Psoriasis: What It Is | Almirall

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious inflammatory disease that primarily affects the skin and nails and is associated with other health conditions known as comorbidities. On the skin, psoriasis appears as localized or generalized patches (plaques). These plaques are typically flaky, itchy, and scaly and can be red or pink on lighter skin and purple, brown or gray on darker skin tones. Plaques commonly affect the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, but can appear anywhere.

In addition, people with psoriasis are more likely to have other chronic conditions known as comorbidities, such as cardiometabolic disease (e.g., heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes), inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, and anxiety or depression.

Psoriasis can cause a physical, emotional and social burden, affecting daily life. Additionally, social exclusion, discrimination and stigma can also have a high impact on the person living with psoriasis and their family.

Types of psoriasis

The most common type is plaque psoriasis. Other types of psoriasis include guttate (small, drop-shaped spots), inverse (skin folds), pustular (pustules on red skin), and erythrodermic (rare, severe, needs urgent care).

Psoriasis is a lifelong condition. Periods when the plaques appear or worsen are called flare-ups and periods when they disappear are called remissions. Remission does not necessarily mean that the disease is cured, this resolution is only temporary and flare-ups can return. It can also affect the nails and, in some people, the joints and tendon insertions, causing psoriatic arthritis, with joint pain, swelling and stiffness.

Why does psoriasis occur?

The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development, including:

Psoriasis cannot be prevented. However, understanding and minimizing these triggers can reduce the likelihood or intensity of flare-ups.

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

Psoriasis is usually diagnosed by examining the skin. However, when the lesions are atypical or in case of doubt, a small skin biopsy may be taken and analyzed to confirm the diagnosis.

To decide on treatments, doctors look at how much skin is affected and how severe the patches are. They also check if psoriasis is in high-impact areas such as the face, hands, feet, genitals, nails, or scalp. Other important factors include how much it affects daily life and whether there are joint symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of psoriasis

Psoriasis manifests primarily as raised, red patches of skin covered with silvery-white scales, known as plaques. You will typically find these on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, though they can appear anywhere on the body. These patches often feel itchy or sore, and in severe cases, the skin may crack and bleed. You might also notice changes to your nails, such as small dents called "pitting," discoloration, or the nail lifting away from the bed. Many people also experience stiff, swollen, or painful joints, a condition known as psoriatic arthritis, which often accompanies the skin symptoms.

How is psoriasis treated?

Psoriasis requires lifelong treatment. Treatments aim to control signs and symptoms and improve quality of life. Options for psoriasis include topical treatments, phototherapy and systemic medications.

FAQs

Is psoriasis contagious?

No, psoriasis is not contagious, neither by contact nor by any other transmission mode.

Is psoriasis a serious condition?

Most people have mild psoriasis that is controlled with certain measures (such as hydrating the skin daily) and topical medications. However, in some people, the disease affects a larger skin area or the joints or has a significant impact on the sufferer's well-being and quality of life. In these cases, psoriasis may require other medications, either in tablets or in an injected form. Adequate and effective treatments are available for each person and for each type of psoriasis.

How will psoriasis affect the quality of life?

Psoriasis is a visible disease and because of that it can affect your quality of life. However, it does not impact all the people in the same way. It depends on many factors, such as the extent and intensity of the disease, the social environment and the personality of the sufferer. Anxiety and depression are frequent. To improve your quality of life, it is important for you to follow the treatment prescribed by your doctor, to maximize remission times and reduce the risk of other psoriasis-related diseases.

What foods cause psoriasis?

To date, diet has not been shown to be a risk factor to develop psoriasis. Therefore, there is no known food that causes psoriasis. Moreover, there is no scientific evidence to support a "diet for psoriasis". However, it should not be forgotten that obesity is in fact a risk factor for psoriasis. If you have psoriasis and celiac disease, eliminating gluten from your diet can improve psoriasis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation, which, on the other hand, does not recommend this type of diet in people without gluten intolerance.

How common is psoriasis?

Psoriasis occurs worldwide and can begin at any age, but it is most common between 15 and 30 years old. Prevalence in adults varies significantly by region, from 0.17% in East Asia to around 2.5% in Western Europe. Psoriasis affects to be equally common in males and females. Globally, an estimated 60 million people live with psoriasis.

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