Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common chronic autoimmune skin disease that speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells, leading to a buildup of dead cells on the surface of the epidermis. The disease most commonly manifests on the skin of the elbows, knees, scalp, lumbosacral areas, intergluteal clefts, and glans penis. In up to 30% of patients, the joints are also affected. Psoriasis can be confused with other skin diseases (like eczema).

Psoriasis is not contagious. This means you cannot get psoriasis from contact (e.G., touching skin patches) with someone who has it.

Symptoms

Skin rash and redness

At groin, At back, At scalp
At hands, At feet, At abdomen, At chest, Under the breasts, At armpits
Auspitz sign
At upper extremity except hand, At legs not feet, At knees, At elbows

common

Dandruff at scalp

or Cracked skin at back

or Cracked skin on the chest

or Cracked skin on legs

or Cracked skin on arms

common

Dry skin on legs or feet

or Dry skin at scalp

or Dry skin on arms or hands

common

Itchy skin

common

Development of skin lesions in sites of skin trauma

common

Painless detachment of the nail from the nail bed

or Thickening of skin under nails

or Nail discoloration

Yellow

common

Pain in ankle region without achilles tendon

or Difficulty moving fingers

or Enlarged fingers

or Pain in toes

or Difficulty moving toes

or Joint stiffness

Limited ankle movement, Difficulty moving knee, Difficulty moving wrist

or Enlarged knee joint

Cracked tongue

Red eye

or Flow of tears

Risk factors

Family history of psoriasis

Smoking

or Overweight or obese

or Alcohol consumption

Treatment

The treatment of psoriasis usually depends on how much skin is affected, how bad the disease is (e.G., having many or painful skin patches), or the location (especially the face). Treatments range from creams and ointments applied to the affected areas to ultraviolet light therapy to drugs (such as methotrexate).