Psoriasis Skin Rash: A Lifelong Skin Problem

Thick, white scale on the legs

Elevated lesion on the knee

Large lesion on the elbow

Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin problem causing thickened red, scaly skin. This skin disorder affects 125 million people worldwide. The patches of psoriasis usually appear on the elbows, knees, back, face, palms, and feet.

Individuals with psoriasis may experience both physical and emotional pain. Psoriasis is a painful and itchy skin condition, and the lesions often cause individuals to feel self-conscious of their appearance, which can lead to depression and social isolation. The National Psoriasis Foundation found that 50% of survey respondents felt that psoriasis had made them angry, helpless, and embarrassed.

Approximately 10-30% of psoriasis sufferers will also experience psoriatic arthritis. This type of arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints and connective tissue. Without treatment, psoriatic arthritis can be disabling and potentially crippling.

What Causes Psoriasis?

The cause of psoriasis is not exactly known. The skin disorder seems to be caused by errors in how the immune system works.

Cell turnover is a process in which deep-growing skin cells rise to the skin's surface. People without psoriasis have skin cells that mature and fall off their body in 28-30 days. The skin cells of people with psoriasis go through this same process; however, it is a rapid-maturing period of 3-4 days. These cells do not shed; they accumulate and form lesions.

Certain substances and triggers may cause psoriasis to flare up or worsen. These triggers include the following:

• Injury to the skin
• HIV/AIDS infection
• Certain drugs
• Emotional stress
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Streptococcus infection

Are You At Risk?

Anyone can get psoriasis. It is very likely to run in families, as certain genes have been linked to the disease. Psoriasis can develop at any age, although it commonly appears for the first time between the ages of 15-25. Psoriasis is about 3 times more common in whites than blacks. Men and women are affected fairly equally.

What's the Best Treatment?

Mild and moderate psoriasis sufferers may be able to control psoriasis inflammation.

Self-Care Guidelines:

• Bathe daily to remove scales and moisten skin.
• Heavy oil-based moisturizers work well to help the skin retain water.
• Follow a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight.
• Small amounts of sunlight 2 or 3 times a week may help clear and improve psoriasis.

Those with severe psoriasis may find the above measures to be helpful. Medical care is often required to control severe psoriasis.

Dealing with Psoriasis

People with psoriasis may find it difficult to cope with the disease, especially if it covers large areas of the body or areas often exposed, like the hands or face. There are ways to handle the emotional toll psoriasis can have.

Learn as much about psoriasis as you can. Understanding your psoriasis triggers can help you to prevent flare-ups. You may also want to educate family and friends so they can offer support and understand what you are going through.

Clothing and cosmetic cover-up products may help to conceal lesions. Never apply products to open sores, cuts, or irritated skin.

Support groups can put you in contact with members who have psoriasis and understand what you may be going through. The National Psoriasis Foundation can help you find a support group in your area.

There is no cure for psoriasis. The National Psoriasis Foundation and federal government, however, are currently promoting and funding research to find a cure. Additional information and images of psoriasis are available at VisualDxHealth.