Will this ever go away? Psoriasis sufferers often ask themselves this question. The skin disorder is irritating and unpredictable. Basically, Psoriasis is skin cells that multiply faster than normal. Once the underlying cells reach the surface of the skin they die. Since there are high volumes of cells, it causes red, raised patches with white scales on the surface of the skin.
Where does Psoriasis develop?
Psoriasis can develop anywhere on the body but the most common areas are listed below.
- Palms
- Soles
- Torso
- Scalp
- Elbows
- Knees
- Feet
Symptoms of Psoriasis
- Loose silver-colored scales
- Plaques of red skin
- Lesions
- Pain
- Itching
- Plaques that are dry and bloody
- Plaques that merge and grow into each other
- Fingernail disorders
- Toenail disorders
- Nails that detach from the nail bed
- Discolored nails
- Pitting of the nails
- Plaques of scales on the scalp
- Crust on the scalp
Types of Psoriasis
- Erythrodermic psoriasis – This type of Psoriasis causes shedding of scales and red skin. Symptoms are triggered by infection, severe sunburn and various prescription medications.
- Guttate Psoriasis – Young children and teenagers are prone to developing Guttate Psoriasis. Symptoms include red small spots on the limbs and torso area. Common triggers of this form of Psoriasis are stress, respiratory infections, injury to the skin, tonsillitis and strep throat.
- Inverse Psoriasis – This type of Psoriasis leads to shiny, bright red lesions located under the breasts, armpits, skin folds and groin area.
- Pustular Psoriasis – This type of Psoriasis causes the scaly red skin to appear on feet and the palms of hands. Tiny pustules often appear on the skin near the affected area.
Diagnosis
A confirmed diagnosis by a dermatologist is essential to living successfully with this skin ailment. Avoid diagnosing yourself with this uncomfortable and disfiguring skin disease. People often misdiagnose themselves thinking they have Psoriasis when they really have ring worm since it looks similar in appearance. Ringworm is a common misdiagnosis and patients often wait until the skin disease has spread throughout their body. Don’t let this happen to you, always seek professional help when it comes to skin ailments.
Trauma, emotional stress and streptococcal infection are known to cause Psoriasis flare-ups. You can prevent flare-ups by lowering your stress level, finding beneficial ways to deal with stressful issues, caring for your skin properly and avoiding the sun. If you are experiencing Psoriasis-like symptoms contact a dermatologist today for further assistance and treatment.
Dr. Georgette Rodriguez is a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida who provides her patients with only the most advanced and up to date dermatologic care available. She received her medical degree from University of Florida College of Medicine and has been in practice 15+ years. Dr. Rodriguez accepts several types of health insurance. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and the American Society for Mohs Surgery. She specializes in complete dermatology services including medical, cosmetic, and pediatric dermatology. She is one of 14 doctors at Miami Veterans Affairs Healthcare System who specialize in Dermatology. To make an appointment, please call her office at 305-667-5480.