Psoriasis is a skin condition where new skin cells generate much faster than older ones slough off. People with psoriasis experience patches of rough, reddish, raised “plaques” coated by silvery “scale.”. This chronic condition requires regular dermatological treatment to manage throughout life.
Causes of psoriasis are still being investigated, but genetics plays a role. Psoriasis is not contagious. You cannot get psoriasis from touching someone with plaques. You have to inherit the genes that cause it.
In addition to genetics, environmental factors like stress and allergies can aggravate plaque formation. Fevers, illnesses, and some medications can also worsen it or even change the type of psoriasis a person has. There are five different types of psoriasis, and a person can suffer more than one of the below at a time:
- Plaque— the most common form: Thick, red, raised, itchy plaques covered with silvery scale form anywhere on the body but mostly on elbows, knees, back, and scalp.
- Guttate: Small, red patches may appear all over the body, particularly the torso, legs, and arms but also the face, scalp, and ears.
- Inverse: Sore, smooth, red patches develop where skin touches skin: armpits, buttocks, groin, and under women’s breasts.
- Pustular: Red, inflamed skin is accompanied by painful, pus-filled bumps, usually on the palms or soles.
- Erythrodermic—requires immediate hospitalization: It looks like a severe, body-wide sunburn, accompanied by quick heart rate, intense pain and itching, and inability to regulate body temperature.
Although psoriasis is a life-long condition, your dermatologist can provide psoriasis treatments that can lessen symptoms and improve your quality of life. Schedule an appointment for psoriasis treatment in Anderson today at (864) 716-0063 or our Easley office at (864) 855-2052.