Psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a noncontagious, chronic autoimmune condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells and causes the rapid buildup of skin cells on the surface of the skin. he extra skin cells form scales and red patches that are itchy and sometimes painful. Psoriasis typically affects the outside of the elbows, knees or scalp, though it can appear on any location. Psoriasis is associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression. It affects all races and both sexes.
The spectrum of this disease ranges from mild with limited involvement of small areas of skin to severe psoriasis with large, thick plaques to red inflamed skin affecting the entire body surface.
Psoriasis can be mild, moderate or severe. Treatment options may depend on how severe psoriasis is. Severity is based on how much of your body is affected by psoriasis. However, the severity of psoriasis is also measured by how psoriasis affects a person's quality of life.
Etiology:
- A combination of elements, including genetic predisposition and environmental factors, are involved.
- Defects in the immune system and the control of inflammation
- Certain medications like beta-blockers have been linked to psoriasis
Types:
- I. PLAQUE PSORIASIS or psoriasis vulgaris – common type. It usually shows as raised, inflamed, red lesions, covered by silvery, white scales, most often on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
- II. GUTTATE PSORIASIS – often starts in childhood or young adulthood. It appears as small, red, individual spots on the skin. The spots are not usually as thick or as crusty as the lesions in plaque psoriasis. It can be triggered by several conditions, such as:
- upper respiratory infections.
- streptococcal infections
- tonsillitis
- stress
- injury to the skin
- certain medications, including antimalarials, lithium, and beta-blockers.
- III. INVERSE PSORIASIS – occurs in the folds like of the underarms, umbilicus, under the breasts, groin, and buttocks. Inverse psoriasis has red lesions, usually without the scales that occur in plaque psoriasis. The lesions might be smooth and shiny. Irritation from rubbing and sweating can make this type of psoriasis worse due to its location in skin folds and tender areas. It is more common in people who are overweight and those with deep skin folds.