Psoriasis Awareness

Articles

Aug 1

Over 8 million people live with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. During the month of August, we draw attention to this disorder during Psoriasis Awareness Month. When the immune system is compromised or not functioning properly, it can manifest in different ways. One way is inflammation throughout the body in this immune-mediated disease (meaning, “a disease with an unclear cause that is characterized by inflammation caused by dysfunction of the immune system.” psoriasis.org) Because of the unclear nature of this disorder, it can be difficult for those experiencing its effects, mainly because there is no cure, rather just methods for managing symptoms. One very important aspect to promote awareness about this disease is that it is not contagious.

What Does Psoriasis Look Like?

With the common thread of affecting the skin, psoriasis can look different for different people, along with varying degrees of severity. The rash-like patches can occur basically anywhere on your body, in the form of small spots, larger red patches, itchy and dry skin, nails with extra thickness or ridges, and the swelling or stiffening of joints. There are many different types of this skin disease:

Psoriatic Arthritis

Although psoriatic arthritis is not as visible as some of the other types of this skin disease, it can become severe for some individuals. The pain in joints or swelling can be the only symptom of this kind of psoriasis, although at times it appears alongside other symptoms such as nail changes. The damage done to joints while enduring a flare-up of psoriatic arthritis can have long-term or permanent effects on joints.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

The least common type of psoriasis and often the most intense, Erythrodermic psoriasis could cover the skin on your entire body with an itchy and painful rash. Typically this type of psoriasis appears red, peeling, with a burning sensation.

Nail Psoriasis

Toenails and fingernails can also be affected by psoriasis several ways. Ridges and pitting might appear on nails, there can be discoloration, as well as differences in nail growth. When nail psoriasis occurs with heightened severity, nails can crumble and break down, or separate from the bed of the nail.

Pustular Psoriasis

One of the rarest forms of psoriasis is pustular psoriasis. Typically appearing as pus-filled lesions on the skin, wide patches can occur anywhere on the body. In many cases, these patches appear on the soles of the feet or the palms of the hands.

Guttate Psoriasis

For children and young adults, Guttate psoriasis is typical and related to common bacterial infections (like strep throat). Legions that are small, pear-shaped, or scaling on the abdomen, legs, or arms are also typical.

Inverse Psoriasis

Similar to other types of psoriasis, inverse psoriasis occurs in red patches throughout the skin, but this type particularly occurs within folds of the skin. Friction or rubbing of these areas usually makes these itchy patches of the skin worse and can be triggered by fungal infections.

Plaque Psoriasis

As the most common type of psoriasis, plaque psoriasis is categorized by its red patches throughout the skin, which can be dry, raised, or scaly. These itchy patches might appear in multiples or singularly and are commonly found on the scalp, back, and joints.

What Causes Psoriasis?

As an issue related to the immune system, psoriasis creates a reaction in the skin which regenerates quicker than it normally would. The scales and red patches are areas where the cells are rapidly replacing themselves, as with the most common type, plaque psoriasis. Although the definitive cause is not known, experts believe it is due to both environmental and genetic factors. It is not believed that poor hygiene is a cause of psoriasis.

While the cause and the root of psoriasis occurring at all is not known, it can be triggered or heightened in severity by a number of different factors. Alcohol and smoking are shown to increase the severity of the onset of psoriasis symptoms, certain medications, stress, injury (such as cuts, bites, or sunburn), particularly dry weather or weather changes, and infection. If someone with psoriasis has been taking corticosteroids to manage their disease, changing frequency of use can also be a trigger for a flare-up.

Signs of Psoriasis

Psoriasis can take many forms and be difficult to recognize if you are unaware of the signs. Individuals may mistake their symptoms for something else before developing more obvious symptoms that point to psoriasis. Keep an eye out for some of these lesser-known symptoms of psoriasis.

