Psoriasis symptoms
Sometimes it may be difficult to interpret psoriasis symptoms. When symptoms are mild, they may sometimes be confused with eczema or other similar skin diseases. It is therefore important to provide the dermatologist with a precise and detailed description of thr problems and symptoms. By doing so, a diagnosis can be established and appropriate treatment can be quickly initiated.

Psoriasis usually causes distinct skin lesions that vary in size and are characterised by waxy white scales, swelling, and overt red patches. Itching is not common for psoriasis. Itching may occasionally be present early in the process when a new area of skin lesions is developing. In such cases itching is usually extremely vague and resolves quickly. Scratching or scraping skin lesions readily causes mild bleeding from under the skin.

Psoriasis lesions are usually found on areas of the skin prone to chafing, on extensor surfaces such as the lower back, elbows and knees, or on the scalp or genitals. Some forms of psoriasis also affect the nails, resulting in pitting of the nails. Psoriasis can also occur in skin folds such as under the arms and in the groin. Psoriasis outbreaks are usually symmetrical, causing the same skin areas on the left and right sides of the body to be affected simultaneously.

The cause of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis has not yet been established. We do know that both genetics and various environmental factors may affect psoriasis outbreaks. Individuals with a family history of psoriasis are at increased risk of becoming affected. However it is impossible to predict what form of psoriasis may affect the individual, or whether the disease will ever break out. Psoriasis outbreaks are triggered by certain factors. For example, some infections like strep throat may cause an outbreak of psoriasis at an early age. Mental stress is another environmental factor that may lead to the disease, as may use of certain drugs such as blood pressure medications, lithium, and chloroquine. In addition to these environmental triggers some other factors may also trigger or worsen psoriasis:

• – Alcohol

• – Smoking

• – Too little or too much exposure to the sun

• – Severe damage to the skin after e.g., chafing or burns

Psoriasis can manifest in many different forms. In milder forms of the disease the symptoms can be more effectively alleviated. In more severe forms of psoriasis, however, the symptoms are more pronounced and difficult to suppress throughout life.

Different forms of psoriasis:

• – Plaque psoriasis

• – Guttate psoriasis

• – Inverse psoriasis

• – Scalp psoriasis

• – Nail psoriasis

• – Pustular psoriasis

• – Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP)

• – Erythrodermic psoriasis

To read more about the different psoriatic diseases, go to forms of psoriasis. 

Site updated 2016-01-12