Symptoms of psoriasis vary, depending on the type of psoriasis a patient has. The disease causes inflammation and redness, and can affect any part of the body. It may appear in patches on the face, hands, or feet. The disease is considered an autoimmune disease, meaning that it’s caused by an overactive immune system.
When someone develops psoriasis, the immune system’s white blood cells attack the skin cells. This causes the skin to build up in layers, called plaques, and to be covered in redness. The skin will also have scales, which may be raised or matted, and will have pale or brown marks. These plaques may fade over time, but they can be painful.
A person with psoriasis may also experience painful skin cracks and swelling. The symptoms of psoriasis can be severe and can last for a couple of weeks to several months. If a person has psoriasis, they should visit their doctor as soon as possible. This will allow the doctor to find out more about the symptoms of psoriasis, and to treat them. If the psoriasis is severe, a person should go to the emergency room. The symptoms of psoriasis may be serious, but the condition can be controlled with treatment.
A doctor may diagnose psoriasis by looking at the skin. They may also take a sample of the skin and have it tested. This test can rule out other disorders, and can help determine the type of psoriasis the patient has.
The doctor may also prescribe medications to control psoriasis symptoms. Topical ointments and creams can help reduce the symptoms of psoriasis. If these treatments do not work, the doctor may recommend a more advanced treatment. These treatments may include medications, ultraviolet light, or phototherapy. The goal is to reduce symptoms, prevent infection, and control the disease.
Other treatments include systemic treatments, which change the way the body’s immune system responds. Some systemic treatments include cyclosporine and methotrexate. These drugs inhibit the body’s faulty immune response and can help a person control psoriasis.
Psoriasis can be very serious, and can lead to cardiovascular disease. It can also cause diabetes and some types of cancer. It can also cause anxiety and depression. A person with psoriasis can reduce the symptoms of the disease by keeping the skin moisturized and by eating a nutrient-dense diet. They may also need to see a rheumatologist, a dermatologist, or other healthcare provider. A psoriasis outbreak may occur if a person takes certain medications, including beta-blocker drugs. Other psoriasis outbreaks can occur because of certain types of skin injuries or bug bites. If a person suffers from psoriasis, they may need to avoid certain foods that can increase inflammation. They should also avoid using hot showers or scrubbing the skin.
Psoriasis can take a long time to heal, and the symptoms can return after treatment. However, recent advances in psoriasis treatments have helped decrease the amount of flare-ups a person may experience.
