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August is Psoriasis Action Awareness Month
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a disease that primarily affects the skin, but it can also damage the joints and affect other organs in some cases. About 5 million people in the U.S. have psoriasis.
There are 5 different kinds of psoriasis that can be diagnosed based on the appearance of the rash:
- Erythrodermic psoriasis: This type causes widespread reddening of the skin that looks like a sunburn. If you think that you have this, call 911 immediately or go to an emergency room for treatment.
- Guttate psoriasis: This type causes lesions shaped like water drops and is usually triggered by an infection such as a strep throat.
- Intertriginous (inverse) psoriasis: This type causes red patches near the genitals, under the breasts and in the armpits.
- Plaque psoriasis: The most common form of psoriasis. It causes red skin lesions that are covered by silver-colored scales.
- Pustular psoriasis: This type causes blisters on the skin and is usually caused by medications, infections and stress.
What symptoms can occur with psoriasis?
Psoriasis causes thick, red, scaly patches, called “plaques” or “lesions,” to form on the skin. Plaques usually itch or feel sore. They can occur anywhere on the body, but are most often found on the elbows, knees, face, scalp and lower back. The appearance of psoriasis can cause embarrassment. People often try to cover up the areas of their skin where the psoriasis shows.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when skin cells grow too rapidly. Usually, it takes about 4 weeks for skin cells to grow and move to the surface of your skin. In psoriasis, the cells make it to the surface of the skin in just a few days, where they pile up and cause problems.
People with psoriasis often notice that there are times when their skin is better and worse. They may also notice that certain things make their skin rash worse such as:
- Certain medications such as beta blockers
- Dry skin
- Infections
- Injury to the skin
- Stress
Psoriasis is not contagious. It can run in families but cannot be passed from person to person by touching someone’s skin or by sharing items like towels or clothing. Psoriasis is usually diagnosed by looking at the rash.
For information about psoriasis, visit here.
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