Psoriasis Symptoms

A person can identify psoriasis by looking at the skin. The skin will contain dry, red patches. The patches can be found anywhere on the body, but the most common locations are usually near the elbows, knees, ears and even the scalp. The dry red patches are actually a build up of skin cells. They will appear to be raised up on the skin. Some individuals have no problems with the psoriasis, while others complain that the patches itch or are uncomfortable.

There are four basic types of psoriasis: Psoriasis Vulgaris, Guttate Psoriasis, Inverse Psoriasis and Pustular Psoriasis. Psoriasis Vulgaris is the most common of the four. The raised red patches get a build up of white silvery flakes that shed. This type is also called Plaque Psoriasis. Guttate Psoriasis spots are smaller and rounder. They also cover larger areas of the body. Often times sufferers can get a lung or strep throat infection. Inverse Psoriasis occurs in a persons skin folds. This would be under the arms, behind the knees, or under the breasts. The skin patches are not raised and scaly like the other types of psoriasis, but rather just red and smooth. Pustular Psoriasis is the worst of the four types. It is diagnosed because of the painful patches of red blisters that are filled with pus.

Psoriasis is also known to affect an individuals joints. Joint pain is felt mostly in the wrists, ankles and knees of a Psoriasis patient. X-Rays may be ordered to see how bad the problem is. The diagnosis is Psoriasis Arthritis. Psoriasis also affects a persons fingernails and toenails. Some small spots or some larger yellowish spots can be seen. The nails are harder to treat than the affected skin areas. The nails can be the only symptom of Psoriasis or they can be in addition to the skin patches and joint diseases.

Psoriasis is a condition that is never actually cured. Once you have it you will experience outbreaks from time to time. Some outbreaks may be worse than others. Since every person is different, you will not know how long of a period to expect in between outbreaks. Some individuals have gone years in between outbreaks, while others only get relief for a season. Most Psoriasis sufferers, however, have more difficulty during winter months with a clearing during the summer.

There are a few different solutions to Psoriasis. The choice your doctor makes will be determined by how mild or severe your Psoriasis is. First, there are creams that you can put directly on your affected skin. It is logical to use this method if you don't have too many Psoriasis spots. Second, you can get a steroid injection. This method is used when topical ointments aren't effective. Third, you may need to be on a regiment of oral medications. This is necessary when a large portion of your body is affected. Finally, in some cases a form of light therapy is used. You will need to discuss with your doctor the side affects of each of these choices to decide which is the best solution for you.