Psoriasis is an inflammation of the skin characterized by the appearance of a red rash, dry, scaly, thick skin that peels easily. Psoriasis sometimes appears with pain and itching.
Generally psoriasis appears on the knees, elbows, lower back and scalp. This type of disease is common to anyone. However, most psoriasis sufferers aged 15-35 years. This disease is not a contagious disease. So that contact with psoriasis sufferers will not get this disease.
What is Psoriasis?
This disease is often called an autoimmune disease that attacks the skin. Symptoms that are experienced are usually cracked skin until bleeding. The skin becomes scaly and the joints feel stiff and swollen. Psoriasis is usually a genetic disease and there are many types.
Plaque psoriasis is the most common psoriasis. The characteristic is reddish spots and slightly protruding. Psoriasis begins with the formation of small bumps that continue to get worse and are eventually covered with white scales that make the skin appear scaly and peeling.
Psoriasis Symptoms
This disease has different symptoms depending on the type. Symptoms can also disappear and arise. Sufferers can experience symptoms within days and weeks. Then the symptoms disappear for a while and come back. Here are the symptoms:
- The skin is red and will feel thick, dry and scaly.
- Cracked and bleeding skin
- Thickened skin and uneven texture
- Joints swollen and stiff
Causes of Psoriasis
The cause of psoriasis is not certain. However, this disease is a disease of the immune system disorders and the presence of hereditary factors. However, there are causes for psoriasis to arise, namely because:
- Environmental influences
- Heredity
- There is a throat infection
- Injury to the skin
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Take high blood pressure medications
The difference in symptoms will be felt differently by the sufferer, depending on the type of psoriasis he is suffering from. There are several types of psoriasis that you should be aware of:
- Plaque psoriasis
Many people experience this plaque psoriasis symptom. Symptoms include a red skin rash and the skin becomes scaly. This part is called plaque which can appear on any part of the body.
- Nail Psoriasis
If nail psoriasis occurs on the nails of the hands and feet. The symptoms that appear are discoloration of the nails, small cavities appearing in the nails and nail growth.
- Scalp Psoriasis
This type of psoriasis will cause symptoms such as the appearance of thick, itchy scales all over the scalp. There is even a rash that spreads and can cross the hairline.
- Inversion Psoriasis
Symptoms caused by this disease are a red rash that feels smooth and occurs in areas of the body that have creases. This rash usually occurs in the armpit area.
- Erythodermic psoriasis
Symptoms of psoriasis develop a rash that peels and is very flat. This rash is also accompanied by a burning sensation all over the body.
Diagnosis of Psoriasis
Before doctors diagnose this disease. Usually the doctor will look at the shape of the skin rash that appears, its location and how the symptoms are. The doctor will also ask a few questions and take a sample of skin tissue for examination.
Psoriasis Treatment
This disease can be cured with treatment from a doctor. Of course the medicine will be adjusted to the type and severity of psoriasis. Treatment usually includes:
- Give topical medicine or cream
- Doing light therapy
- If the severity is very high, the doctor will prescribe drugs to be consumed.
- Giving drugs by injection and infusion
Psoriasis Prevention
There are several things you can do to prevent this disease. Apart from genetic factors, psoriasis can be prevented if you are diligent in doing these things:
- Diligently take a shower at least 2 times a day
- Use a moisturizer on the skin so that the skin does not dry out. Use a lotion that contains SPF so that it can protect the skin while keeping the skin moisturised.
- Bask in the sun. But don’t be too long, sunbathe at 8 in the morning so that the sun’s rays are still good for the body.
If you experience the symptoms of psoriasis as above, contact your doctor immediately. And don’t scratch the itchy part of your skin.