How Long Does Psoriasis Last? It Depends

From healthline.com

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where your body makes new skin cells at a rapid rate. There’s no cure, but your symptoms may come and go in periods of flares and remission.

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There are several different types of psoriasis, which can cause various skin symptoms and affect different areas of the body.

This skin condition involves flares, or episodes where your symptoms temporarily worsen. Depending on the type of psoriasis you have, you may develop:

• patches of raised, itchy, and scaly skin
• small scaly bumps
• pus-filled blisters called pustules
• a red, peeling rash affects your entire body

Psoriasis flares can last anywhere from several weeks to several monthsTrusted Source. In between flares, you may experience remission, or symptom-free periods.

Although psoriasis is a lifelong condition, you have plenty of treatment options. Learning what triggers your flares can also make a difference, since managing these triggers may help minimize flares and lead to longer periods of remission.

Here’s what to know about how long psoriasis flares last — and steps you can take to reduce them in the future. 

How long does a psoriasis flare-up last?

Flares don’t last for any set length of time.

So, it’s possible for your symptoms to clear up within just a few weeks — but they might also last for a number of months.

This is true for all types of psoriasis, explains Dr. Crystal Dinopol, a board certified dermatologist and medical writer for The Pay It Forward Fertility Foundation. In other words, certain types don’t necessarily involve longer-lasting flares.

The frequency of flares can also vary. You might experience flare-ups every month or so, or only once every few years.

Following the treatment regimen recommended by your dermatologist can help relieve your symptoms and may shorten the length of the flare-up.

How long does remission last?

Many people experience remission between flares.

For some people, remission means psoriasis symptoms disappear almost entirely. But for others, symptoms become less severe or noticeable. They improve to the point where you notice them less, but they don’t go away completely.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, remission commonly lasts between 1 month to a year. Again, though, this may vary from person to person, so remission may last several months or a few years.

To make periods of remission last longer, Dinopol recommends avoiding any known triggers and following treatment advice from your dermatologist.

How to prevent flare-ups

Very often, flare-ups may happen in response to specific triggers. Examples of possible triggers include:

• stress
• cold weather
• dry air
• alcohol use
• cigarette smoking
• skin injuries, such as from bug bites, sunburns, poison ivy, tattoos, piercings, or cuts
• illnesses, such as strep throat, tonsillitis, bronchitis, and ear infections
• certain medications, such as beta blockers and antimalarial drugs
• certain foods, including those that contain gluten and nightshade plants

With that in mind, these tips may help lower your chances of experiencing a flare-up:

• Try to avoid eating inflammatory or potentially triggering foods such as dairy products, fried food, red meat, fast food, and processed sweets. These foods may trigger flares in some people with psoriasis.
• Incorporate stress management and relaxation techniques into your daily life. Examples include meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises. 
• Apply moisturiser daily. Moisturizers containing mineral oils may prove especially helpfulTrusted Sourcefor managing psoriasis.
• Use a humidifier in your home, particularly during the dryer and colder seasons.
• Wear sunscreen every day and reapply after every 2 hours of sun. Some people do find that getting some sunlight each day can help ease symptoms. Still, it’s best to discuss sun exposure with a doctor — and limit your time in the sun to prevent sunburn, which can cause flares.
• Take precautions to avoid cuts and other skin injuries. For example, shave carefully, wear bug spray, and use gloves while gardening.
• Limit your alcohol consumption. 

Treatment for psoriasis

Professional treatment can make a big difference in reducing psoriasis flare-ups, says Dr. Santosh Daflapurkar, a consulting dermatologist at Wockhardt Hospitals.

A dermatologist will help you identify your triggers and work with you to create a specific treatment plan tailored to the type of psoriasis you have and your specific symptoms.

Your treatment options may include:

• Steroid creams: Topical steroids, which you can get over the counter (OTC) or with a prescription, may relieve inflammation and itching.
• Nonsteroidal topical medications: These treatments may include anthralin or synthetic vitamin D3 and vitamin A to help control scaly patches.
• Prescription systemic medications: These drugs typically include oral medications or injections that help treat psoriasis throughout your whole body, not just on a specific area of skin.
• Phototherapy: Light therapy uses specific wavelengths of UV light to slow down the production of new skin cells and reduce inflammation. You can have this treatment in-office or at home with a special light therapy device.
• Oral retinoids: Prescription retinoid medications derived from vitamin A can slow skin cell growth while reducing swelling, irritation, and skin discoloration.
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs): These prescription medications are often used to treat eczema, but a doctor may prescribe them off-label to treat facial psoriasis.
• Oatmeal baths: Adding 1–1.5 cups of colloidal oatmeal to bathwater can help reduce itching and swelling.
• Aloe vera gel: Applying a cream with aloe vera helps keep your skin moisturized and may minimize symptoms of psoriasis.
• Coal tar: Shampoos, ointments, bath solutions, and soaps made with coal tar may help reduce itchiness and scales.