Elbows or Knees

Psoriasis is most often characterized by red patches that are raised up and inflamed. If you notice these types of rashes on your elbows or knees, it is likely a sign you have psoriasis. Those are two of the most common areas of the body psoriasis is found.

Scales

Another form of psoriasis looks like red patches that have white or silver edges which flake off (similar to scales). These patches are usually symmetrical and can be very itchy. Scaly patches instead of typical red rashes can be a clear indication of psoriasis.

Dandruff

Thicker than the dry skin that flakes from the scalp with dandruff, scalp flakes caused by psoriasis can be easy to overlook. If you see large flakes instead of small, inspect your scalp to see if there are any red, raised patches of skin on your scalp. If so, your dandruff is likely due to psoriasis.

Joint Pain

Psoriasis can cause pain in the joints which affects nearly 40 percent of individuals with psoriasis. Because there are many reasons for joint pain, it may not occur to many people that psoriasis could be present in the body if they have no rash or accompanying symptoms.

Skin on Skin

Areas where the skin rubs together such as armpits, groin, or legs may develop a rash. Because the skin rubs together in those areas, the red patches are often much more smooth and less scaly.

Large Cuts

After an accidental cut or scrape to the skin, psoriasis can cause the wound to grow larger than it was originally.

Nails

There are tell-tale signs that psoriasis is present in your body in your nails. Some people who have psoriasis and are unaware may begin to notice their nails growing thicker. Others may start to see discoloration form in their nails or pitting.

Blisters

For some, the red patches and regions of skin affected by psoriasis occur on the hands and feet. These patches can lead to blisters forming within them and may be due to inflamed sweat glands in those regions.

Drop-Shaped Rash

Suddenly, some people notice a patch of small water drop-shaped rashes develop somewhere along their torso or extremities (arms or legs). In the past, it has been noticed alongside diseases like chickenpox or strep throat. It may be caused by a reaction to the disease and often disappears once the disease is cleared.

Psoriasis Triggers

Although psoriasis is usually a chronic condition that can be affected in many ways, some common triggers instigate a psoriasis flare-up. If you have psoriasis, being mindful of the things that make it worse can help you prevent flare-ups in the future.

Stressed Body

Stress has many unfortunate effects on our body, one of which causes inflammation throughout the body. Body stress can come about from different environmental factors or emotional sources, but it can also be caused by illness. When you are sick, your body is likely stressed, which in some cases can result in a psoriasis flare-up.

Anxiety

The body releases different hormones in response to stress or anxiety. Psoriasis flare-ups can be the root cause of anxiety or stress, which can create a very difficult cycle. For those who experience high levels of stress or anxiety related to psoriasis, try to manage stress on a daily basis. Instead of trying to solve the problem and become stressed after a flare-up, focus on practicing daily mindfulness and stress-relief techniques to keep things consistent.

Snacks

Highly processed foods generally contain ingredients that cause inflammation in the body. Some of these foods, like bread, doughnuts, soda, or candy contain high levels of sugar and are very processed. There are, however, foods that promote anti-inflammatory responses in the body. Ingredients like curcumin (turmeric), greens, fish, nuts, and fruit all can aid your body to fight inflammation.

Skin Wounds

Areas of the skin which have been damaged by something like a burn or cut can be more prone to developing psoriasis on the wound. Things happen, such as burning yourself on the stove or with hot hair styling tools, but for individuals with psoriasis, it can result in a flare-up.

Medications

For individuals with psoriasis, it is very important to speak to a healthcare professional before taking any prescription medication. Psoriasis can sometimes be worsened or triggered by certain medications such as beta-blockers, oral steroids, or lithium. In some cases, the flare-up will occur while taking the medication, and in other cases, it can happen as a result of stopping the medication.

Cold Weather

Exposure to sunlight is one way individuals with psoriasis manage their symptoms. During the winter months, many regions of the country have much less sunlight on a daily basis. Cold weather can also dry out the skin and cause inflammation. Avoid a psoriasis flare-up during the winter by using a humidifier or look into phototherapy treatments to supplement the sun.

