Psoriasis
Understanding Psoriasis:
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that disrupts the normal skin cell cycle, causing cells to multiply much faster than usual. This leads to the accumulation of excess skin cells on the surface, forming inflamed, thickened, scaly patches that can be itchy, dry, and may even bleed if scratched too much.
The condition appears in different forms—from widespread plaques covering large areas like the back, to small, scattered spots across the body.
Symptoms of Psoriasis
Psoriasis can appear on nearly any area of the body but is most commonly found on the scalp, knees, elbows, and lower back. The symptoms differ in severity and presentation from person to person. Common signs include:
- Raised, red areas of inflamed skin
- Flaky, silvery-white scaling over the affected areas
- Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
- Intense itching or burning, sometimes leading to bleeding with excessive scratching
- Nails that appear thickened, ridged, or develop small dents (pitting)
- Yellowish discoloration of the nails
- Pus-filled bumps surrounded by redness, typically seen in more severe forms
Common Triggers and Causes
While the exact cause of psoriasis is immune-related and genetic, several external and internal factors can trigger or worsen flare-ups, such as:
- Underlying infections
- Improper or unsupervised use of topical or oral steroids
- Hormonal changes, including those during pregnancy
- Smoking, particularly heavy or long-term use
- Hormonal imbalances
- Disorders of the endocrine system