The bottom line

Psoriasis flares can last anywhere from weeks to months, and the periods of remission in between may last months or years. The key to making remission last longer — and keeping flare-ups at bay — lies in identifying and avoiding your specific triggers as much as possible.

Psoriasis may not have a cure, but you do have options for managing and treating this lifelong skin condition.

If you’re having trouble finding OTC medications or home remedies that help control your symptoms, a good next step is connecting with a dermatologist. They can prescribe medications to help ease your symptoms and make recommendations for lifestyle changes that may provide lasting relief.

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8 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Psoriatic Arthritis When You Have Psoriasis

From healthline.com

When you’re living with psoriasis, you’re at an increased risk of developing a type of arthritis known as psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Both psoriasis and PsA are inflammatory conditions caused by an overactive immune response. In psoriasis, this immune response affects your skin. In PsA, it mainly targets your joints.

There’s no proven way to prevent PsA from developing. But you can take some steps to reduce inflammation in your body, manage your symptoms, and improve your overall health.

The link between psoriasis and PsA

Psoriasis and PsA are conditions that often occur together. However, not everyone living with psoriasis will develop PsA.

In fact, a 2013 study including 949 people with plaque psoriasis suggests that 30 percentTrusted Source of people with psoriasis will also develop PsA.

For many people, psoriasis is diagnosed first. However, PsA can be diagnosed before psoriasis. The joint condition can even occur in people who don’t have psoriasis.

Both psoriasis and PsA are inflammatory diseases. An atypical immune response causes the signs and symptoms of both conditions.

A standard immune system is designed to protect the body from harmful invaders. In psoriasis and PsA, your immune system activity increases and attacks healthy parts of your body instead.

In psoriasis, this overactive immune response mainly affects the skin, though it can also affect the scalp and nails. In PsA, it mainly targets the joints, though it can also affect the eyes or nails. Over time, unmanaged inflammation in the joints can lead to permanent damage.

Some psoriasis treatments that help lower inflammation can also be used to treat PsA. Early detection and treatment are key to managing symptoms and preserving joint function.

Risk factors for PsA

If you’re living with psoriasis, several factors may increase your risk of developing PsA. They include:

• receiving a PsA diagnosis early on
• having a more severe case of psoriasis
• having psoriasis that affects the nails or scalp

Other factors can also increase the risk of PsA, such as:

• family history of the condition
• obesity
• smoking
• alcohol use

A 2021 study suggests it is possible to predict the development of PsA in people living with psoriasis. The study screened people who had psoriasis, using ultrasound imaging on specific joints. Based on findings, researchers predicted which individuals would develop PsA, even if they didn’t experience symptoms.

If you’re living with psoriasis, talk with your doctor about regular screening for PsA. Early detection and treatment can help protect your joints. It may be possible to diagnose PsA even before symptoms start to affect your day-to-day life.

Steps to reduce the risk

There’s no proven way to prevent PsA. But taking certain steps can help lower inflammation in your body. This can have a direct impact on your skin and joints, as well as your overall health.

Start with these tips.

Eat more fruits and vegetables

Following an anti-inflammatory diet may help lower inflammation in your body. One of the most well-researched anti-inflammatory diet plans is the Mediterranean diet. This way of eating emphasizes incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables into your diet.

Try these strategies to add more fruits and vegetables into your day:

• Wash and cut up fruits and vegetables ahead of time so they are ready to grab and eat.
• Add extra vegetables to casseroles, soups, stews, and pasta or rice dishes.
• Cut up vegetables into small pieces and add to omelets.
• Bake a batch of carrot, zucchini, apple, or pumpkin muffins.
• Use frozen vegetables for a quick addition to your meal.