Smoking

Inflammation in the body can be triggered by many things, one of which is cigarette smoke. Smoke can create inflammation in the body in a major way, whether you are the one smoking the cigarette or around someone else who is smoking.

Alcohol

Consumption of alcohol of any kind can lead to flare-ups for individuals with psoriasis. Most types of alcohol cause inflammation in the body and may worsen symptoms of psoriasis.

Treatments for Psoriasis

Today, scientists point to the inflammation in the body as a method for treating psoriasis. Because the body is a unit, treating it holistically is a smart approach. Treating psoriasis most successfully involves not only addressing the skin lesions but also being attentive to the internal inflammation that might also occur. A treatment plan can be decided upon with your dermatologist and healthcare professionals. Each case is different, and each person has different reasons for seeking treatment. It is so important that a treatment plan is put in place because inflammation throughout the body can affect heart function or even lead to the development of diabetes.

Topical Treatment

Several different options exist for treating the skin lesions related to psoriasis topically. A doctor may prescribe corticosteroids, retinoids, vitamin D, inhibitors, salicylic acid, and many other options.

Medications

Doctors may also prescribe oral or injected medication to mediate symptoms or flare-ups, like steroids, retinoids, biologics, and other more specific types of medications.

Light Therapy

Approaches to expose skin to controlled light sources are sometimes recommended either singularly or in addition to medical or topical therapies. Doctors may even suggest spending time in natural sunlight as a means for a treatment regimen.

Alternative Treatments

Some alternatives might work in individual cases to manage stress or alleviate itching, especially with minor cases of psoriasis. Omega-3 supplements, essential oil aromatherapy, or some soothing natural creams or salves can help some reduce their symptoms.

Get Support for Psoriasis

Individuals living with psoriasis can experience a mental toll in addition to the stress of the physical symptoms. When flare-ups or larger patches of psoriasis occur, they can be difficult to cover and can be a challenge when they are visible to others. It is always recommended that individuals speak with their healthcare professionals to help them make important lifestyle adjustments or treatment plans. They can also recommend different sources of support, such as:

Talk Psoriasis

The National Psoriasis Foundation provides an online community for those living with psoriasis to meet others and build a network of support to help manage their disease. Anyone with psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis can join this social network to share and relate their experience with others.

Join in at: https://www.psoriasis.org/talk-psoriasis

If you are someone experiencing symptoms of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, contact a medical professional for diagnosis and to begin a treatment plan. Remember that although over 8 million people share in the experience of living with psoriasis, your experience is unique. Visit the National Psoriasis Foundation to continue your education, learn about upcoming research and latest advancements, and help create awareness and advocacy for a cure.

Work With Tilton's Therapy

If you’re looking to work with occupational, physical, or speech therapists in your community, view the service areas for Tilton’s Therapy. For those experiencing psoriatic arthritis, occupational therapists can help you develop your home routine and regular habits to support your treatment plan. They can assess your environment, physical restrictions, and provide guidance for managing your symptoms in your natural environment.

Related Resources:

Origami Folding: https://tiltonstherapy.com/resources/therapy-tune-up-origami-folding

Memoir Writing for Mental Health: https://tiltonstherapy.com/resources/therapy-tune-up-memoir-writing-for-mental-health

Go on a Nature Walk: https://tiltonstherapy.com/resources/therapy-tune-up-go-on-a-nature-walk

Body Scan Meditation: https://tiltonstherapy.com/resources/therapy-tune-up-body-scan-meditation (FREE habit tracker!)

Sleep Hygiene: https://tiltonstherapy.com/resources/sleep-hygiene

Mindfulness Beads: https://tiltonstherapy.com/resources/mindfulness-beads

Additional Resources:

https://www.psoriasis.org

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355845

https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/food-triggers-for-psoriasis