Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that results in a rapid build-up of skin cells. This rapid accumulation causes a flaking-like appearance on the skin surface.
Redness and inflammation around the flakes are quite common. Typical psoriasis sores appear as white-gray scales rising above a raised red tissue. In some cases, these scales form cracks and can cause bleeding.
Psoriasis basically occurs when the skin's self-protection cycle accelerates. Normally, skin cells grow deeper into the skin. They slowly rise to the surface. They are shed after completing their lifespan. This is the cycle that skin cells go through every month.
In people with psoriasis, this process is completed within a few days. Skin cells do not have time to shed. As a result of this rapid renewal, skin cells begin to overlap. These wounds typically occur in joints such as elbows and knees, but do not occur throughout the body
-
Hand
-
Foot
-
Neck
-
Scalp
-
It can also be seen on parts such as the face.
Psoriasis can rarely affect the nails, mouth and genital areas. According to research, patients with psoriasis also experience some common disorders. These include
-
Type 2 diabetes
-
Inflammatory bowel diseases
-
Heart diseases
-
Psoriatic arthritis
-
Anxiety
-
Depression is present.
What are the types of psoriasis?
There are 5 types of psoriasis in total.
Plaque. type psoriasis
It is the most common form of psoriasis. Red lesions with raised, pus-filled white-gray pearlescent scales are found in certain areas of the skin. These lesions are mostly found on the elbows, knees and scalp.
Guttate type psoriasis
Guttate type psoriasis is more common in childhood. It has lesions in the form of small pink dots. Lesions of guttate psoriasis usually occur in the rib cage. It is seen in the forearm and thigh area. These tiny dots are reduced or thickened versions of the lesions in plaque psoriasis.
Pustular type psoriasis
It is generally seen in adults. White, non-inflamed, fluid-filled bubbles appear in the middle of the reddened skin areas. It is usually found in small parts of the body. It is often seen on the hands and feet, but can also spread throughout the body.
Inverse type psoriasis
It mostly occurs in areas with skin folds. It is seen in the genital area, under the breast, armpit and groin. They are bright and red lesions with well-defined borders.
Erythrodermic type psoriasis
Erythrodermic type psoriasis is a serious and very rare type.
In this type of psoriasis, very large areas of the body are affected at the same time. The skin looks like it has been completely sunburned. Scales develop widely. Individuals with erythrodermic type psoriasis are at risk for serious infections. It is a type that can be fatal. It needs to be treated quickly.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
The symptoms of psoriasis vary from person to person and also depend on the type of psoriasis. The size of the areas affected by psoriasis can vary from a pinhead to a size that covers the entire body. The most common symptoms of plaque psoriasis are
-
Red, raised, inflamed areas of skin
-
White-grayish patches on top of these areas
-
Cracks and bleeding in dry skin
-
Pain around the lesions
-
Itching and burning sensation
-
Painful joints
Not all psoriasis patients have these symptoms. Patients show symptoms according to the type of psoriasis they have.
People with psoriasis experience their symptoms in cycles. In other words, there are periods when the disease flares up and the symptoms decrease. Exacerbation periods depend on the presence of triggering factors.
Psoriasis is not contagious. person to person It does not pass through skin contact. However, most people think that psoriasis is contagious. Educating people on this issue has an important place in the fight against the disease.
What causes psoriasis?
Doctors have no information about why psoriasis develops. However, according to research, genetics and the immune system play an important role in the development of the disease.
Immune system
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder. In other words, the body attacks its own cells. T cells cause psoriasis by mistakenly attacking skin cells.
Normally, T cells are differentiated to fight bacteria and other infections. However, in people with psoriasis, overproduction and scaliness occur as a result of these cells incorrectly attacking the skin cells.
Genetics
Some people are genetically more prone to psoriasis. . For example, the risk increases 2.5-3 times for an individual with a family history of psoriasis.
How is psoriasis diagnosed?
Psoriasis is diagnosed as a result of examination of the lesions present in the physical examination. can be placed. During the examination, all lesions in the body should be examined.
If a diagnosis cannot be made from the lesion or if the diagnosis is desired to be confirmed, a skin biopsy can be performed. Skin biopsy is a minor procedure performed by applying local anesthetic. You don't need to worry. It is enough to follow your doctor's advice.
Read: 0
