Psoriasis Symptoms

Individuals with psoriasis experience symptoms such as itching, cracking, stinging, burning, or bleeding (ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc.). Lack of sunlight and low indoor humidity in the winter months can cause the psoriasis symptoms to worsen (Hall 132). The skin is most likely to crack at the joints where the body bends, or in areas where the individual scratches. Scratching should be strictly avoided, because it can cause bleeding and infection. Psoriasis has also been known to cause pits or dents to form in fingernails and toenails. There is also the possibility that the soft tissue inside the mouth and genitalia can be affected. In some cases, psoriasis will cause joint inflammation that produces arthritis symptoms. This condition is called psoriatic arthritis.
People with psoriasis may notice that there are times when their skin worsens, then improves. Conditions that may cause flareups include changes in climate, infections, stress, and dry skin. Also, certain medicines, most notably beta-blockers, which are used in the treatment of high blood pressure, and lithium or drugs used in the treatment of depression, may cause an outbreak or worsening of the disease.

The Picture of Scalp or Seborheic Psoriasis

Psoriasis that affects the scalp is also called seborrheic psoriasis. The scalp may be the first site to be affected by psoriasis. The condition may resemble severe dandruff. Patches of thick, flaky skin may extend to the forehead below the hairline. Scales may build up in the outer ear. Other than the forehead and the ears, the face is usually spared.

However, some people may have patches of inflamed skin that resemble seborrheic dermatitis a type of dandruff eczema that affects the scalp and face.Psoriasis on the scalp is common and, in many cases, it is the only area affected. It usually consists of red, scaly patches that are sometimes lumpy. The edge of the patch tends to be well defined. This type of psoriasis can extend beyond the hairline, onto the forehead.

Psoriasis of the scalp does not damage the hair follicle and is not associated with alopecia (hair loss), but if the scale is thick and forms hard lumps, it can lead to temporary hair thinning. However, this is not permanent and will grow back again after the psoriasis clears.This form of psoriasis can be extremely uncomfortable. It is often very itchy, and the psoriatic patches that are inflamed and sore can start to bleed if they are scratched or picked. The condition is not caused by poor hygiene or hair care.

Scalp psoriasis can be demoralizing, as the look of dead skin cells on clothing can be embarrassing, and it is not always easy to brush them off inconspicuously. Itchiness is another big problem, not only because of the social implication but also because it inflames the condition and makes it worse. Forehead along the hairline is a common site as is the temples, nape of the neck, around the ears, as well as the hair parting.

Massaging a little warm baby/olive/coconut oil gently into the scalp, preferably before going to bed to allow plenty of time to soak (bind up the head in an old towel) will help. Wash out with cream shampoo (i.e. Dry Hair Products), add a little lemon juice to the final rinse to get rid of excess grease. Only shampoo three times a week, more than this and the natural oils may be washed out.

Always treat the head as gently as possible, do not comb or brush harshly. Perms and colorants can be used as long as the skin is not broken. Shampoo the hair and scalp with a tar-based shampoo that can be purchased over-the-counter or by prescription. Shampoos, scalp steroid lotions, vitamin D analogues and some tar preparations such as tar pomade may be used on the scalp.

The Guttate Psoriasis Picture

Guttate psoriasis is characterized by small red dots (or drops) of psoriasis. Guttate is derived from the Latin word gutta meaning "drop." It often appears on the trunk, arms and legs. The lesions may have some scale.

Guttate psoriasis frequently appears suddenly following a streptococcal infection or viral upper respiratory infections. There are also other events that can precipitate an attack of guttate psoriasis: tonsillitis, a cold, chicken pox, immunizations, physical trauma, psychological stress, illness, and the administration of anti-malarial drugs.

Guttate psoriasis is many small patches of psoriasis, all over the body, and often happens after a throat infection. Guttate Psoriasis most often affects children and young adults. It appears as small, red bumps-the size of drops of water-on the skin. It usually appears suddenly, often several weeks after an infection such as strep throat.Antibiotics may be used to treat guttate psoriasis that is triggered by an infection.

Guttate psoriasis usually responds to treatment and may gradually go away on its own. Many people who have an episode of guttate psoriasis may not have another one for many years.

Picture of Plaque-Type Psoriasis

Plaque-type psoriasis is the most common form of the disease and is commonly referred to as psoriasis vulgaris (Camisa 56). Plaque-type psoriasis is characterized by inflamed skin lesions topped with silvery white scales. This type of psoriasis can assume many different appearances based on its location, the activity of the disease, and the treatment being administered. Plaque-type psoriasis is most commonly found on the elbows, knees, scalp, sacrum, umbilicus, intergluteal cleft, and genitalia (Camisa 56).

Picture the Warning Signs of Psoriasis

The cold winter months cause many of us to itch and scratch what appears to be dry skin. But is it weather-related, an allergic reaction, or something more serious like psoriasis?
Psoriasis typically develops between the ages of 15 to 35, but it can begin at any age. Many first-time psoriasis patients may brush off a warning sign and not realize they have a condition that requires medical attention.

Check with your doctor if you have:
Skin with red patches or scales.
Changes or discoloration of nail beds.
Red, tender, blistered skin.
Inflamed or red areas in folds of the skin.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, in addition to weather, diet, or allergies, triggers of the disease can include emotional stress, injury to the skin, some types of infection, and reactions to certain drugs. Also, stress can cause psoriasis to flare for the first time or aggravate existing cases.

The Factual Picture of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition affecting approximately 4.5 million people in the United States.
New skin cells grow too rapidly, resulting in inflamed, swollen, scaly patches of skin in areas where the old skin has not shed quickly enough.
Psoriasis can be limited to a few spots or can involve more extensive areas of the body, appearing most commonly on the scalp, knees, elbows and trunk.
Psoriasis is not a contagious disease. The cause of psoriasis is unknown, and there currently is no cure.
Psoriasis can strike people at any age, but the average age of onset is approximately 28 years. Likewise, it affects both men and women, with a slightly higher prevalence in women than in men.
Approximately 30 percent of people with psoriasis are estimated to have moderate-to-severe forms of the disease.Psoriasis can be a physically and emotionally painful condition.
It often results in physical limitations, disfiguration and a significant burden in managing the daily care of the disease.
Psoriasis sufferers may feel embarrassed, angry, frustrated, fearful, depressed and, in some cases, even suicidal.