What Is PSORIASIS?
Psoriasis
is a common skin inflammation (irritation
and swelling) characterized by frequent
episodes of redness, itching, and
thick, dry, silvery scales on the
skin, and affects about 3% of the
population and usually first appears
in early adult life, although it may
start in childhood. It occurs when
skin cells reproduce themselves at
10 times the normal rate, leaving
an accumulation of dead silvery scales
on the skin surface in itchy patches,
or plaques.
These plaques most commonly appear
on elbows, knees, and scalp but can
also attack more sensitive areas,
such as the palms of the hands, soles
of the feet, or anogenital region,
where it’s cracking may prove
terribly painful.
The
plaques are unsightly and may interfere
with social relationships and self-esteem,
it is important to know that psoriasis
is not contagious. Rather it appears
to be inherited. Although there is
no cure, numerous treatments exist
to help banish the plaques.
Symptoms
Skin Patches
• Pink-red (so-called "salmon-colored")
• Usually dry and covered with
silvery scales
• Raised
• Usually individual with sharp
borders
• Most often located on the
elbows, knees, and trunk
• o Coarse scaling of the scalp
• Nail changes
• Small scaling pink-red dots
on the skin (especially in children
and young adults)
• Joint pain or aching, which
may be a special type of arthritis
(psoriatic arthritis)
Treatment
Treatment is focused on control of
the symptoms and prevention of secondary
infections. It varies with the extent
and severity of the disorder. Severe
or resistant cases may require intensive
treatment.
Psoriasis that covers all or most
of the body is an emergency that requires
hospitalization. The disorder is very
rare. It may be painful. The body
loses vast quantities of fluid and
is susceptible to severe secondary
infections that can become systemic,
involve internal organs and even progress
to septic shock and death. Treatment
includes analgesics, sedation, intravenous
fluids, and antibiotics.
Mild cases are usually treated
at home. Topical medications (applied
to the skin) include:
• Corticosteroid creams or ointments
• Prescription creams or ointments
containing substances that are related
to vitamin D (calcipotriol) or vitamin
A (retinoids)
• Prescription or nonprescription
dandruff shampoos
• Shampoos or ointments that
contain coal tar
• Ointments or creams that contain
anthralin
• Moisturizers
• Creams to remove the scaling
(usually salicylic acid or lactic
acid)
• Antibiotics, where infection
with strep is suspected
Call for an appointment with your
health care provider if symptoms indicate
psoriasis. Call for an appointment
if psoriasis recurs frequently despite
treatment. Let your provider know
if your psoriasis seems to be accompanied
by joint pain or fever.
Go to the emergency room or call the
local emergency number (such as 911)
if there is a severe outbreak which
covers all or most of the body.
Also, seek medical attention if pustules,
fever, muscle aches, fatigue or other
new or unexplained symptoms develop.
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