Add more healthy fats

A 2021 reviewTrusted Source showed that omega-3 fatty acids in particular can help reduce inflammation in the body. An increased omega-3 intake is one of the benefits of a Mediterranean-style diet. Good sources of omega-3s include:

• fish and seafood, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines
• nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds
• plant oils, such as flaxseed oil, soybean oil, and canola oil
• foods fortified with omega-3s, such as eggs, milk, or juice

You can also consider taking an omega-3 supplement. Make sure your supplement contains EPA and DHA. Those are the types of omega-3 that are best for reducing inflammation.

Olives and olive oil also have anti-inflammatory properties. They’re another major part of the Mediterranean diet. If you enjoy olives, simply eat them on their own or add them to pizza, salads, or sandwiches. You can use olive oil for roasting or sautéing, or for making dressings.

Nut butter and avocados are some other sources of healthy fats to incorporate into your diet.

Consider working with a registered dietitian, if you have access to one, to come up with an anti-inflammatory eating plan tailored to your individual needs.

Stay active

According to a 2020 research review, studies suggest that exercise may help reduce inflammatory markers in the body. It’s also a great way to boost mood and reduce stress. Building muscle strength can take some of the pressure off of your joints and keep you limber.

Consider adding low impact exercises into your routine. This includes things like:

• walking
• swimming
• stretching

High impact activities such as running or jumping can put extra stress on your joints.

Consider meeting with a physical therapist if you’re trying to become more active. This type of specialist can work with you to develop an individual exercise plan targeted to your current fitness level and goals.

Avoid physical injury

People living with psoriasis often have flares at the site of a cut or scratch on their skin. This is known as the Koebner or isomorphic phenomenon. A large 2017 study explored whether injuries could increase the risk of PsA.

The study looked at both people living with psoriasis and those without the condition. Researchers found that people with psoriasis who experienced a joint or bone injury were more likely to develop PsA. Nerve and skin injuries were not associated with a greater risk of PsA.

Of course, it’s not always possible to avoid an injury. If you experience any type of injury, follow up with your doctor.

Monitor for nail changes

There’s a strong link between nail changes and the development of PsA. Nail psoriasis is thought to be a more aggressive condition, and people with psoriasis who experience nail changes are more likely to develop PsA than those who don’t.

Up to 80 percentTrusted Source of people living with PsA experience nail changes, also referred to as nail involvement.

Nail involvement is one of the early signs of PsA, so you’ll want to watch for any changes in your nails. One or more nails can be affected. You may notice changes in fingernails or toenails.

Some of the most common nail changes to look out for are:

• pitting
• deep grooves
• thickening
• pulling away from the nail bed

If you notice changes in your nail health, talk with your doctor.

Manage stress

Living with a chronic condition like psoriasis or PsA can be stressful. Many people who have psoriasis or PsA also find that periods of intense stress can trigger symptoms. Stress can increase inflammation throughout the body and worsen symptoms.

It’s not possible to avoid stress altogether. But it can help to find ways to manage it. Try activities like:

• practicing mindfulness
• doing meditation
• exercising
• staying social

If you feel you could use more support, consider joining a support group or talking with a therapist.

Take medications as directed

Several medications and treatments are available for managing psoriasis. Options like topical ointments and phototherapy can help affected skin from the outside. Other options work by reducing inflammation inside of the body.

One class of medication that addresses inflammation is known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). They work to suppress the immune response in your body.

Traditional DMARDs work on a broader level to lower immune system activity. Biologic DMARDs work in a more targeted way to address the overactive immune system.

Both options are also used to treat PsA. Reducing inflammation helps preserve joint function and prevent permanent damage.

In order for these medications to work as well as they should, you must take them exactly as prescribed. If you’re unsure whether you’re taking your medications correctly, get in touch with your healthcare team.

If you’re following your treatment plan exactly as directed and still feel that your psoriasis isn’t well managed, talk with your doctor. There may be a better treatment for you.

Keep in touch with your healthcare team

When you’re living with a chronic condition like psoriasis, it’s important to schedule regular checkups. Your healthcare team may include one or more specialists, such as:

• a primary care doctor, who can monitor your overall health
• a dermatologist, who specializes in skin conditions like psoriasis
• a rheumatologist, who treats and monitors inflammatory autoimmune conditions like PsA

Monitor for any changes in your health and let your healthcare team know if anything pops up. It’s best to diagnose and treat PsA or other health concerns early.

The takeaway

Living with psoriasis increases your risk of developing PsA. There’s no guaranteed way to prevent the condition. But taking steps to reduce inflammation in your body can help manage skin symptoms and prevent joint damage.

