What Does Psoriasis Look Like?

One might wonder, what does psoriasis look like? What are the signs and symptoms of psoriasis? In order to identify psoriasis, it is vital to look for characteristic skin changes which in many cases appear significantly at specific parts of body. It is common to see skin thickening, scaling and redness in psoriasis skin. Plus, these signs and symptoms of psoriasis do not affect only skin, but also nails, scalp and joints. Thus, to identify psoriasis signs and symptoms, we can split those based on features and locations.

What Does Psoriasis Look Like: Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis Based on Features

1. Skin Plaques

Skin Plaques

Psoriasis vulgaris, or plaque-type psoriasis, is one of the most common types of psoriasis identified among patients. This type of psoriasis has three hallmarks; skin thickening, scaling and redness. The plaques vary from barely perceptible to several millimeters in terms of thickness. They appear in different colors from a faint pink to deep beefy red. However, the plaques are less redness but more darkened in patients with darker skin color. Apart from plaques, most patients may also develop scales which can range from almost invisible to thick adherent plates known as ostraceous scales which appear like oyster-shell.

2. Auspitz's Sign

Auspitz's Sign

Auspitz's sign is a pinpoint bleeding that may appear when adherent scales are scraped or picked off. This sign appears due to exposure of the tops of tiny blood capillaries which pass in a wavy pattern vertically throughout the thickened psoriasis skin.

3. Koebner Phenomenon

Koebnerization

When a fresh area of psoriasis grows in injured skin, an isomorphic response known as Koebner phenomenon or Koebnerization takes place. In other words, this phenomenon refers to the growth of psoriasis lesions at the site of injury. It can be induced due to non-traumatic skin injury such as sunburn, rubbing, bites and mechanical pressure. Duration of time between injury and lesion growth varies from a day to several weeks. Koebnerization can occur in a majority of psoriasis patients, but it is not a unique characteristic for psoriasis only.

4. Guttate, Pustular and Erythrodermic Psoriasis
These three types of psoriasis are the less common occur among patients, and they are significantly contrast from typical plaque-type psoriasis. Guttate-type psoriasis is characterized by presence of small, tiny, drop-like papules which are scattered throughout the skin. In contrast, pustular-type psoriasis is identified by appearance of pus-filled, yellowish, small blisters that can grow in smaller areas or involves most of the body. In the third type, erythrodermic psoriasis, the psoriasis lesions cause the entire body to appear bright red and scaly, and skin biopsy is needed to differentiate it from other skin diseases.

What Does Psoriasis Look Like: Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis Based on Locations

1. Typical Locations

Typical Locations

Scalp, knees, elbow, genitals, belly button and buttocks area are typical locations where plaque-type psoriasis develops. In moist areas such as in the groin, under breasts or armpits, scales may appear wet and pasty. Besides, the lesions may grow into a damp, flat, red patches almost similar to yeast or fungal infections. On the scalp, one may see a severe form of dandruff-like flaking and scaling with red areas of skin.

2. Hand and Foot Lesions
It is either plaque-like lesions, as seen on other skin areas, or pustular-blisters filled with pus that are typically seen on the hands or feet of psoriasis patients. Even though the appearance of pustules is commonly associated with infections, but in psoriasis, they grow as a part of inflammatory reaction. On the palms or soles, presence of very thick and inflexible plaques can be identified. These plaques cause movement restriction and may crack when applied force. These can result in growth of fissures which can be painful and sometimes easily become infected. On foot, severe lesions can limit the ability of patients to walk, which then may end up in disability.

3. Finger and Toenails

Psoriasis of Finger

Psoriasis patients usually have thickened, lifted and pitted nails. As a unique feature of psoriasis, a large yellowish brown "oil spotting" may appear on nails. This is actually a darkened spot on almost transparent nail, resembling to the effect of a drop of oil on a piece of paper. Treatment for nail psoriasis can be difficult.

4. Joints (Psoriasis Arthritis)
When psoriasis affects joints, it is known as psoriasis arthritis. Psoriasis arthritis is an inflammatory, destructible form of arthritis and may appear in 10-30% of moderate to severe psoriasis patients. X-ray findings or blood tests are usually needed to differentiate the disease from other types of arthritis.

Different patients may have different signs and symptoms of psoriasis, based on the features and locations. Identifying psoriasis signs and symptoms can help in any further interventions to overcome the disease. For further understanding the disease, click here.

Click Here To Read My Complete Review Of Psoriasis Free For Life Program By Katy Wilson

What Is Psoriasis? What Are The Symptoms of Psoriasis? What Causes Psoriasis?

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin condition characterized by red, itchy patches and thick, silvery scales. The main cause is suspected contributed due to autoimmunity, and patients usually experience alternating periods of flares and remissions. Some patients may have light symptoms which cause only annoying disturbances, while others may develop more severe symptoms that can limit movements.

