Psoriasis
What It Is:
Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune condition that speeds up the growth of skin cells and causes skin to be dry, itchy, or to form sometimes painful lesions or bumps on the body. Psoriasis vulgarism, or plaque psoriasis, is the most common form of the disease (accounting for up to 90 percent of cases), and causes symmetrical, well-defined, bright red, itchy raised patches of skin, or plaques, which are covered in silvery scales. Most often, these plaques appear on the elbows, knees, shins, lower back, and crease of the buttocks. Other, less common forms of psoriasis include:
● Inverse psoriasis is similar to plaque psoriasis, but typically occurs in the armpits, groin, under breasts, and in skin folds.
● Guttate psoriasis appears suddenly, with small, red spots that look like drops forming on the body. This form of psoriasis is often linked to a step or other bacterial infection.
● Pustular psoriasis features pus-filled bumps on the skin and is typically triggered by medications, topical agents, exposure to UV light, infections, pregnancy or stress.
● Erythrodermic psoriasis causes large areas of skin to form a bright red sheen, similar to the shell of a cooked lobster, which are typically very itchy and painful.