Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the skin. This chronic condition is characterized by an overactive immune system that causes your skin cells to multiply rapidly and build up on one another. This leads to the development of thick, scaly patches of skin that are often dry, itchy, and inflamed.
Psoriasis affects an estimated 7.5 million adults in the United States, which is about 3% of the adult population. Though psoriasis cannot be cured, it can often be effectively managed with treatments and behaviors that can reduce your symptoms and prevent flares.
What Causes Psoriasis?
The exact cause of psoriasis remains unknown. Like many other autoimmune disorders, this condition begins when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. In psoriasis, an overactive immune system attacks healthy skin cells.
Anyone can get psoriasis. However, certain factors may increase your risk. Risk factors of psoriasis include:
- Smoking.
- Heavy alcohol use.
- Obesity.
- Certain medications. Beta-blockers, lithium, and rituximab are some of several drugs linked to the onset of psoriasis.
- Infections. HIV and streptococcal are linked to psoriasis.
- Skin injury.
- Exposure to air pollution.
- Excess sun exposure.
- Vaccines, particularly the flu vaccine.
- Diabetes.
- High blood pressure.
- Stress.
Many of the above risk factors can trigger body-wide inflammation that may contribute to the development of autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis. Talk to your provider if you meet one or more risk factors for psoriasis so you can learn more about how to reduce your risk.
Symptoms of Psoriasis
Symptoms of psoriasis usually vary from one person to the next. If you have psoriasis, your symptoms may come and go at a moment’s notice. Periods when symptoms are at their worst are known as flares.
Common symptoms of psoriasis include:
- Patches of red, thick, scaly skin. These patches of skin may itch or burn and typically develop on the elbows, arms, knees, scalp, palms, trunk, and bottoms of the feet.
- Dry, cracked skin that may itch or bleed.
- Rashes that vary in color. Coloring may be purple, gray, brown, black, pink, red, and/or white.
- Thickened, ridged, and/or pitted nails.
Treatments for Psoriasis
The goal of psoriasis treatment is to remove scales, reduce your symptoms, and minimize flares as best as possible. This condition is usually treated by dermatologists. Medications and light therapy are the most common treatments for psoriasis.
Medications
Oral and topical medications may be used to treat psoriasis.
Methotrexate is an antimetabolite that can suppress the immune system and slow down the activity of skin cells. Immunosuppressants may also be used to suppress the immune system, while phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors target enzymes inside immune cells to stop inflammation and prevent skin cells from building on top of one another.
Retinoids and corticosteroids are also commonly used to treat psoriasis. These medications are available in topical form and can be applied directly to the skin to reduce inflammation and other symptoms.
Some medications for psoriasis are intended only for short-term use due to side effects or because they may become less effective when used long-term. Your provider can talk to you in greater detail about the pros and cons of using medications to treat psoriasis.
Light Therapy
Also known as phototherapy, light therapy is a non-invasive treatment for psoriasis that can slow the growth of fast-growing skin cells. It can also reduce inflammation, eliminate itching, and suppress your overactive immune system so you experience fewer flares.
Light therapy may not be recommended for you if you also have skin cancer, are using medications that make you sensitive to UV light, or have another health condition that increases your risk for skin cancer and/or light sensitivity.
Tips for Managing Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic, life-long condition. Managing this disease is essential to maintaining your quality of life and reducing your risk for its related complications including eye disorders, heart disease, and mental health disorders. Certain lifestyle behaviors can help you manage your symptoms and reduce instances of flares.
Practical ways to manage psoriasis include:
- Moisturizing your skin daily to reduce dryness and flaking.
- Maintaining a healthy weight and losing excess weight.
- Not smoking or working with your provider to stop smoking.
- Reducing your alcohol intake.
- Spending more time in the sun.
- Avoiding known triggers.
- Soaking in a bath for a few minutes every day.
- Keeping your skin cool to help reduce itching.
- Exercising regularly.
- Eating healthy foods.
- Joining a support group for people with psoriasis.
- Working with your provider to find the right psoriasis treatments for you.
Contact your provider or a dermatologist if you think you may have psoriasis. Your provider can perform an exam, accurately diagnose your condition, and discuss all your available treatment options.
Resource Links
- “Psoriasis” via National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- “Psoriasis Prevalence in Adults in the United States” via National Library of Medicine
- “Psoriasis” via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- “Risk Factors for the Development of Psoriasis” via National Library of Medicine
- “Drug-induced psoriasis: clinical perspectives” via National Library of Medicine
- “Psoriasis treatment: Phototherapy” via American Academy of Dermatology Association