might seem like a pretty straightforward questionits askin conditionthat causes raised bumpy patches, right?
Not quite, actually.
Psoriasis is a chronicautoimmune conditionthat causes issues with the skin.
Adobe Stock / Konstantin Kolosov
And its so much more than the physical symptoms you probably associate with it.
For one, there are several different types of psoriasis and each persons experience with the condition is unique.
Before we dive in, lets cover the basics:Psoriasiscauses the skin to regenerate more quickly than normal.
While many tend to associate psoriasis with redness, the color of plaques actually depends on your skin color.
Lastly, erythrodermic psoriasis is a very severe and rare form of psoriasis.
It can be life-threatening and calls for immediate medical attention.
Psoriatic arthritis is a condition that makes joints swollen, stiff, and painful.
All that said, psoriasis isnt always clean-cut.
It’s very dynamic and always changing.
Where psoriasis appears
Basically, psoriasis can show up wherever you have skin.
The skin at each of these sites is different and requires different treatments.
Facial psoriasis isnt as common, Dr. Bailey says, but it can happen.
Thepalms of your handsand soles of your feet can get a pop in of psoriasis known as palmar-plantar psoriasis.
Here, the skin is scaly, fissured, and sometimes blistered or red, Dr. Bailey says.
And, unsurprisingly, it’s painful.
With psoriatic arthritis, that number jumps to 90 percent.
It can also appear under yourbreasts, per the NPF, and its often irritated by rubbing and sweating.
Its important to know your unique psoriasis triggersmanaging triggers is an important part of managing psoriasis.
Similarly, air conditioning can cause flare-ups too.
Things like cuts, scrapes,sunburns, scratches, and bug bites can all trigger flare-ups.
Smokingor hanging around people who smokemight be behind psoriasis flare-ups, theMayo Clinicsays.
Some medications including lithium, high blood pressure medications, and antimalarial drugs are associated with flare-ups.
The AAD suggests talking to your doctor about your options.
Psoriasis and mental health
Skin conditions that affect your appearance naturally can make you self-conscious.
Because of this misconception, psoriasis can be very isolating and wear onmental health.
“Its a real problem.
“It can change how you present yourself and even what you wear.”
For more information, check out SELFs reporting on the complex connection between psoriasis and mental healthhere.
Treating all degrees of psoriasis can improve a patients quality of life significantly.
Even if you think its not that bad, you deserve relief.
Similarly, choosing products that wont irritate your skin can make a world of differencecheck out thesedermatologist-approved tipsforsensitive skin.
All told, talking to your doctor is key.
Its your disease, and we’re here to help you.”
Additional reporting by Korin Miller and Amy Marturana Winderl.