Be aware of early signs of PsA. Follow up regularly with your healthcare team, so any changes to your health can be diagnosed and treated early.

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"Does my child have psoriasis or is it just a rash?"

From aol.com

By Katie Wright, The Independent

Children get rashes for all sorts of reasons. It’s well known that if your little one gets spots or a rash that doesn’t fade when you press against it with a glass, this can be a sign of meningitis and you should go to A&E or call 999 straight away.

Plus, if your child also develops a fever and seems suddenly unwell, it’s always best to get things checked fast.

But if the skin looks dry and scaly, you may be wondering: does my child have psoriasis?

We asked experts to talk through what parents need to know about the skin condition…

What is psoriasis?

“Psoriasis is an immune condition that affects the skin and sometimes also the joints and nails,” says Skin + Me dermatologist Dr Malvina Cunningham.

Dr Laura Proudfoot, consultant dermatologist at The Portland Hospital, explains: “The most common skin change seen in psoriasis is a red, raised patch of skin covered in silvery scale, called a ‘plaque’.

“In the most common presentation in both children and adults – chronic plaque psoriasis – these may be scattered on the arms, knees, body, hairline and scalp,” she adds. “Although plaques often appear a little less thick and scaly in children.”

What causes psoriasis?

While doctors understand a fair bit about the process by which psoriasis develops, the underlying cause of the condition isn’t entirely clear.

“Skin cells are generally produced and replaced every few weeks. However, psoriasis accelerates this process to every three to seven days,” says Proudfoot. “This build-up of skin cells results in the dry, scaly plaques.”

Dr Ahmed El Muntasar, GP and aesthetician aka The Aesthetics Doctor, says: “The exact cause of psoriasis isn’t perfectly understood but we know there is an immune component to it, and there is also family history associated.”

For those who develop psoriasis, other factors can also play a role, Proudfoot adds: “Some people also describe specific triggers for flare-ups, such as stress, certain medications, injury to the skin or after an unrelated infection.”

How common is psoriasis?

“Psoriasis is a common condition that is thought to affect between 2% and 3% of people and it can come on at any age,” says Cunningham.

A chronic condition that can vary in severity throughout life, it tends to affect older children more, Proudfoot explains: “Up to 40% of children with psoriasis will develop symptoms before the age of 16 years, with around 10% of children expected to [get] symptoms before age 10.”

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

“Diagnosis of psoriasis is usually visual, so you assess the patient and you see mainly where the plaques are,” says El Muntasar. “Because treatment of each of these locations is different.”

If you think your child might have psoriasis, it’s important to seek medical advice from a GP, who may refer them to a dermatologist.

“Psoriasis can generally be successfully diagnosed by its clinical appearance,” Proudfoot adds. “But in some cases, a biopsy of skin will be taken and sent to a laboratory for a more detailed analysis.”

What other rashes or skin conditions could be mistaken for psoriasis?

With so many different common rashes, psoriasis can also easily be mistaken for another condition.

“Sometimes people can mix up psoriasis with eczema, lichen planus, lupus (specifically discoid lupus) and fungal infections, as they can sometimes present with certain discoloration to the skin,” says El Muntasar.

Proudfoot agrees: “Psoriasis may be mistaken for eczema as the conditions can look similar because of the redness, scales and dry patches. Psoriasis localised to the scalp may be confused with dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.”

That’s why it’s so important to see your GP and, if necessary, start on suitable treatment. “Topical treatment with creams and ointments can be very effective in controlling psoriasis,” adds Proudfoot. “And in those with more severe disease, light therapy, oral mediations and injectable biologic therapies may be prescribed under specialist care.”

Self-care and learning to identify your individual triggers can also help people manage flare-ups and symptoms.

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Common Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis

From verywellhealth.com

Some common signs and symptoms of psoriasis are raised plaques and scales on the skin. These occur because the immune system malfunctions and causes inflammation throughout the body, which leads to skin cell overgrowth. 

According to a study published in 2021 in the journal JAMA Dermatology, psoriasis affects 7.5 million American adults.

 Anyone can have psoriasis, regardless of age, gender, or skin colour. 

Different types of psoriasis affect different body areas. These types present with different symptoms. 

Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health

This article will cover the types of psoriasis, the areas they affect, what psoriasis looks like, and more. 

Types of Psoriasis

Knowing your psoriasis type can help your healthcare provider create a treatment plan. Most people experience one type at one time, but it is possible to have more than one type of psoriasis.

Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis, affecting 80–90% of people with psoriasis worldwide. It causes red lesions and silvery scales that can occur on any skin area. Plaque psoriasis is sometimes a painful condition. 

Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ     www.dermnetnz.org 2023

Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis affects about 8% of people with psoriasis. It primarily affects children and young adults.

Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet New Zealand   www.dermnetnz.org2023

Guttate psoriasis causes small, red, scaly spots on the arms, legs, and torso. The skin lesions typically develop after a bacterial infection.

The condition is not contagious and often clears after treatment. Some people who get guttate psoriasis might later develop plaque psoriasis. 

Inverse Psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis affects 21–30% of people with psoriasis, according to a study reported in 2016 in the journal Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. It causes patches of red, inflamed skin in body fold areas, including the armpits, under the breasts, and around the genitals. Symptoms worsen with friction and sweating.

It is sometimes confused with fungal infection because of the location in skin folds. You might also develop a secondary infection with yeast and bacteria.

Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis is a rare type of psoriasis, affecting less than 1% of people with psoriasis. It tends to affect older adults after age 50, but anyone can get the condition. 

This psoriasis type causes the skin to become red, inflamed, and covered with pus-filled bumps. It can come on quickly and become severe and life-threatening.

If you develop pustular psoriasis, you will need immediate medical treatment. It is typically treated in a hospital. 

Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet New Zealand   www.dermnetnz.org2023

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis affects 1–2.25% of people with psoriasis. It causes a red rash that resembles a burn over most of the body.

This type of psoriasis can be life-threatening and cause fever, chills, and dehydration. If you develop symptoms of erythrodermic psoriasis, you should seek medical attention right away. 

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a manageable condition that requires lifelong treatment. Proper management decreases the risk of complications. 

Nail Psoriasis

Nail psoriasis causes damaged, discoloured, pitted (small dents in the nails), split, and lifted nails. It accounts for up to 23% of psoriasis cases.

Nail psoriasis often co-occurs with plaque psoriasis. If it occurs alone, it might be harder to diagnose. It might be confused with other nail conditions, such as onychogryphosis (a condition that causes nail overgrowth) or fungal nail infections.  

Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ   www.dermnetnz.org 2022

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis affecting people with psoriasis. PsA can also occur independently. Both PsA and psoriasis are types of psoriatic disease.  

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, up to 30% of people with psoriasis will also have PsA. PsA causes inflammation of the joints and entheses, the areas where tendons and ligaments meet bone. 

PsA causes pain, swelling, stiffness of the joints, and swelling of the entheses. It is a lifelong condition without a cure, but it is treatable and manageable. 

Psoriasis Symptoms

Each type of psoriasis has its distinct skin symptoms. The most common symptoms of psoriasis are thick, raised patches on the skin. The patches are often covered with itchy, silvery scales.

Additional symptoms of psoriasis include:

• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
• Itchy skin
• Burning skin pain
• Red patches of skin
• Pitted or thickened nails 
• Rapid heartbeat, chills, and fever in more severe types of psoriasis
• Peeling skin 
• Heel pain and joint swelling related to PsA
• Swelling of the fingers and toes related to PsA
• Chronic fatigue 
• Eye inflammation: Psoriasis sometimes causes an inflammatory eye condition called uveitis. 

The symptoms of psoriasis and PsA will come and go. Most people experience times when their symptoms are worse, called flares, and periods of remission with few or no symptoms. 

What Parts of the Body Does Psoriasis Affect?

Psoriasis skin symptoms can appear anywhere on the body. Some types are more likely to occur in certain body areas than others. Psoriasis flares will appear on more than one body area.

Face

Psoriasis can appear on the eyebrows, the skin between the nose and upper lip, and the hairline. Psoriasis might also appear on the eyelids and causes scales over the eyelashes and red, crusty eyelids.

Genitals

Inverse psoriasis can affect the genital area and inner and upper thighs. It is called genital psoriasis when it affects these body areas. 

Hands and Feet

Pustular psoriasis can cause pus-filled blisters on the hands and feet. It can cause itching and pain and can affect your ability to perform daily tasks. It might cause pain when walking and throw off your gait (the way you walk).

Knees and Elbows

The knees and elbows are common locations for psoriasis. Lesions will appear as large, thickened areas of skin covered in scales. Plaques might appear red or salmon-coloured on light skin tones and purple on brown or black skin.

