Psoriasis - Medtick
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Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis

It is a long term condition when the skin cells produce too rapidly causing red, layered, raised patches which can be crusty and covered in silvery scales.

  • The condition is not infectious, can occur at any time, there is no cure and the cause is unknown, but it is believed that our immune system plays a role where it attacks our own body in this case the skin.
  • One can have ‘flare up’ where the condition gets worst and then calms down.
  • It is difficult to treat and can affect one’s social life and emotions.

 

Cause

  • Unknown (it is not infectious or cancerous)
  • maybe an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks our skin cells to grow quickly causing excessive layering of skin.

 

It is believed there may be triggers that cause psoriasis and they include:

  • Family history
  • Stress
  • Smoking
  • High consumption of alcohol
  • Persons living in cold temperature regions
  • Hormonal changes- i.e. during pregnancy, puberty
  • Overweight
  • Skin injury- cut , scrape , sunburn
  • Viral or bacterial: Chest infections , pneumonia , tonsillitis , cold and flu infections ear infections , HIV
  • Rare syndromes i.e. Barakat Syndrome (hypoparathyroidism, ears and kidney)
  •  Medication:
    • Bi-polar disease- Lithium
    • High blood pressure, migraines hyperthyroidism and anxiety- B-blockers
    • High blood pressure- ACE inhibitors
    • Quinindine
    • Anti-malarial- Chloroquine and hydroxochloroquine
    • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)- Indomethacin
    • CorticoSteroids

Scalp psoriasis

  • On scalp it is seen as dandruff (shredded skin) , it can be mistaken for irritant dermatitis/Allergic contact eczema  and non-psoriasis dandruff.

 

Guttae psoriasis

  • This form of psoriasis are like small cluster of red spots less than 1mm to 10mm (1cm) in diameter.
  • The rash normally starts from the trunk and can spread to the neck and at times the whole body.
  • It normally occurs two to three weeks after a chest infection, it can develop plaques psoriasis.
  • It normally occurs to persons under the age of 30 though is more common in children and young people.

Inverse or Flexural Psoriasis (if widespread)

  • Found as large smooth shiny red patches (no silvery scales) where the skin folds i.e.

 

  • Under breasts
  • Armpits
  • Groin
  • Between buttocks
  • Under stomach
  • Inside elbows
  • Inside knee

 

Psoriasis arthritis (joints)

  • This form of psoriasis occurs when one has psoriasis symptoms and arthritis (joint and bone pain together.

Palmoplantur psoriasis (hands and feet)

  • Appears like crops of spots/pustules occurring on one or both hands and/or feet.

Symptoms

Does one have:

  • Dry, red skin patches (plaques) on white skin (purple colour in black skin) covered in silvery scales?
  • Silvery scales flake off easily when scratched/touched and is hot/red/tender underneath?
  • Inflamed sore, hot, angry or burning skin (symptoms can vary)?
  • Red patch have a sharp border/edge with normal skin?
  • Experience flare-ups (they could happen regularly or from time to time)?
  • Rash on the outer joints for example knees and elbows (though can occur on any part of body)?
  • Itchy skin?
  • Found large smooth red patches (no silvery scales) where the skin folds e.g. - Under breasts? - Armpits? - Groin? - Between buttocks? - Under stomach - Inside elbows? - Inside knee?
  • Got worst due to sweating?
  • Got worst due to exposing skin to rubbing?
  • Hot, red, itchy scalp with silvery scales?
  • Severe dandruff?
  • Hair loss?
  • Medical doctor diagnosed you with scalp psoriasis and one wish to get treatment?
Nail changes:
  • Nails which are rough and crumbly, splitting, nail is scarring from the base of the nail outward in a V formation (Brittle nails)?
  • Long term Ingrowing toe nail?
  • Small depressions or little pits in the nail (nail pitting)?
  • Nail plate separates from the nail bed; it causes a white discoloration or loose nail?
  • Tip of each nail has a dark band (Terry’s nails)?
  • Nails get thicker and do not grow as fast as normal (Yellow nail syndrome)?
  • Pincer nail?
  • Longitudinal ridging (Onychorrhexis) nails?
  • Red or yellow drops/streaks in nail?
Guttae psoriasis
  • This form of psoriasis are like small cluster of red spots less than 1mm to 10mm (1cm) in diameter, the rash normally starts from the trunk and can spread to the neck and at times the whole body, it normally occurs two to three weeks after a chest infection, it can develop plaques psoriasis.
  • It normally occurs to persons under the age of 30 though is more common in children and young people.
  • Regarding this condition, one will need to proceed further in the programme (rash aftercare).
Flexural Psoriasis (if widespread)
  • Found as large smooth shiny red patches (no silvery scales) where the skin folds e.g.
  1. Under breasts?
  2.  Armpits?
  3. Groin?
  4.  Between buttocks?
  5.  Under stomach?
  6. Inside elbows?
  7. Inside knee?
  • Regarding this condition, one will need to proceed further in the programme (rash aftercare).
Psoriasis arthritis (joints)
  • This form of psoriasis occurs when one has psoriasis symptoms and arthritis (joint and bone pain together.
  • Regarding this condition, one will need to proceed further in the programme (rash aftercare).
Palmoplantur psoriasis (hands and feet)
  • Appears like crops of spots/pustules occurring on one or both hands and/or feet.
  • Regarding this condition, one will need to proceed further in the programme (rash aftercare).
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