Psoriasis is a potentially painful skin condition that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches. It affects almost 10 million Americans and that number continues to rise. Here are the signs of Psoriasis you need to look out for.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects the skin. Although there is no definitive cause of psoriasis, experts believe that an overactive immune system causes psoriasis by attacking its own cells. Fortunately, this condition is not contagious and cannot be transferred from one person to another, but it can be unsightly and distressing. If you think you're living with this condition, keep reading to learn more about the signs and symptoms of psoriasis and effective treatments. 

Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis

As it mainly affects the skin, psoriasis is often mistaken for other skin conditions such as eczema and ringworm. However, there are some specific signs and symptoms of psoriasis to look out for. There are six subtypes of psoriasis, and psoriasis symptoms differ depending on the type of psoriasis.

Plaque Psoriasis Symptoms

The most common form of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis causes thick, red skin patches, known as "plaques." Plaques can vary in size and appear in different areas of the body, but they often occur in clusters and are commonly found outside of joints, such as the elbows and knees. Thin, silver-white scales of skin usually cover these plaques, and if they're picked, they often reveal tiny blood spots, known as an Auspitz sign. 

Guttate Psoriasis Symptoms

Guttate psoriasis causes small, reddish circular bumps to suddenly appear on areas such as the torso, arms and legs. Guttate psoriasis is more common in children and young adults and tends to appear after an infection such as strep throat. In most people, Guttate psoriasis clears itself within a few months of onset; however, some people experience repeated flares throughout their lives.

Inverse Psoriasis Symptoms

Inverse psoriasis causes red, shiny, smooth skin to appear in the underarm area, around the genitals, and between the buttocks. This psoriasis type can result in painful raw areas in places of skin-to-skin contact and is sometimes moist. 

Pustular Psoriasis Symptoms

Pustular psoriasis causes yellow, pus-filled blisters and can present in two ways: 

Generalized - Generalized pustular psoriasis affects large areas of the body 

and can worsen suddenly. Along with pustules, Generalized pustular psoriasis can cause a fever, chills, sweating, muscle weakness, and severe itching.

Localized - Localized pustular psoriasis occurs on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis Symptoms

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. This type of psoriasis causes thick, red, and inflamed skin patches that cover most of the body. You're more likely to develop erythrodermic psoriasis if you already have an existing subtype of psoriasis. Erythrodermic psoriasis can cause hypothermia, and other symptoms include fever, body chills, fast pulse, muscle weakness, severe itching, and skin that feels like it's burning due to inflammation.

Nail Psoriasis Symptoms

Nail psoriasis affects around half of the people who live with plaque psoriasis. Symptoms of nail psoriasis include discoloration, small dents in the nail, lifting of the nail, and brittleness.

A dermatologist can accurately diagnose whether you have psoriasis and the subtype of psoriasis. 

Treatments of Psoriasis

Although psoriasis is a life-long chronic condition, treatments are available to help manage the symptoms. Treatments vary depending on the severity and the location of your psoriasis. It's important to remember that not all treatments will work equally for all people. You may have to use a combination of treatments and therapies before finding one that works. 

Common treatments for psoriasis include: 

Topical Treatments and Medications for Psoriasis

Topical creams and medications are often the first types of treatment that healthcare providers prescribe. Topical treatments, such as Hydrocortisone, are applied directly to the skin to reduce inflammation and help relieve the itching of psoriasis plaques. This type of treatment can be helpful if your psoriasis is limited to a few small areas; however, it may not be effective for widespread psoriasis. 

Oral Medications for Psoriasis

Oral medications for psoriasis are also known as "systemic treatment." Common oral medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Soriatane, and Methotrexate. Oral medications are typically prescribed for moderate to severe psoriasis and are helpful for people who cannot tolerate other treatments such as UV light therapy and topical treatments. 

Biologic Medications for Psoriasis

Biologic medications target the immune system by suppressing it and blocking specific cells or proteins that cause psoriasis. Biologic medicines for psoriasis include Adalimumab (Humira), Brodalumab (Siliq), and Etanercept (Enbrel). Some biologics are administered via IV, and others are given as shots under the skin. Your healthcare provider can provide you with suitable biologic medications to meet your needs. 

Ultraviolet Radiation Treatment for Psoriasis

Ultraviolet light therapy can help improve psoriasis symptoms by slowing your skin cell turnover rate. Some types of psoriasis respond better to ultraviolet treatment than others. When using ultraviolet radiation therapy for psoriasis, it's essential to follow the guidance of your healthcare provider to limit your risk of skin cancer and premature aging. 

Almost 80% of people with psoriasis feel it affects the quality of their lives. If you're living with psoriasis, you don't need to suffer in silence. It's possible to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life with a strategic treatment plan.