Nails

Many people with plaque psoriasis might also have nail psoriasis on both the hands and feet. Nail involvement leads to pitting, thickening, discoloration, and nailbed separation. 

Scalp

On the scalp, psoriasis appears as small patches with scales or as a crusty covering over the entire scalp. Symptoms might extend to the forehead, the back of the neck, and around the ears.

Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ and © Waikato Hospital www.dermnetnz.org 2023

Trunk

Guttate psoriasis can appear on the trunk, arms, and legs as small, scaly bumps. Some people also experience papules on the face, ears, and scalp.

Under the Arms and Breasts

Inverse psoriasis can affect the underarms and the area under the breasts. Other types of psoriasis typically do not appear in these areas.

What Does Psoriasis Look Like?

How psoriasis looks depends on your type of psoriasis and where it appears on the body.

• Plaque psoriasis appears as raised, thickened skin plaques covered with silvery scales. Plaques can appear anywhere on the body but typically on the lower back, scalp, knees, and elbows. 
• Guttate psoriasis causes many tiny, scaly spots over the trunk and arms.
• Inverse psoriasis appears as shiny, smooth patches. Skin areas are bright red, and the skin is painfully sore.
• Pustular psoriasis develops as painful pus-filled blisters on the hands and feet. The skin might also appear thick and scaly and crack easily.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis causes large areas of the skin to appear burnt. 
• Nail psoriasis causes pitting, crumbling, discoloured nails, and nails that have separated from the fingers or toes.
• Psoriatic arthritis is known for causing dactylitis - severe swelling of the fingers and toes and sometimes visible swelling of the Achilles tendon, connecting the calf muscle to the heel. In PsA, inflamed joints, including the knees and elbows, might appear red or swollen. 
  

Psoriasis Symptoms vs. Eczema Symptoms

Psoriasis and eczema can cause similar symptoms, including inflamed and irritated skin. Even so, they are two different conditions.  

Psoriasis cause dry, flaky, red skin that piles in thick patches. It is also an autoimmune disease and causes symptoms that affect the entire body, including the joints, nails, and eyes. 

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, presents as dry, red, or brown bumpy skin. It might cause small, fluid-filled bumps that ooze or crust. 

Eczema often starts during childhood and might resolve by adulthood. Though rare, it can occur later in life.

Infants with the condition might have tiny bumps on the cheeks, while older children and adults might experience rashes in the creases and folds of the body or on the neck or trunk. On darker skin, the rash might look brown, purple, or grey, and there might be signs of skin dryness and swelling. 

When to Seek Care

Psoriasis shares symptoms similar to those of other skin conditions, including eczema. Most skin conditions resembling psoriasis are not autoimmune diseases, so they are treated differently. Therefore, it is crucial to find out precisely what is causing your skin symptoms and get an accurate diagnosis. 

A diagnosis of psoriasis is possible with a physical exam. Your healthcare provider might request bloodwork or a biopsy (taking a sample to analyse in the lab) to make a definitive diagnosis or to rule out other conditions. 

If you are diagnosed with psoriasis, and your skin symptoms get worse, don't respond to treatment, cause pain or lead to joint swelling, let your healthcare provider know. 

Summary 

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease that causes skin cell overgrowth, which leads to scaly, red, itchy patches on the skin. There are different types of psoriasis, but the most common is plaque psoriasis. Some types of psoriasis are life-threatening and require immediate medical care. 

Psoriasis can affect any skin area, including the knees, elbows, scalp, and trunk. The disease commonly occurs in periods of flare-ups and remission. 

Contact a healthcare provider if you experience a skin rash that lasts longer than a few days. They can assess and determine the cause of your skin's symptoms. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Who gets psoriasis?

  Anyone can get psoriasis. It affects both adults and children. Though researchers do not know what causes it to develop, they believe it involves a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Your risk for psoriasis will be higher if other family members have the condition. Risk factors linked to psoriasis include infections, some medicines, smoking, and obesity. 
  

• How is psoriasis treated?

  There is no cure for psoriasis, but the condition is treatable and manageable. It can be treated effectively with over-the-counter and prescription creams and ointments, biologic drug therapies, and light therapy. 

• Is psoriasis contagious?

  Psoriasis is not a contagious condition. You cannot catch it from hugging, kissing, or caring for someone with psoriasis. It is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system malfunctions and causes skin inflammation and skin cell overgrowth. 

• https://www.verywellhealth.com/psoriasis-symptoms-7095398