Psoriasis affects the lives of 125 million people worldwide. The estimated prevalence of Psoriasis is 2 to 3 percent of the global population.

Anyone can develop psoriasis. It is most common in adults, but it can occur in children as well. Women and men have equal risk of developing psoriasis.

There is a genetic link present. If a family member has psoriasis, one is more likely to develop psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease. The body’s own immune system becomes overactive and attacks normal healthy cells in the body. In healthy individuals, a type of white blood cell called T-cells protect the body against foreign substances, including bacteria and viruses, by attacking target molecules called antigens. In psoriasis, T-cells are unusually overactive, inadvertently invading healthy tissues and initiating an immune response.

Psoriasis can be a triggered condition. Triggers for psoriasis are stress, injury to skin, medications, infection, allergies, and diet. Medications that can trigger psoriasis are lithium, anti-malarials, propranolol, quinidine and indomethacin.

Psoriasis symptoms vary from individuals and depend on the type. Zones of psoriasis can be as small as scales on the scalp or cover the entire body. More common symptoms are red and scaly patches, dry and cracked skin, itching, burning, soreness, pitted nails, and swollen joints. Not all affected individuals will experience all of these symptoms. Additionally, psoriasis can accompany many other conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular problems, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression.

There are several types of psoriasis with their own distinct characteristics and symptoms.

1.      Plaque Psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. Symptoms are raised, inflamed, red lesions that are covered with scaly, silvery plaques. They are commonly located on the elbows, knees, scalp, back and lower back. It can also be found in other areas such as the nails, legs, hands, genitals and breasts.

2.      Guttate Psoriasis is childhood or young adulthood psoriasis. There are small, pink, spots. They are not thick and scaly, like plaques. They are commonly found on the torso, arms and legs.

3.      Pustular Psoriasis is most common in adults. They can be only on one area of the body or all over the body. They consist of yellow pustular blisters that are not infectious. They can be found around the hands and feet only or all over the body.

4.      Inverse Psoriasis is typically located on the skin folds. They are bright red lesions that are smooth and shiny. They are located on the skin folds of the armpits, neck, groin, under the breasts, genitals and buttocks.

5.      Erthyrodemric Psoriasis is the most severe form of psoriasis. It affects the entire body. The spots are red, inflamed skin with scales shedding in sheets.

At times, psoriasis can be hard to diagnose. It appears similar to a variety of other skin diseases. It can be clinically diagnosed by taking a skin biopsy and observing the skin under a microscope. It is typically diagnosed by a physical examination and taking into consideration the individual’s medical history, family history, and skin and nail appearance.

A skin biopsy is the main diagnostic test used. A local anesthetic is applied to the skin site and a small sample of skin is removed. The small sample of skin, the biopsy, is examined under a microscope to identify the type and severity of the psoriasis.

There is no cure at this time for psoriasis, but symptoms can be controlled. Many individuals can live in remission or minimize flare ups with several types and combinations of treatment. In mild to moderate cases topical treatment alone, with creams and ointment, are applied directly to the skin. In  moderate to  severe cases, topical treatment can be combined with light. Light therapy is a treatment with natural or artificial ultraviolet (UV) light that emit UV rays directly onto the skin to help slow the growth of excess skin.  In treatment resistant cases or severe cases, oral medication or injected drugs are prescribed. 

Psoriasis is not life-threatening, but is chronic with no distinct cure. Symptoms are debilitating, painful, embarrassing and a nuisance. Maintaining symptom control is the treatment goal.

Eating foods that minimize inflammation can be beneficial. Foods that help fight inflammation include fruits, vegetables, fish, low-fat dairy products, whole grains and lean meat. Foods that can contribute to increased inflammation include fatty meats, refined or processed foods and high-fat dairy foods.

Exercising to maintain a healthy weight can also decrease the severity of psoriasis. Individuals who are obese typically have more severe psoriatic symptoms.

1.       www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5713395/

2.       www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6471628/

3.       www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24350319

4.       https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/psoriasis

5.       https://www.psoriasis.com/

6.       https://www.cdc.gov/psoriasis/index.htm

7.       https://www.psoriasis.org/