Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a long-lasting, noncontagious autoimmune disease characterized by patches of abnormal skin.
(red, pink, or purple, dry, itchy, and scaly).

Psoriasis varies in severity from small localized patches to complete body coverage. Injury to the skin can trigger psoriatic skin changes at that spot, which is known as the Koebner phenomenon

The five main types of psoriasis are

  • Plaque
  • Guttate
  • Inverse
  • Pustular
  • Erythrodermic
[Plaque psoriasis, also known as psoriasis vulgaris, makes up about 90% of cases.It typically presents as red patches with white scales on top]
Areas of the body most commonly affected are the back of the forearms, shins, navel area, and scalp.

Guttate psoriasis has drop-shaped lesions. Pustular psoriasis presents as small, noninfectious, pus-filled blisters.

Inverse psoriasis forms red patches in skin folds.
Erythrodermic psoriasis occurs when the rash becomes very widespread and can develop from any of the other types.

Fingernails and toenails are affected in most people with psoriasis at some point in time. This may include pits in the nails or changes in nail color.

Psoriasis is generally thought to be a genetic disease that is triggered by environmental Symptoms often worsen during winter and with certain medications, such as beta blockers or NSAIDs.Infections and psychological stress can also play a role.The underlying mechanism involves the immune system reacting to skin cells.Diagnosis is typically based on the signs and symptoms.
There is no known cure for psoriasis, but various treatments can help control the symptoms. These treatments include steroid creams, vitamin D3 cream, ultraviolet light, immunosuppressive drugs, such as methotrexate, and biologic therapies targeting specific immunologic pathways. About 75% of skin involvement improves with creams alone.

The disease affects 2–4% of the population.Men and women are affected with equal frequency.The disease may begin at any age, but typically starts in adulthood. Psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of psoriatic arthritis, lymphomas, cardiovascular disease, Crohn’s disease, and depression. Psoriatic arthritis affects up to 30% of individuals with psoriasis. The word “psoriasis” is from Greekmeans ‘itching condition’ or ‘being itchy’, from psora ‘itch’, and -iasis ‘action, condition’.

Scalp psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes inflamed, itchy, red patches on the scalp. 

Symptoms 

* Itchy, flaky, red scalp 

* Thick, silvery scales 

* Dry scalp that may crack and bleed 

* Burning sensation or soreness 

* Temporary hair loss 

* Patches that may extend beyond the hairline 

Causes 

* An immune system malfunction that tells skin cells to grow too quickly 

* The body doesn’t shed the excess skin cells 

Treatment

* Topical (skin-based) medications, such as: Salicylic shampoos 
Ketaconazole& ciclopirox based  shampoos 

* Systemic agents, such as: 
Immunosuppressants like methotrexate and ciclosporin 
acitretin ( oral retinoids ) 

Scalp psoriasis can range from mild to severe. It can worsen with stress and after some infections.