Psoriasis Symptoms

Psoriasis is an uncomfortable autoimmune condition that causes itchy, scaly patches of skin called plaques. It mainly occurs in elbows, knees, lower back, and head/scalp. Although there is no cure, certain treatments can be done for symptom management.

Let’s discuss the symptoms, causes, types, diagnosis, and treatment of psoriasis. We will also cover other essential aspects, including - when to see a doctor, risk factors, medical complications, and home remedies.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

Psoriasis causes more than just skin plaques and rashes. People with psoriasis often experience additional symptoms that can significantly impact daily life. Being aware of the range of potential psoriasis symptoms can help you identify the need to seek medical care.

Common psoriasis symptoms beyond the visible skin plaques include:

• Itchy skin that may feel intensely uncomfortable, with sensations of burning or stinging. The itchiness can be severe enough to keep you up at night.
• Dry, cracked areas of skin in which even light scratching could lead to bleeding. In the cold season – winter, when there is drier air - the skin can become very susceptible to painful cracking.
• Pitting, discolouration, crumbling and abnormal thickening of fingernails and toenails. Nail psoriasis can be embarrassing and make nail care difficult.
• Aching, tender joints that may throb, swell or feel stiff. Joint pain affects up to 30% of people with psoriasis.

Although the temptation to scratch irritating scales is huge, one has to refrain from scratching in order not to hurt the skin and worsen the condition. 

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience severe pain, fever, and swelling, as these can indicate a severe infection. Being attentive to all of your symptoms, not just skin plaques, is key to adequately managing psoriasis and maintaining your quality of life. Discuss lifestyle impacts with your doctor to determine the most effective treatment plan.

Causes of Psoriasis

• Psoriasis happens when the immune system overreacts, causing inflammation. Normally, the immune system fights the bacteria and avoids infections. But with psoriasis, the immune system attacks healthy skin cells by mistake.
• This speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells, causing a buildup of cells that appear as plaques. The speeded-up cell process also leads to shedding and scaling.
• Additionally, since psoriasis has genetic aspects, it means that if you have one of the parents who also suffers from this illness, you are likely going to develop it, too.

Types of Psoriasis

There are different kinds of psoriasis, and each has its own unique symptoms:

•  Plaque psoriasis - Most common type; causes dry, raised, scaly patches
•  Nail psoriasis - Affects nails, causing pits, abnormal growth, and discolouration
•  Guttate psoriasis - Affects young adults/children; causes small, scaling spots
•  Inverse psoriasis - Appears in skin folds; causes smooth, inflamed patches
•  Pustular psoriasis - Causes pus-filled blisters on palms/soles or widespread
•  Erythrodermic psoriasis - Causes severe, peeling rash over large areas

Diagnosis

A doctor will diagnose with a visual inspection of the body’s skin for the characteristic, raised, and plaque-shaped lesions.

• The doctor will also inquire about your symptom history, such as when the rashes started appearing and if there is a psoriasis case somewhere in your family.
• Let your doctor know if you have tried any at-home treatments. 
• You should also be specific in giving the details on how your signs and symptoms have developed over time because this might facilitate the proper diagnosis. 
• Sometimes, the appearance of plaques indicates psoriasis, but your doctor may wish to confirm with a biopsy, especially if symptoms seem unusual. 
• During a biopsy, a small sample of skin tissue from a plaque is removed and examined under a microscope, allowing the doctor to rule out other possible skin conditions. 
• Being open with your doctor helps them make an accurate psoriasis diagnosis so appropriate treatment can begin.

Treatment

The goal of psoriasis treatment is to reduce symptoms and slow the overproduction of skin cells. Treatment plans are tailored based on factors like age, overall health, and severity of symptoms.

Mild cases may respond well to:

• Moisturizers to reduce dry, itchy skin
• Medicated creams and shampoos applied to the affected areas
• Carefully controlled UV light exposure under a doctor's supervision

More severe psoriasis may require:

• Prescription ointments containing vitamin D, retinoids or steroids
• Oral medications to slow skin cell growth and suppress the immune system's overactive response
• Injections of medications that target overactive immune responses

With moderate to severe psoriasis, combining multiple treatments often provides the best results. Work closely with your doctor to find the most effective treatment plan for your individual case while minimizing side effects. Tracking your symptoms and how well treatments work can help adjust your plan.

When to See a Doctor?

See your doctor if psoriasis:

• Covers large areas or causes significant discomfort
• Doesn't improve with over-the-counter remedies
• Worsens suddenly

Risk Factors

Psoriasis flares can be triggered by:

• Stress
• Skin injuries, cuts or surgery
• Certain medications
• Extreme weather
• Illnesses like strep throat
• Family history

Complications

Psoriasis raises your risk for:

• Psoriatic arthritis
• Skin discoloration
• Eye conditions
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Other autoimmune disorders
• Depression

Home Remedies to Treat Psoriasis

Natural remedies to try at home include:

• Moisturizing baths with oils, Epsom salts or oatmeal
• Aloe Vera creams
• Omega-3 foods like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts
• Turmeric/curcumin supplements
• Oregon grape creams
• Humidifiers
• Stress-reduction techniques
• Daily moisturizing

Conclusion

While chronic, psoriasis is manageable with lifestyle changes and medical treatment. See your doctor if symptoms are interfering with daily life. Staying informed about the condition and available treatments can help you find an effective management plan.

FAQs

1. What part of my body will psoriasis affect?

Ans: Psoriasis can appear anywhere but most often affects the elbows, knees, lower back, scalp, face, and genitals. In mild cases, it's localized, but severe cases can cover large areas.

2. What is psoriatic arthritis?

Ans: About 30% of those with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, causing joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Treating it early on can help prevent permanent joint damage.

3. Does psoriasis affect everyone? Is it very common?

Ans: It is estimated that about 3% of the country’s population suffers from psoriasis. It can develop at any age and affects men and women of all races equally.

4. Is psoriasis painful to touch?

Ans: Yes, psoriasis will lead to aching, burning, and stinging by causing inflammatory nerve irritation of the skin. Flare-ups can be triggered by stress, illness, weather changes, and more.