What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to multiply faster than needed resulting in red or discolored, scaly and itchy patches (plaques) on the skin surface. Unfortunately, it is a chronic (lifetime) disease. According to research published by the National Institute of Health, psoriasis affects approximately 2% of the population.
Like many dermatological issues, psoriasis is not just a physical condition.
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, people with psoriatic disease are 39% more likely to be diagnosed with depression and 31% more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety than those without the disease. People with psoriasis have shared that it impacts their self-esteem, confidence, social activities and even what color clothes they wear daily.
How do you get psoriasis?
The cause of psoriasis is not known, and it is not contagious. According to research published by the National Institute of Health, while anyone can get psoriasis, these demographics and factors are most affected by psoriasis:
- Genetics/family history: People with a genetic predisposition or a family history of the disease face the highest risk.
- Age: Prevalence peaks between 50 and 59 years old (affecting 4.3% of this group), followed by adults 70 and older (3.9%). It is lowest among adults 20 to 29 (1.6%), though it can develop at any age.
- Race/ethnicity: White people have the highest prevalence of psoriasis at 3.9%, followed by multiracial/non-Hispanic individuals at 3.1% and Asians at 2.5%. Latinos and Blacks are both at less than 2%.
- Sex: Psoriasis is slightly more common in women at 3.2% vs. men at 2.8%.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
Psoriasis can be managed with treatment and lifestyle enhancements. Like any disease, understanding the early warning signs is key to getting diagnosed and beginning a treatment regime to manage outbreaks. These early warning signs include:
- Joint stiffness, swelling or pain: Typically occurring in the morning, this early warning sign can be a symptom of potential psoriatic arthritis.
- Nail pitting: These small, pinpoint-sized dents in the nail beds are a very common early warning sign of psoriasis.
- Scalp scaling: While often mistaken for really bad dandruff, these dry, flaky patches on the scalp can be an early sign of psoriasis.
- Skin patches: On lighter skin, these patches will be red, pink or silvery-white. On darker skin, the patches will appear purple or dark brown with gray scales.
- Small, drop-shaped spots: Clinically called “guttate spots,” they are often triggered by strep throat and are more commonly seen in children, adolescents and young adults.
What are the health risks of psoriasis?
Psoriasis has been associated with several physical health problems, so establishing care with a primary care provider is essential. In addition to the increased risk of mental health conditions like depression, psoriasis has also been associated with some physical health problems. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, people with psoriasis have an increased risk of the following conditions:
- Cardiovascular/heart disease
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High levels of cholesterol and other fats (lipids) in the blood: Clinically known as “dyslipidemia” and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Metabolic syndrome: Increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat and abnormal cholesterol levels, which increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
What is the treatment for psoriasis?
There are seven types of psoriasis, and treatment will depend on the type and severity as well as the individual’s age, overall health and other medical conditions. Treatment plans for psoriasis focus on relieving symptoms and may include:
- Medicated lotions or shampoos
- Medication to slow skin cell production (anthralin)
- Skin moisturizers
- Steroid creams
- Vitamin A or retinoid creams
- Vitamin D3 ointment
If psoriasis is causing rashes in large areas of the skin or joint pain, additional prescription medications may be used, such as biologics that are often injectable or oral medications.
What lifestyle changes can help reduce psoriasis outbreaks?
While we do not know what causes psoriasis, triggers of outbreaks have been identified and include:
- Dry skin-causing weather: Extreme heat or cold
- Emotional or physical stress
- Heavy alcohol consumption and smoking
- Medications: Certain drugs including lithium, beta-blockers for high blood pressure and antimalarial drugs
- Physical illnesses: Infections, upper respiratory issues (cold, allergies, etc.), strep throat or any illness that causes the immune system to work harder
- Skin trauma: Cuts/scrapes, insect bites, sunburns, tattoos
Knowing these triggers, you are empowered to help manage your outbreaks by making changes to things within your control such as:
- Moisturizing your skin more often daily during dry weather seasons; consult with your dermatologist to identify the most effective moisturizer for your skin
- Avoiding sun exposure and extended time outdoors during hot weather
- Using insect repellant when outdoors; consult with your dermatologist to identify a safe insect repellant based on your skin type and condition
- Not getting tattoos
- Not consuming alcohol or nicotine products (smoking, vaping, etc.)
- Protecting yourself from exposure to contagious illnesses, like colds, flus and viruses through seasonal vaccinations, hand sanitizers, avoiding friends and family who are ill, wearing a protective mask over your nose and mouth in crowded public places during flu season
If you have questions or need help, these organizations offer science-based guidelines for reducing psoriasis outbreaks through managing triggers:
If you think you have psoriasis or have been diagnosed and are seeking treatment, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.
