Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious skin disease and still has unknown causes. The dermatosis is characterized by redness and desquamation of the skin and is more common to appear before 30 years old or after 50. Currently, 1% to 3% of the world-wide population has psoriasis. As there are several types of dermatoses with similar symptoms, the importance of knowing each one of them is crucial to have the correct diagnosis. Most people imagine that psoriasis only exists in one way, but that is incorrect.
The disease presents itself in different types: 1. Psoriasis on plaque, the most common form of the disease. Plaque psoriasis affects 80% of people who have acne. It is found mainly in the elbows, knees, back and scalp. 2. Psoriasis of the scalp: the condition of psoriasis of the scalp is the same as in plaques and affects between 50% and 80% of the population that has the disease. Psoriasis of the scalp varies from mild to very severe. 3. Guttate psoriasis: this type of psoriasis affects, in most cases, children and adolescents and appears as small scaly red spots on the skin. Guttate psoriasis may subsequently turn into plaque psoriasis. 4. Pustular psoriasis: it can occur for two reasons: plaque psoriasis complication or result of discontinuation of disease treatment. This type of disease appears in less than 5% of the people who have it. 5. Reverse Psoriasis: this is the less common type of the disease and occurs in the form of red, shiny and smooth spots around the skin folds, usually in the armpits, groin and under the breast. 6. Erythrodermic psoriasis: it is one of the rarest types to occur, but one of the most serious of the disease. It may appear as scaly red patches that cover the entire body, compromising the protection of the skin. 7. Psoriatic arthritis: It is estimated that 30% of people who have psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis. This disease is characterized by pain, stiffness and swelling around the joints.
The disease does not yet have an exact cause. However, it is believed that genetics has a major influence on at least 30% of those with psoriasis. Even though the cause is not known, some factors can trigger the disease, such as: throat and skin infections, skin lesions, stress, climatic variations, smoke, excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, some types of medications (such as antidepressants), and biochemical alterations. Often the symptoms of psoriasis can be confused with just one allergy. The most common symptoms of the disease are red or pink patches, covered by whitish scales. In addition to these lesions on the skin, the disease may also present itching, burning and pain. Nails can also be compromised, changing color and texture.
Although there is no safe way to prevent the disease, it is believed that keeping the skin always clean and moisturized is already a great step to do so. In addition, avoiding excess alcohol and tobacco also helps in the prevention of psoriasis. Medical follow-up is of fundamental importance as soon as the first symptoms appear in the patient, as the disease can evolve rapidly. Even though the disease has no cure, it has treatment. To have good quality life, the treatment of psoriasis is of extreme importance. In mild cases, hydration of the skin, application of topical medications on the lesions and daily exposure to the Sun already help in the improvement of the symptoms. In addition, in mild cases treatment with ultraviolet light is also recommended. In severe cases, oral or injectable medication is essential to the person who has the disease.
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840
