Psoriasis
#49
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease in which an overactive immune system speeds up cell growth, leading to patches of scaly plaques on the skin that may itch or burn.
Symptoms
Symptoms of psoriasis include skin plaques (usually on the elbows, knees, scalp, trunk, palms, and soles of feet), dry & cracked skin, pitted nails, joint pain, and poor sleep quality.
Types
There are 5 main types of psoriasis, but it is possible to have more than one type of psoriasis at one time and more than one type during your lifetime.
Plaque psoriasis:
most common form (80-90%)
scaly, inflamed plaques on skin
Guttate psoriasis:
often starts in childhood/as a young adult
small, round spots
may be caused by strep infections
Pustular psoriasis:
pustules surrounded by red/inflamed skin
generalized: occurs across large areas of the body (can be life-threatening)
localized: occurs on a specific part of the skin (usually the hands/feet)
Inverse psoriasis:
occurs in skin folds (armpits, groin, genitals, skin under breasts)
smooth patches, no scales
Erythrodermic psoriasis:
red, inflamed skin can cover most/all of the body
can lead to fever, chills, shivering, dehydration, and infection
Treatment
Possible treatments for psoriasis include medication to slow down skin cell production, steroid creams, retinoid creams, and light therapy.
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