Why psoriasis

Created by the LEO Innovation Lab, this user-friendly app is a social media platform for people living with psoriasis. In addition to providing an easier way to connect with others dealing with the condition, it provides groups based on topic parenting, diet, exercise, travel and offers tools to help host meetups.

The split-screen feature enables you to compare your condition over time and relate it to the effectiveness of your treatment with your dermatologist. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Reviewed: January 22, Medically Reviewed.

Psoriasis is a genetic condition that can be passed down through families. It occurs about equally among men and women, and symptoms usually develop between age 15 and What types of psoriasis are there? There are several types of psoriasis. Psoriasis types include plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, and erythrodermic psoriasis. Is psoriasis associated with other health conditions? Psoriasis is associated with health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and depression.

Do all people with psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis? It is estimated that up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriasis occurs before joint disease in 85 percent of people with psoriatic arthritis. What can trigger a psoriasis flare-up? Psoriasis flares may be triggered by stress, cold weather, dry skin, upper respiratory infections, and smoking. Avoiding certain foods and alcohol may help with psoriasis. Some common signs and symptoms include: Discolored patches or raised plaques of skin that are covered with scales Dry or cracked skin that bleeds Burning, itching, or soreness near the affected areas Pitted or thickened fingernails or toenails Swollen joints 1 Learn More About Psoriasis Symptoms.

Plaque Psoriasis Also called psoriasis vulgaris, plaque psoriasis is the most common form of the skin disease. Guttate Psoriasis Often beginning in childhood or young adulthood, guttate psoriasis is the second most common type of psoriasis. Inverse Psoriasis Also known as intertriginous psoriasis, inverse psoriasis causes red or otherwise discolored lesions in skin folds of the body that may look smooth and shiny.

Pustular Psoriasis This causes white blisters of pus that surround red or otherwise discolored skin, often on the hands or feet. Erythrodermic Psoriasis This is a dangerous and rare form of the skin disease characterized by a widespread, fiery redness or other discoloration and exfoliation of the skin that causes severe itching and pain. For some, psoriasis can clear up for months or even years at a time.

This is known as remission. Medication Some medication to treat psoriasis includes: Topicals Prescription treatments, such as topical steroids, and over-the-counter OTC treatments that are applied directly to the skin can minimize symptoms of psoriasis.

Each topical medication contains different active ingredients, such as salicylic acid, and can come as a lotion, cream, shampoo, gel, spray, or ointment. Topical corticosteroids are often prescribed for mild psoriasis or moderate psoriasis, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Biologics Biologic drugs are a type of systemic medication, which impact the entire body and alter the immune system. They are usually given as an injection.

They include Enbrel etanercept , Remicade infliximab , Humira adalimumab , Stelara ustekinumab , Simponi golimumab , Cosentyx secukinumab , Taltz ixekizumab , brodalumab , tildrakizumab , and Skyrizi risankizumab. Rheumatrex m ethotrexate This drug helps control inflammation. Cyclosporine Gengraf, Neoral This systemic treatment suppresses the immune system but can be taken for only short periods of time.

Many conditions are closely related to, and sometimes mistaken for, psoriasis. Is It Psoriasis or Eczema? Eczema often shows up on the back of the knees or the inside of the elbows. American College of Rheumatology ACR This global organization of physicians, health professionals, and scientists has provided a comprehensive website that offers a wealth of patient and caregiver resources, including educational videos, information on available medication and therapies, and a search tool to find a local rheumatologist.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases NIAMS Dedicated to supporting research to treat diseases affecting muscles, bones, joints, and skin, NIAMS offers a website that provides an exhaustive guide to skin conditions and related topics, as well as news on the most recent clinical trials. National Psoriasis Foundation NPF As the leading patient advocacy group for people living with psoriatic disease, the NPF provides an enormous online support community for people dealing with psoriasis.

Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance PAPAA Founded in , this alliance of two former psoriasis-based foundations operates a website offering information, advice, and support for those living with psoriasis, including a special section for children coping with the disease. Psoriasis Cure Now This patient advocacy group specializes in raising awareness about the seriousness of psoriasis and the need for additional medical research.

The Skin of Color Society This nonprofit works to increase awareness of dermatological issues as they impact the BIPOC community, working to educate physicians and the general public. Favorite Sites for Financial Assistance and Advocacy National Psoriasis Foundation — Advocacy NPF Advocacy helps organize volunteers to share information and advocate with legislators for change in public policy regarding psoriasis.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance PPA The free PPA website helps users locate public and private assistance programs that can help cover expensive prescription medication costs. Favorite Blogs The Itch to Beat Psoriasis Everyday Health contributor Howard Chang provides a firsthand perspective on psoriasis with an extra dose of encouragement, education, and empathy.

Just a Girl With Spots Having been diagnosed with psoriasis at 15, blogger Joni Kazantzis writes about not only her personal battles with the condition but also the mental and physical challenges that each person with psoriasis must battle daily. Overcoming Psoriasis Todd Bello was diagnosed with psoriasis at age Blue Lagoon Set in a volcanic Icelandic landscape, the Blue Lagoon resort provides luxury accommodations and fine dining, complete with a private lagoon at the Silica Hotel.

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking. Mayo Clinic. Genes and Psoriasis. National Psoriasis Foundation. International Journal of Dermatology. July Journal of Immunology Research. March 23, Kim G, Del Rosso J. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. January Mohammad J. April 14, Clinical and Experimental Immunology. October American Journal of Epidemiology. Psoriasis runs in families, so you may be more likely to get psoriasis if you have a close relative with the condition, but the exact role genetics plays in psoriasis is unclear.

Research has shown that many different genes are linked to the development of psoriasis, and it's likely that different combinations of genes may make people more vulnerable to the condition.

Many people's psoriasis symptoms start or get worse because of a certain event, called a trigger. Knowing your triggers may help you avoid a flare-up. Page last reviewed: 09 May Next review due: 09 May Problems with the immune system Your immune system is your body's defence against disease and it helps fight infection.

Genetics Psoriasis runs in families, so you may be more likely to get psoriasis if you have a close relative with the condition, but the exact role genetics plays in psoriasis is unclear.

However, having these genes does not necessarily mean you'll develop psoriasis. If your child develops scabies, everyone in your household will need treatment. Follow this advice to treat everyone safely and effectively. We're helping you achieve YourHealthiestSkin from head to toe. Use these tips from dermatologists to keep all your skin looking and feeling its best. AAD Shade Structures provide permanent outdoor shade in areas that are not protected from the sun.

When it comes to treating the skin, plenty of people say they have expertise. Only a board-certified dermatologist has these credentials. Psoriasis is common. Most people who get psoriasis have white skin, but the condition develops in people of all races.

Findings from studies indicate that psoriasis may be more common in skin of color than previously thought. In one US study, researchers found that 3. If a parent, grandparent, brother, or sister has psoriasis, you have a higher risk of getting it. Psoriasis runs in families: If a parent, grandparent, brother, or sister has psoriasis, you have a higher risk of getting it. Psoriasis is not contagious. Unlike chickenpox or a cold, you cannot catch psoriasis from someone. These cells help prevent us from getting sick by attacking things that can harm us, such as bacteria and viruses.

This attack causes the body to make new skin cells more often. The extra skin cells pile up on the surface of the skin, and you see psoriasis. There is one exception.