your skin, psoriasis is fundamentally a non-curable autoimmune disease. As a common skin condition, psoriasis causes cells to rapidly build-up on the surface of your skin. This build-up of cells causes the production of the typical elevated itchy plaques of raised red skin covered with thick silvery scales that you see.
While in a normal situation the growth of skin cells may take up to one month, in psoriasis, the growth of skin cells may take just a few days. This rapid growth time doesn't enable your skin cells to fall off, leading to an increase of skin cells and the signs and symptoms characterized by psoriasis.
Psoriasis can affect any part of your body, though it commonly affects the skin of your elbows, knees, and scalp.
The different types of psoriasis:
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. It is expressed by red, inflamed patches that cover areas of the skin. These patches are often covered with whitish-silver scales or plaques, which are commonly found on the elbows, knees, and scalp.
Guttate psoriasis typically affects children and young adults. This type is expressed by small pink teardrop-shaped spots, which appear on the torso, arms, and legs.
Pustular psoriasis is an uncommon form of psoriasis which mostly affects adults. It appears as clearly defined, raised bumps that are filled with a white, thick fluid. This infected exudates is commonly referred to as pus. Pustular psoriasis may precede, accompany, or follow the standard form of plaque-type psoriasis.
Inverse psoriasis affects the skin folds (the areas of the body where skin rubs against skin). It can appear under the arms, under a woman’s breasts, or in the groin or inner thigh area. It looks like a red, shiny, smooth rash. People with inverse psoriasis often have another form of the disease, such as plaque psoriasis. Unlike plaque psoriasis which covers large parts of the body, inverse psoriasis may be limited to smaller patches.
Erythrodermic psoriasis is a severe type of psoriasis, however, very rare. The main symptom appears as fiery red skin from head to toe. The skin is also covered in scales and peels off in large pieces. It can be very painful and itchy. If you think you may have Erythrodermic psoriasis, consult with your doctor right away.
What are the Symptoms of Psoriasis?
Not all of you will suffer from the same symptoms of psoriasis – it usually depends on the type of psoriasis that you may have.
Symptoms of plaque psoriasis, the most common type of psoriasis, may include:
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Plaques of red raised inflamed skin, often covered with whitish-silver colored scales, which may sometimes crack and bleed and may be itchy
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Disorders of the fingernails and toenails, which may appear in discoloration and pitting of the nails
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Itching and burning sensations around patches
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Painful, swollen joints
Most people with psoriasis experience cycles of symptoms. The disease may cause severe symptoms for a few days or weeks, and then the symptoms may clear up and be almost unnoticeable. However, your symptoms can then return within a few weeks. Sometimes, symptoms of psoriasis disappear completely, in that case, you are considered to be in “remission” – the disease still exists but you are symptom free.
How do I know if I have Psoriasis?
If you suspect you have one or more of the symptoms described above, you should consult with your family doctor or dermatologist. Most doctors are able to diagnose psoriasis with a simple physical examination, as symptoms of psoriasis are typically evident. Your doctor may ask you about your family's medical history, as having a family member with the disease increases your risk for psoriasis.
Where symptoms are unclear, your doctor may take a biopsy from your skin for lab examination.
How is Psoriasis Usually Treated?
Dermatologists often recommend topical treatments such as creams, ointments, lotions and gels. These are considered the first line of treatment for people with mild to moderate psoriasis. In some cases, they’re used in combination with another type of treatment. Speak with your family doctor or dermatologist to understand which is the best treatment for you.
If you are looking for an all-natural, effective topical treatment, then DermaZor may be the ideal choice. DermaZor is the only patented, over-the-counter (OTC) treatment, recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation that combines the healing properties of cannabis with all natural, multi-acting ingredients. Clinically tested, DermaZor® has proven efficacy in the treatment of skin disorders, relieving symptoms and restoring the skin to its natural and healthy state.