In honor of Psoriasis Action Month, we’re here to answer a few common questions about psoriasis and highlight the work the National Psoriasis Foundation does to improve the lives of those with psoriasis.

Psoriasis Action Month, established by the National Psoriasis Foundation, was created with the intention of uniting psoriasis patients. During this month, the National Psoriasis Foundation aims to educate the public on psoriasis treatment, causes, triggers, and management of the disease.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that results in red, scaly rashes that sometimes itch or burn. The chronic disease is often cyclical, meaning patients will suffer from flare-ups for a few weeks or months, then go into remission for a few weeks or months. While there are several types of psoriasis,psoriasis patches are found most on the knees, elbows, torso, and scalp.

What are the Types of Psoriasis?

Plaque Psoriasis

• The most common form of psoriasis that causes raised, red skin with silvery scales. The patches might be itchy or tender.
• Plaque psoriasis usually appears on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp.

Guttate Psoriasis

• The most common form of psoriasis in young adults and children. This form is typically triggered by a bacterial infection such as strep throat.
• The patches are small and drop-shaped, usually appearing on the trunk, arms, and legs.

Nail Psoriasis

• Occasionally, psoriasis affects fingernails and toenails and causes abnormal nail growth, discoloration, and pitting.
• Severe cases can cause the nail to crumble or separate from the nail bed.

Inverse Psoriasis

• This type of psoriasis affects the skin folds of the groin, breasts, and buttocks with smooth red patches. These patches worsen with friction and sweating and can be triggered by fungal infections.

Pustular Psoriasis

• A rare form of psoriasis defined by pus-filled, widespread patches. These patches are commonly found on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

• The least common type of psoriasis characterized by a red, peeling rash that covers the entire body and itches or burns intensely.

Psoriatic Arthritis

• This form of psoriasis causes swollen, painful joints anywhere on the body.

What are the Symptoms of Psoriasis?

The most common symptoms people with psoriasis report are:

• Dry, cracked skin that may itch or bleed
• Swollen and stiff joints
• Itching, soreness, and/or burning
• Red patches of skin covered with silver scales
• Thickened, pitted or ridged nails

What Causes Psoriasis?

Researchers haven’t found the exact cause of psoriasis, but it is thought to be related to genetics and an immune system malfunction.

Although the cause of psoriasis is unknown, scientists and doctors have discovered some triggers that cause psoriasis patches to appear. These include:

• Stress
• Heavy alcohol use
• Injury, such as a cut or scrape
• Some medications, including lithium, antimalarial medications, and high blood pressure medications
• Infection, especially strep throat
• Exposure to cigarette smoke
• Rapid withdrawal of corticosteroids

While these are the most common triggers, it’s important to note everyone’s triggers are different and can change over time.

What is the Treatment for Psoriasis?

Psoriasis has no cure. Treatments are used to reduce inflammation, slow the growth of skin cells, and remove psoriasis patches. Treatments are broken down into 3 main categories:

Topical Treatments

• Topical treatments include creams and ointments applied directly to the skin.
  These may include:
  • Topical corticosteroids
  • Topical retinoids
  • Anthralin
  • Vitamin D analogues
  • Salicylic acid
  • Moisturizer

Systemic Medications

• For those who haven’t responded well to topical treatments alone may require medications.
  These may include:
  • Methotrexate
  • Cyclosporine
  • Biologics
  • Retinoids

Light Therapy

• UVB light has been proven to be an effective treatment for psoriasis. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, “UVB light penetrates the skin and slows the growth of affected skin cells.”
• Light therapy may include using an artificial light source or simply spending a few minutes each day outside.

Does Psoriasis Increase the Chance of Other Conditions?

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, those with psoriasis are at a higher risk of developing a comorbidity. Some of the more common comorbidities include:

• Psoriatic arthritis
• Diabetes, specifically type 2
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Cardiovascular disease
• Cancer
• Sleep apnea
• Anxiety and depression

If you suspect you have psoriasis, it’s important to see a doctor. For more information, visit the National Psoriasis Foundation’s website here: https://www.psoriasis.org/