Psoriasis Symptoms – How Would You Know?
Psoriasis symptoms: What are they? One of the most widespread skin conditions, affecting more than 8 million Americans and over 125 million people worldwide, psoriasis is definitely a cause of concern. It is one of the most common forms of skin diseases that has no definite treatment. People usually live with it and die with it.
Psoriasis is a typical skin condition affecting the growth of human skin cells. It is now being considered to be an autoimmune skin disease since the immune system tends to send some defective signals, which in turn speeds up the growth of the skin cells. There are 5 major types of psoriasis affecting the skin, including Erythrodermic, Guttate, Inverse, Plaque and Pustular psoriasis.
Different types of psoriasis are characterized by different psoriasis symptoms. However, as the symptoms are apparently the same, it leads to frequent misdiagnosis of the condition.
Erythrodermic psoriasis occurs with usual redness and inflammation as the common signs. However, the inflammation is usually temporary in nature, and might disappear only to reappear once again. You would not know when it is going to come back. It isn’t a typical common type of psoriasis and therefore the psoriasis symptoms are not so well know. All that we know is this type of psoriasis usually affects the whole body causing redness and peeling rashes that burn and itch.
Guttate psoriasis is prevalent in teens and children. This condition usually appears in the form of tiny red spots, particularly affecting the knees, scalp and elbows. It is common in people below 30. It is characterized by small raindrop-like sores having fine scales, and is associated with respiratory infections.
Inverse psoriasis is commonly seen in the areas that sweat a lot, such as the space between buttocks, the genitals and its surroundings, below the breasts and the groin. It is usually bright red in color with flaky appearance. It is commonly seen in people who are obese or overweight.
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis that affects a lot of people every year in America. Characterized by red, inflamed patches, plaque psoriasis also forms silvery white flakes that shed from time to time. It is commonly seen in the areas like arms, legs and torso.
Pustular psoriasis is very rare type of this skin disease. Categorized in to 3 different types, acropustulosis, palmoplantar pustulosis and von Zumbusch psoriasis, this type of psoriasis might affect any part of your body. It is usually treated with steroids and light therapy. It appears on the skin in the form of widespread patches affecting smaller areas of the feet, hands and fingertips as well. These are pus-filled sores or blisters that are generally red in color and tender.
At present, there is no definite cure for psoriasis.