Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes symptoms such as plaques or red spots on the skin, itching, burning, dry or cracked skin, especially on the arms, elbows, hands, legs and scalp.
Although its cause is not completely known, psoriasis appears to be related to genetic and environmental factors, and it is common for symptoms to appear during periods of great stress.
The treatment of psoriasis is carried out by a dermatologist and aims to alleviate symptoms and prevent attacks and is normally carried out using corticosteroids or immunosuppressants in the form of ointments, tablets or injections, or phototherapy, for example.
Psoriasis symptoms
The main symptoms of psoriasis are:
- Red plaques or spots on the skin;
- Peeling of the skin in the affected area, similar to dandruff;
- Itching or burning sensation;
- Dry skin on site;
- Cracks at the location of the plates that can bleed.
Symptoms of psoriasis can appear on the arms, elbows, hands, legs, knees, genitals, scalp, belly, coccyx or lower back, for example, and vary according to the type of psoriasis. Know how to identify all the symptoms of psoriasis.
It is important to consult a dermatologist to identify the type of psoriasis and, therefore, recommend the most appropriate treatment.
How long does psoriasis last on the skin?
The time that psoriasis symptoms last varies, as they are cyclical, and may appear for a few weeks or months and disappear after some time without requiring treatment, but they may reappear, especially during periods of greater stress.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of psoriasis is made by a dermatologist by evaluating the symptoms, as well as when they started, how long they last and severity, health history and physical examination of the skin, nails and scalp.
Make an appointment with the dermatologist in the region closest to you:
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may also have to carry out some tests to assess the health status and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as eczema, ringworm, lichen planus or lupus erythematosus, for example.
Thus, blood tests, kidney and liver function tests, uric acid, rheumatoid factor, hepatitis serology and skin biopsy, for example, may be requested. Find out how a skin biopsy is performed.
Possible causes
The exact cause of psoriasis is not yet completely known, however, it is considered an autoimmune disease, mediated by T lymphocytes, being influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
Some factors that appear to increase the risk of developing psoriasis are:
- Blows to the skin;
- Sunburn or insect bite;
- Cuts, scratches or chemical or radioactive trauma to the skin;
- Virus or bacterial infections;
- Habits such as smoking or alcoholism;
- Emotional stress;
- Use of medications, especially antimalarials, lithium or beta blockers.
Psoriasis also has a very strong genetic relationship, as more than 50% of those affected have other cases of psoriasis in the family.
Watch the following video and understand a little more about the symptoms and causes of psoriasis:
Types of psoriasis
The main types of psoriasis are:
1. Psoriasis vulgaris
Psoriasis vulgaris, also called plaque psoriasis, is the most common form of the disease and is characterized by the presence of red plaques, with white or silvery scales, which can be from a few millimeters to several centimeters in size.
This type of psoriasis typically appears on the arms, legs, scalp and lower back, but can also end up affecting the nails.
2. Guttate psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis, also known as teardrop psoriasis, is more common in children, adolescents and young adults, and is manifested by the presence of teardrop-shaped spots on the skin.
The patches of guttate psoriasis are less than 1 cm in size and tend to appear on the trunk, armpits and groin, usually after an infection with Streptococcus of the respiratory tract.
3. Pustular psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis is a type of psoriasis characterized by the appearance of small blisters on the skin filled with pus, along with spots on the skin.
These blisters can appear in just one specific region of the skin or end up spreading throughout the body.
When pustular psoriasis is generalized, the person may also have a fever of 39º to 40º for several days.
4. Inverted psoriasis
Inverted psoriasis is another type of psoriasis that is identified when psoriasis patches appear only in moist places, such as armpits, groin, inframammary region, navel or scalp, for example.
Because they appear in humid places, these stains do not usually show flaking.
5. Nail psoriasis
Popularly known as nail psoriasis, nail psoriasis occurs when the disease mainly affects the nail region, causing wavy nails, spots and weakened nails.
Nail psoriasis often appears before psoriasis appears on the skin, and may be the only symptom for several years.
6. Hair psoriasis
Hair psoriasis, also known as scalp psoriasis or head psoriasis, causes the classic symptoms of psoriasis and can also cause hair loss in the affected area of the scalp.
Furthermore, symptoms can also spread from the scalp to the ears, neck, neck or face, mainly affecting the forehead, in which case it is popularly known as psoriasis on the face.
7. Genital psoriasis
Genital psoriasis can affect areas such as the pubis, thighs, buttocks, anus, penis or vulva, for example.
This type of psoriasis causes intense itching or irritation in the genital region, which can be more intense when the person sweats and/or wears warm, tight clothing. often.
8. Palmoplantar psoriasis
Palmoplantar psoriasis affects the palms of the hands and/or soles of the feet, causing symptoms such as red, dry patches, itching, a burning sensation and/or pain in the area, and cracks in the skin.
When it affects the skin of the feet, it is popularly known as foot psoriasis. When it affects the hands, it is called hand psoriasis.
Palmoplantar psoriasis can make daily activities difficult, such as walking, putting on shoes or picking up objects, for example.
9. Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is the development of chronic inflammatory arthritis in people who have psoriasis, affecting the joints and causing pain mainly in the toes or hands.
However, this type of psoriasis can also affect the hip joints, spine or knees, and may appear in association with skin psoriasis or nail psoriasis.
10. Erythrodermic psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis is a type of psoriasis in which symptoms affect about 90% of the body surface and usually cause severe itching, pain or swelling.
This type of psoriasis is an exacerbation of plaque psoriasis, which can arise due to the abrupt cessation of corticosteroid use.
Is psoriasis contagious?
Psoriasis is not contagious and is not caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria, although some infections can trigger psoriasis attacks. in people who have the disease.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, which means that the immune system itself attacks skin cells as if they were foreign to the body, resulting in symptoms.
How the treatment is carried out
Psoriasis treatment must be carried out under the guidance of a dermatologist and aims to alleviate symptoms, prevent attacks and improve quality of life.
Thus, the main treatments that may be recommended by the doctor are:
1. Remedies for psoriasis
Medicines for psoriasis are mainly corticosteroids, immunosuppressants or biological agents, such as hydrocortisone, tacrolimus, methotrexate, cyclosporine or adalimumab, for example.
These remedies can be used in the form of tablets, injections or ointments for psoriasis, helping to control symptoms and reduce the action of the immune system, reducing the inflammatory process in the skin. Check out the complete list of psoriasis remedies.
In addition, there are also some home remedies for psoriasis that can be used, with the doctor’s knowledge, to control symptoms, without adding side effects to the treatment. A good example is watercress, which helps eliminate substances from the body that have the potential to cause psoriasis attacks or worsen symptoms.
2. Phototherapy
Phototherapy consists of applying UVB rays to the skin and is normally used in conjunction with medications and ointments to increase the anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effect.
Read too: Phototherapy: what it is, what it is for and how it works
3. Diet for psoriasis
The psoriasis diet is another good way to complement the treatment recommended by your doctor, made with the consumption of anti-inflammatory foods, which help reduce skin inflammation, the severity of lesions and reduce the frequency of attacks.
Read too: 12 anti-inflammatory foods (to include in your diet)
Is there a cure for psoriasis?
There is no cure for psoriasis, as there are still no medications capable of eliminating psoriasis.
However, the symptoms of psoriasis can be controlled with treatment recommended by a dermatologist, which also helps to prevent new flare-ups.
Read too: Home treatment for psoriasis: simple 5-step ritual
