Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition and is not contagious. In its most common form it consists of red, scaly patches that commonly affects the elbows, knees and scalp, but can occur anywhere on the skin. Psoriasis can affect the nails and joints also. Psoriasis affects males and females equally and can occur at any age. Types of Psoriasis include:
  1. Plaque – most common form, 80-90% of patients with psoriasis
  2. Inverse – smooth, red, inflamed areas, often confused with “fungus”; usually affects the skin folds such as the underarms, under the breasts, genitals and buttocks
  3. Guttate – multiple pink, scaly, round patches; presentation is often sudden in onset and commonly associated with a strep infection
  4. Pustular – raised red pus-filled bumps; can be localized to the hands, feet or both, or rarely affect the entire body
  5. Nail – can cause yellowing, pitting, lifting, thickening or crumbling of the nail.
Treatment is based on the type of psoriasis, its location, severity, the patient’s age, health, lifestyle, etc. Common treatments include: topicals, oral/systemic, and phototherapy.

Talk to your doctor about Psoriasis.

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