What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis (pronounced: sore-eye-ah-sis) is an autoimmune condition in which skin cells multiply too rapidly, resulting in inflamed, thickened, scaly patches on the surface of the skin1. This chronic inflammatory disease affects roughly 2.5% of the Australian population2 (about 450,000 people) and presents with signs such as red, raised plaques, dryness, discomfort or itching/burning around lesions, and whitish-silver scales atop the patches3. Under normal circumstances, new skin cells form and travel through the epidermis before dying and shedding every 3–4 weeks. In individuals with psoriasis, this cycle accelerates to about 3–7 days1. The outcome is a rapid buildup of cells on the skin’s surface, producing crusty red patches covered with silvery or whitish scales. While these plaques most commonly appear on joints like the knees and elbows, they can emerge anywhere, including the hands, feet, face, and scalp.
What causes psoriasis?
The exact origin of psoriasis remains unknown, though the immune system and genetics are thought to play a major part1. It’s important to note that psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person. Various triggers, which differ between individuals, may provoke or worsen symptoms, often including2:
- Stress (both short-term and chronic) can initiate or exacerbate flare-ups, and living with psoriasis can itself be a source of stress.
- Hormonal fluctuations such as those during pregnancy or menstruation.
- Skin injury (e.g. sunburn, cuts, or scratches) can lead to new lesions at the trauma site.
- Certain medications may aggravate psoriasis.
- Infections (bacterial or viral) can trigger symptoms.
- Alcohol consumption and smoking are believed to intensify flare-ups.
- Environmental factors like cold, dry weather that dehydrate the skin, increasing the risk of a relapse.
Are there different types of psoriasis?
Psoriasis is medically classified into five well-known, globally prevalent forms, each exhibiting subtle, distinct skin alterations and clinically characteristic features, and most individuals experience only one variant at a time3:
Plaque psoriasis
This most common variant produces red, swollen plaques that blanket distinct patches of skin, especially on the elbows, knees and scalp, and may vary in size and thickness.
Guttate psoriasis
Predominantly affecting children, this presentation contrasts with plaque psoriasis, manifesting as numerous small, flat, pink spots located most often on the arms, torso and head.
Pustular psoriasis
Seen chiefly in adults, it produces white, pus-laden blisters that generally remain confined to localized regions like the hands and feet, though in severe instances it can become more widespread.
Inverse psoriasis
Lesions tend to form beneath the armpits or breasts, within the groin, or around the genitals, creating smooth, shiny, bright red areas of inflamed skin that may be prone to irritation.
Erythrodermic psoriasis
A severe, very rare form resembling a widespread sunburn, covering extensive portions of the body. It often causes fever and systemic illness, and can be life-threatening, so anyone with these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
Psoriasis can manifest in diverse ways depending on the individual, and most cases begin between ages 15 and 254. The principal signs include5:
- Dry, red, scaly plaques on the skin
- Persistent itching
- Flaking or shedding of skin scales
- Swollen, tender joints, which may signal the onset of psoriatic arthritis
How to manage or alleviate psoriasis
Although psoriasis has no definitive cure and cannot be completely eliminated, various therapies can help control inflammation and ease symptoms5:
- Moisturisers formulated for sensitive skin to maintain suppleness and deter new plaques
- Topical corticosteroids to calm redness and swelling
- Medicinal creams or ointments containing agents like dithranol, coal tar or salicylic acid
- Oral medications prescribed by a doctor
Adopting a healthy lifestyle also plays a crucial role in keeping flare-ups at bay:
- Remove common dietary triggers such as saturated fats, refined sugars and excess carbohydrates, and limit alcohol and tobacco use
- Engage in stress-reduction practices like yoga, meditation or regular exercise6
- Ultraviolet light therapy can be employed to soothe itching, diminish inflammation and slow the overproduction of skin cells7