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

One of the most common symptoms of psoriasis is the existence of one or more small patches of thick skin on the elbow, knees or back regions. Even though the affected regions are not painful, but their visibility is often embarrassing. This might impose great psychological effects onto patients; disrupted social interactions and diminished self-confidence are usually seen in affected patients.

In fact, there are five main types of psoriasis, each of which characterized by different symptoms:

1. Erythrodermic psoriasis: Intense red, peeling rash affecting a large area of the body
2. Guttate psoriasis: Small, reddish pink sores or spots on the trunk, arms, legs, and/or scalp
3. Inverse psoriasis: Smooth patches of redness and irritation on the skin of the armpits and groin
4. Plaque psoriasis: Thick, red patches of skin covered with silvery white skin; this is the most common types of psoriasis
5. Pustular psoriasis: Blisters circled by irritated skin; may also develop fever, chills and fatigue.  

Apart from these five main types of psoriasis, there is also psoriasis arthritis, where it affects the joints of hands, knees and ankles resulting in pitted, discolored nails and swollen, painful joints.

What causes psoriasis?

Many researchers and physicians believe that psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder; the body's immune system does not 'recognize' normal skin cells, and thus attacking them. The affected skin cells then form, grow and build-up underneath the skin, which then rise to the surface over a certain periods of time. In psoriasis, the new-affected cells grow at abnormal fast rate, resulting in building up of dead skin cells on the skin's surface. Eventually, these develop to the red, itchy patches and thick, silvery scales.

In addition to genetic or autoimmune factors, certain environment factors are also believed to trigger episode of psoriasis, and they include:
1. Infections, such as sore throat
2. Injury, such as sunburn, cuts, or scrapes
3. Dry or cold air
4. Stress
5. Lack of sunlight
6. Smoking
7. Heavy alcohol consumption
8. Certain medications, such as lithium, beta blockers, and anti-malarial drugs

What are the available conventional treatments for psoriasis?

Since psoriasis is considered originates due to genetic factors, it cannot be totally cured. However, conventional treatments for psoriasis are available which aim to alleviate the symptoms (redness, itchiness and pain) and prevent further bad complications. Treatments of psoriasis are patient-specific; they are selected based on the disease's degree of severity. Some of the treatments include:

1. Topical medications
Apart form moisturizers, there are a wide range of creams, ointments, lotions, oils and soaps that can be applied to help alleviate mild to moderate psoriasis. These topical medications include steroids, vitamin D analogues, topical retinoids and coal tar. In case of severe psoriasis, where the topical medications alone fail or the affected areas are too big, combination with systemic medications or physical therapy should be considered.

2. Systemic medications
Systemic medications for treatments of psoriasis include pills and injections. These form of medications usually used to treat more severe or stubborn psoriasis. Examples of oral drugs include retinoids, cyclosporine, methotrexate and hydroxyurea. Injections include injectable biologics, which are new available treatments for psoriasis. They represent a new future in psoriasis therapy which can change life of many psoriasis patients.

3. Physical treatments
Physical treatments of psoriasis refer to light therapies. Natural and artificial light, as well as ultraviolet light, can be used to alleviate psoriasis. Ingestion of sun-sensitizing pills is needed prior the therapy to improve effectiveness. However, the newest light therapy which involves use of narrow-band ultraviolet B, is considered safer, more effective and does not require prior ingestion of sun-sensitizing pills.

What are psoriasis natural treatments?

In addition to the conventional treatments of psoriasis described before, some of the following psoriasis natural treatments can be cultivated among patients:

1. Dietary changes
Make sure to increase intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those contain high content of carotenoids such as mangoes, corn, sweet potatoes, carrots and squash, as well as leafy greens and tomatoes. At the same time, follow an anti-inflammatory diet and take low fat foods.

2. Exercise
Regular physical activity may help to reduce annoying symptoms of psoriasis.

3. Mind/body
Breathing techniques, yoga, visualization, or writing a journal about daily conditions can help patients to calm themselves in fighting with psoriasis. Otherwise, hypnotherapy is worth explored as the skin is very sensitive to hypnotic stimulation.

4. Traditional Chinese Medicine
Use of herbal preparations or acupuncture may be beneficial as psoriasis natural treatment.

5. Supplements
Supplements that serve as natural sources of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid)) can promote healthy growths of skin, hair and nails. Such examples include omega-3 fatty acids (1-2 grams a day) and evening primrose oil (500 mg twice a day). Besides, it is suggested to take extract of milk thistle (Silybum marianum), two capsules twice a day for at least three months.

The information given in this article may not be sufficient to cover everything about psoriasis. However, this article at least gives basic insights to help you understanding your psoriasis better. Better understanding of your disease is the first step to overcome it. To get more information regarding psoriasis, kindly click here.

Click Here To Read My Complete Review Of Psoriasis Free For Life Program By Katy Wilson