Around 2 % of people worldwide have psoriasis, a non-contagious chronic inflammatory dermatosis. This condition can harm a person's social and professional life and other aspects of everyday living. Psoriasis is a chronic relapsing disorder that affects the skin, nails, and joints, The most prevalent symptoms are well-defined erythematous papules and plaques with silvery-white scales. Recurrent flare-ups of red, scaly skin plaques that separate from surrounding normal skin are the hallmark of psoriasis. The region sloughed off tends to expose the dermis or other tissue beneath, which causes minute bleeding. Genetic predisposition, other environmental variables, and this disease are contributing factors. Psoriasis has similar physical and psychological effects to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, or depression. The most prevalent form is psoriasis vulgaris, often known as chronic plaque psoriasis. However, the condition can also be divided into four forms: inverted, guttate, pustular, and erythrodermic psoriasis.

What Is Psoriasis?

It is an immune disorder that causes raised scaly patches on the skin. Due to misregulation, the body's immune system affects one's skin, nails, and joints. Psoriasis has been thought to be caused by hyperproliferation of keratinocytes for a long time. However, when immunomodulatory treatments became effective, they changed, and the immune system became an essential factor in developing the disease.

What Are The Symptoms of Psoriasis?

The symptoms include:

Variable-colored rashes with a preference for purple hues with greyscale on brown or black skin and pink or red with the silver scale on white skin.
Tiny scaling marks (commonly seen in children).
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Bruising skin that is dry and cracked.
Soreness, burning, or itching.
A patchy rash appears quite differently on each individual ranging from a little area of dandruff-like scaling.

What Are the Different Types of Psoriasis?

Different types of psoriasis include:

Psoriasis Plaques:Plaque psoriasis, the most prevalent kind of psoriasis, results in scale-covered, dry, elevated skin patches (plaques). They might be few or numerous and typically show up on the scalp, lower back, elbows, and knees. Depending on the skin tone, the patches may exhibit different colors. For example, the affected skin may recover with transient color changes (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) on dark or black skin.
Nail Psoriasis: Pitting, irregular nail growth, and discoloration can also be seen in psoriasis and affect both fingernails and toenails. The nail bed may become loose and detach from psoriatic nails (onycholysis). The nail may even break if the condition is severe.
Guttate Psoriasis: Young people and children are most commonly affected with guttate psoriasis. Usually, a bacterial infection, like strep throat, is what sets it off. Small, drop-shaped scaling lesions on the trunk, arms, or legs are its characteristic lesions.
Psoriasis in Reverse: The groin, buttocks, and breast skin folds are impacted mainly by inverse psoriasis. It results in scaly, inflammatory skin areas that worsen with friction and perspiration. In addition, fungi may bring on this kind of psoriasis.
Pustular Psoriasis: An unusual form of pustular psoriasis results in distinct pus-filled blisters. On the palms or soles, it may appear in little patches or larger ones.

When To Consult a Doctor?

Consult a medical professional if you think you might have psoriasis. Additionally, suppose your condition is getting worse or more prevalent. In that case, it makes you uncomfortable and painful, worries you about the quality of your skin, and does not get better after therapy.

What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Chronic arthritis includes psoriatic arthritis. Some people only experience minor cases with sporadic flare-ups. However, in some others, it persists and, if left untreated, can harm joints. Avoiding joint injury requires early diagnosis. Although it is more common in persons with skin psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis can also strike those without the condition, especially those with psoriatic ancestors. Psoriatic arthritis often affects the spine and sacroiliac joints of the pelvis, as well as big joints, notably those in the lower extremities and minor joints in the fingers and toes. In addition, the digestive system, tendons, eyes, and nails can all be affected.

How Is Psoriatic Arthritis Diagnosed?

Rheumatologists look for swollen and painful joints, specific arthritis patterns, and skin and nail abnormalities typical of psoriasis to diagnose psoriatic arthritis. X-rays are frequently performed to check for joint injury. To get a closer look at the joints, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), ultrasonography, or CT (computed tomography) scan can be utilized. Blood tests can be used to rule out other forms of arthritis, such as gout, Lyme’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, which have many of the same signs and symptoms. Blood tests may show significant inflammation in psoriatic arthritis patients, but lab results may sometimes be average. It is occasionally necessary to confirm psoriasis with skin biopsies (small samples of skin removed for analysis).

What Are the Symptoms of Psoriatic Scalp Mimicking Fungal Dandruff?

Sometimes psoriasis-related dandruff might seem like fungal dandruff caused by Malassezia furfur. However, they may also have seborrheic dermatitis, which looks like a fungal infection with pimple-like lesions on the scalp.Typical symptoms include:

Modest scalp psoriasis may merely manifest as simple, superficial scaling. The symptoms of moderate to severe scalp psoriasis include:
Reddish, scaly, and rough spots.
Silvery-white scales.
Like dandruff and skin flakes.
Itching.
Aching or burning.
Hair loss.

Even while scalp psoriasis does not necessarily lead to temporary hair loss, excessive or violent scratching, picking at the scaly patches, harsh treatments, and the stress associated with the condition can. Fortunately, your hair frequently comes back as your skin gets better.

How To Treat Psoriasis Naturally at Home?

It can be treated at home using various methods, but taking the doctor's advice is necessary in case of severe conditions. Use Aloe vera extract since the autoimmune system is blamed for the itching. Moisturizing with wax, liquid paraffin, or coconut oil will help to minimize dryness brought on by excessive keratinization. Acetic acid from vinegar or citric acid from lemon juice helps exfoliate dry skin, and coconut oil or cold packs keep the moisture locked after exfoliating.

Conclusion:

Psoriasis is an immune disorder that causes a patchy scale on the skin, which can cause severe complications if neglected for a long time. Around 2 % of people in the world suffer from this condition. Home remedies such as the use of aloe vera extract can help in relieving the pain and itching.