Seen on the scalp, knees and elbows; It is known as psoriasis because it appears as sores that are red in color and have pearly white scales on them. Psoriasis is a persistent (permanent) skin disease that affects 1-3% of the population. Psoriasis may have lifelong flare-ups and recovery periods.
For most people, psoriasis tends to be mild. Sometimes it can be so mild that patients do not even know that they have psoriasis. However, psoriasis can be limited to a few rashes or, on the contrary, it can affect large areas of the body. Although psoriasis can show familial features, it is not transmitted from person to person.
What is the Cause of Psoriasis?
The cause of psoriasis is not fully known. However, recent studies have found that abnormal function of white blood cells stimulates inflammation in the skin. The immune system is triggered for an unknown reason and accelerates the growth of skin cells.
Normal skin cells mature in 28-30 days and are shed from the skin surface unnoticed. In psoriasis, skin cells mature in only 3-4 days, and the cells accumulate on the surface and form red lesions raised from the skin.
After 10-14 days after any cut, scrape or burn on the skin, findings of psoriasis begin to appear in these areas. Psoriasis is affected by certain infections such as strep throat and the intake of certain medications. Flare-ups occur during the winter months due to drying of the skin and decreased sunlight.
What are the Symptoms of Psoriasis (Psoriasis)?
The severity, duration, distribution of psoriasis in the body and Its shape varies from person to person. The disease in children and the disease in adults and the elderly may show different characteristics. Since it has just started in children, small-scale, red-colored symptoms with dandruff are observed.
Psoriasis often begins as light red spots. It expands over time and scales appear on it. While the scales on the surface can be easily removed, those located at the bottom are more adherent to the skin. When these shells are removed The skin is sensitive to bleeding.
These red areas can expand and cover quite large areas. Knees, elbows, groin and genital area, arms, legs, palms and soles of the feet, and scalp are areas where psoriasis is frequently seen. Psoriasis tends to appear in the same areas. Fine pits may occur on the nails. Nails may thicken and separate from their bed.
In the elderly, since the disease has been going on for a long time, it is seen as symptoms of larger diameter, paler color than in children, and skin thickening. However, during periods when the disease flares up, red and dandruff symptoms appear, even in the elderly. Psoriasis can be mild or moderate, or it can be severe enough to cause disability.
Guttatpsoriasis usually affects children and young adults. It usually appears as small red, scaly spots in the shape of raindrops following a throat infection. It regresses spontaneously within weeks or a few months.
Some patients with psoriasis may also have a joint disorder. When skin involvement is widespread, joint findings are also exacerbated. Sometimes, when skin lesions heal, joint findings also regress.
Who Gets Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is slightly more common in women than men. It mostly occurs between the ages of 15-35. However, it can be seen at any age, including babies and the elderly.
Is Psoriasis Contagious?
No. Psoriasis is not contagious. It is not a disease that you can catch or pass on. Psoriasis lesions may be unsightly, but they should not be considered a microbial disease or an open wound. A person with psoriasis does not threaten the health of other people.
Where Does Psoriasis Affect the Body?
Psoriasis most commonly affects the scalp, knees, elbows and trunk. However, it can be seen anywhere, including nails, palms, soles of the feet, genital area and face (rare). Lesions are usually symmetrical, meaning they appear in the same place on the right and left sides of the body.
Does Psoriasis Cause Hair Loss?
Psoriasis does not cause hair loss. But turn the hair Your hair may fall out while trying to remove very thick shells. Additionally, some medications may cause temporary hair loss.
Does Scratching the Skin Cause Psoriasis Rash?
Yes. Scratching the skin, rubbing it, and picking off crusts, especially during periods of exacerbation, may lead to new rashes.
How Does the Sun Affect Psoriasis?
Natural sunlight has a positive effect on psoriasis. . However, sun exposure can exacerbate psoriasis.
Does Psoriasis Require Special Care During Winter?
Yes. The decrease in humidity during the winter months causes the skin to dry and itch. Scratching can also exacerbate psoriasis. For this reason, moisturizing creams and ointments should be used more.
Psoriasis and Pregnancy
Psoriasis does not harm either the mother or the baby. Psoriasis may improve or worsen during pregnancy.
Can It Be Predicted Who Will Get Psoriasis?
Although heredity plays an important role in the development of the disease, who will get psoriasis? It is not possible to predict. In one-third of cases, there is a family history of psoriasis. However, there is no established mode of inheritance. Environmental factors such as physical trauma to the skin, infections (pharyngitis), psychological stress and some medications can cause psoriasis to begin even in people who do not have psoriasis in their family.
Can a mother and/or father with psoriasis get psoriasis? strong>
Predisposition to psoriasis can be passed from parent to child. However, this does not mean that the child will definitely have psoriasis.
Does Stress Cause Psoriasis?
In people who are prone to psoriasis, psychological stress and distress may initiate psoriasis or cause existing psoriasis to develop. It may lead to an increase.
Is There a Definitive Treatment for Psoriasis?
No. However, there are many different treatments, both superficial and systemic, that allow psoriasis lesions to disappear. Some people with psoriasis experience spontaneous healing that takes months or even years. However, the person continues to be prone to psoriasis. That's why rashes can appear even after years.
Does Psoriasis Affect the Joints?
Pearlescent Joint disease (arthritis) may develop in 10-30% of patients. Psoriasis arthritis usually affects the fingers and toes and has a mild course.
Does Psoriasis Prevent Working?
The majority of patients with psoriasis can perform normal tasks. Sometimes they may have less self-confidence due to the undesirable appearance of psoriasis. Psoriasis is often misunderstood by society, which makes people with psoriasis shy in social relationships. Psychological problems such as tension, anger, shyness and depression may occur. Psoriasis may affect the patient's working life if the disease is in visible areas.
How is Psoriasis Diagnosed?
Dermatologists make the diagnosis by examining the skin, nails and scalp. If there is any doubt about the diagnosis, a biopsy is taken.
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