Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious skin condition characterised by the formation of thick, raised, scaly patches of skin cell deposits. It is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to produce skin cells at an abnormal rate. This leads to the accumulation of cells on the skin’s surface, forming bumps. Such bumps usually get covered by a silvery-white coating called scale. The patches most commonly appear on the scalp, knees, elbows, and neck and are dry and itchy. Psoriasis often tends to go through a cycle of flare-ups of up to a few weeks or months and subsides temporarily. It’s important to consider health insurance plan options to help manage treatment costs for such chronic conditions.
General Symptoms of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is of different types, and the signs of each one vary. So, what are the symptoms of psoriasis? Some common symptoms include:
- Skin rashes: The scaly patches may have varying shapes in different persons. They range from localised small scaling spots to rashes covering large parts of the body
- Itchy skin: Dry and flaky skin causes itching
- Bleeding: Sometimes, the cracked skin area may start bleeding
- The rashes can have various colours, including red, pink, or purple
- Burning sensation or pain: A burning sensation in the cracked and inflamed area
- Joint pain: Psoriatic arthritis may develop in some individuals with psoriasis. It causes aches, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joints.
Symptoms specific to each psoriasis type
- Plaques and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
These are characteristics of plaque psoriasis. Plaques or raised areas of inflamed skin start forming. The affected skin may show temporary colour changes upon healing.
Nails in individuals affected by nail psoriasis become pitted or cracked and show abnormal growth. In severe cases, the psoriatic nail can separate from the nail bed and fall off.
- Drop-shaped lesions or papules
These are the characteristics of guttate psoriasis. The drop-shaped scaling spots appear on the neck, arms, or legs.
Inverse psoriasis is responsible for smooth patches of inflamed skin. The condition can worsen with friction or sweating.
A rare psoriasis type termed pustular psoriasis, the condition is marked by the appearance of pus-filled blisters. It can form in small areas or larger parts of the body.
Erythrodermic psoriasis causes inflammation and exfoliation of the skin from most parts of the body.
Conclusion
The exact reason for the development of this skin condition is not known yet. Researchers believe genetics and environmental factors influence the appearance of psoriasis. Infections, wounds, burns, and certain medications can trigger the condition in individuals with a family history of psoriasis. There is no cure for psoriasis, but effective treatments are available to manage the symptoms.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.
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