Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a non-contagious, chronic, lifelong skin disease. Psoriasis is characterised by inflammatory scaly, red and white areas on the skin. The skin disease occurs in different periods and can flare up from time to time. Some periods are worse, while others are better. In some periods, symptoms can be very mild or even non-existent. Psoriasis is so much more than a chronic disease as many sufferers are also affected physically.
Anyone can be affected by psoriasis, but it most commonly occurs in adults later in life. Today, it is estimated that about 2-4 per cent of the Nordic population is affected by psoriasis.

Psoriasis symptom

The symptoms of psoriasis are many and can be difficult to recognise. Symptoms can also vary from patient to patient.

Examples of psoriasis symptoms:

• Redness on the skin
• Rashes
• Hot blisters
• Scaly skin
• Itching
• Dry skin
• Hardening of the skin
• Round pits in your nail
• Dry scalp

 

Psoriasis is mainly characterised by skin rashes, or 'plaques' that appear on parts or all of the body. It can also occur on the scalp, hands and soles of the feet.

Different types of psoriasis

Psoriasis is also divided into different disease types. There are a number of different types of skin lesions in the disease depending on their appearance and location on the body.

plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis and is caused by a scaly rash on the body. They can be located anywhere on the body. Common sites include the scalp, knees and elbows. The resulting patches are very scaly and can be as large as 20 centimetres. Plaque psoriasis accounts for 80-90% of those with the disease. The patches are usually very itchy and often result in bleeding ulcers. Many people experience both scars and changes in skin tone after the outbreak.

Guttate psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis is the second most common type of psoriasis. The symptoms are large red dots or drops on the skin. The rashes can appear all over the body. This type of psoriasis mainly affects children and young people. Usually, guttate psoriasis disappears over the years, but in some patients it can develop into chronic plaque psoriasis.

Inverse psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis is a red rash with a shiny surface. This type of psoriasis does not scale. Inverse psoriasis often occurs in the folds, lower abdomen and under the breasts. These are also areas that are easily irritated due to friction and sweating. Statistics have shown that inverse psoriasis most often affects overweight people.

Nail psoriasis

Nail psoriasis is just as it sounds. Psoriasis that has settled on the nail. The symptoms of this type of psoriasis are round pits on the top of the nails. Sometimes patients may experience the outer part of the nails detaching from the skin.

Pustulosis palmoplantaris

Pustulosis palmoplantaris is mainly characterised by rashes on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Almost all patients affected by this type of psoriasis smoke or have smoked. Usually the disease starts with yellowish hot blisters which then dry up and fall off. The skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet may become red and tender. Especially when new blisters appear.

What triggers psoriasis?

Psoriasis can have several triggers. Genetics, stress, infections and smoking are some. Several studies show that psoriasis is hereditary and that if you have a mother or father who suffers from the disease, you are more likely to be affected. Some of the factors that can trigger and worsen the symptoms of psoriasis include

• Prolonged psychological stress
• alcohol
• Medicines such as lithium
• Infections in the body such as strep throat
• Smoking

Psoriasis Treatment:

Today, there is still no cure for the disease, even though there are times when you can hardly notice your psoriasis. Psoriasis can be treated both externally and internally. Today there are many different types of treatments.

Treatments with medicines:
In some cases, it may be enough to take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol.

If the outbreaks are more severe, you may need anti-inflammatory drugs such as those containing ibuprofen or naproxen. Your doctor may also give you cortisone injections if painkillers are not effective enough.

Treat with moisturising products

Moisturising and softening products
Usually, you start by treating your psoriasis with topical moisturising and emollient creams. The creams to be used should contain corticosteroids or keratolytic active substances. Creams containing these substances can also be used as a supplement during medication.

Products containing corticosteroids for topical use should not be used for long periods. They should be used when you really need them. Cortisone reduces the size and irritation of the spots and most patients experience results from the treatment.

When not being treated with cortisone, you should keep your skin moisturised with moisturisers. Moisture reduces scaling and irritation. Regular use of moisturising lotions is important for the skin and is beneficial both during calmer periods of psoriasis, but also during outbreaks.

Psoriasis - what can I do myself?

Psoriasis patients should take extra care of themselves. When it comes to health and lifestyle, it is important to exercise, eat right and avoid alcohol and smoking. Studies have shown that exercise and relaxation have good results for psoriasis. If you are unsure of what your body needs, you can visit a dietician for advice. In addition to this, you should make sure to keep your body moisturised at all times as the moisture settles as a protective layer on the skin.

See a dermatologist/dermatologist

It's so important that if you have problems, you should see a dermatologist or dermatologist so they can examine you. Sometimes it can be tricky to figure out what type of psoriasis you have and what treatment is best for you. Today, you can also get advice and the chance to ask questions from a dermatologist via video call.