Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatments

Author: Disabled World
Updated/Revised Date: 2023/06/23
Contents: Main - Subtopics - Publications

Synopsis: Psoriasis is a debilitating skin condition that can affect elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, and the genital area. Psoriasis is a common, chronic, relapsing/remitting, immune-mediated systemic disease characterized by skin lesions including red, scaly patches, papules, and plaques, which usually itch. The skin lesions seen in psoriasis may vary in severity from minor localized patches to complete body coverage. Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis. Most people develop psoriasis first and are later diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, but the joint problems can sometimes begin before skin lesions appear.

Main Document

Psoriasis is a debilitating skin condition that can affect the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face and indeed, any part of the body, including the genital area. It may also impact the fingernails and toenails, making them thick and discolored. Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) skin disease of scaling and inflammation that affects 2 to 2.6 percent of the U.S. population, or between 5.8 and 7.5 million people.

Although the disease occurs in all age groups, it primarily impacts adults. It appears about equally in males and females. Psoriasis occurs when skin cells quickly rise from their origin below the surface of the skin and pile up on the surface before they have a chance to mature. Frequently, this movement (also called turnover) takes about a month, but in psoriasis it may occur in only a few days.

In its typical form, psoriasis results in patches of thick, red (inflamed) skin covered with silvery scales. These patches, which are sometimes referred to as plaques, typically itch or feel sore. They most often occur on the elbows, knees, other parts of the legs, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet, but they can occur on skin anywhere on the body.

How Does Psoriasis Affect Quality of Life?

Individuals with psoriasis may experience significant physical discomfort and some disability. Itching and pain can interfere with basic functions, such as self-care, walking, and sleep. Plaques on hands and feet can prevent individuals from working at certain occupations, playing some sports, and caring for family members or a home. The frequency of medical care is costly and can interfere with an employment or school schedule.

People with moderate to severe psoriasis may feel self-conscious about their appearance and have a poor self-image that stems from fear of public rejection and psycho-sexual concerns. Psychological distress can lead to significant depression and social isolation.

What Causes Psoriasis:

Psoriasis is a skin disorder. T cells help protect the body against infection and disease. Regarding psoriasis, T cells are put into action mistakenly and become so active that they trigger other immune responses, which lead to inflammation and to rapid turnover of skin cells. People with psoriasis may notice that there are times when their skin worsens, then improves.

Conditions that may cause flare-ups include infections, stress, and changes in climate that dry the skin. Furthermore, certain medicines, including lithium and beta-blockers, which are prescribed for high blood pressure, may trigger an outbreak or worsen the disease.

How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed?

Occasionally, doctors may find it difficult to diagnose psoriasis because it often looks like other skin diseases. It may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis by examining a small skin sample under a microscope. There are several forms of psoriasis. Some of these include:

Blood tests conducted for this condition may rule out other conditions such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis. There is a particular antibody normally present in rheumatoid arthritis that is not present in psoriatic arthritis. These tests will often also show elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate or ESR which measures inflammation. They frequently show mild anemia and elevated levels of uric acid.

Methotrexate

This medication has been used very successfully in the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Methotrexate works by binding to and inhibiting an enzyme involved in the rapid growth of cells, thus slowing down the rate of skin cell growth. It was originally used in the treatment of cancer but was discovered in the 1950s to be effective in the treatment of psoriasis and was eventually approved for use in this condition in the 1970s.

Methotrexate is generally well tolerated in small doses, but it does potentially have several side effects. For this reason, it is imperative that a patient on this drug follows the instructions of their physician prudently. People taking this medication need to have regular blood tests to be sure that the body is processing the drug safely and not creating other problems, particularly in the liver.

Psoriasis Facts and Statistics

Subtopics


👍 Share This Information To:
𝕏.com Facebook Reddit

Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer

Disabled World is an independent disability community founded in 2004 to provide disability news and information to people with disabilities, seniors, their family and/or carers. You can connect with us on social media such as X.com and our Facebook page.

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/health/dermatology/skin/psoriasis/">Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatments</a>

Cite This Page (APA): Disabled World. (2023, June 23). Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatments. Disabled World. Retrieved March 29, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/health/dermatology/skin/psoriasis/

Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified professional medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.