Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes redness and irritation. In people with psoriasis, skin cells grow too fast, which results in thick red skin with white-silvery patches of flaky skin called scales. While there is no cure, many treatments exist for people suffering from psoriasis. Psoriasis can be embarrassing to some, especially teens, but this condition is mostly just a nuisance to many.

Symptoms of psoriasis include: dry and cracked skin that may bleed when irritated, stiff joints, and itching or burning skin. Areas of skin that are affected by psoriasis can range from small dandruff-like areas to large areas of skin that erupt with the redness and dryness.

There are many types of psoriasis that can occur. Plaque psoriasis is the most common and causes dry, red skin with silvery scales. These patches can occur anywhere on the body, even in the mouth. Nail psoriasis affects the fingernails and toenails causing discoloration and abnormal nail growth. Nail psoriasis may cause the nail to fall off or even crumble in some cases.

Guttate psoriasis occurs in people under 30 years of age and usually starts when there is a bacterial infection in the body, such as strep throat. This condition is characterized by water-drop shaped sores on the arms, legs and scalp. Inverse psoriasis affects the skin in the groin area and the armpits. It is common in overweight people and is often triggered by sweat and friction. Pustular psoriasis is uncommon, but can quickly develop when pus-filled blisters form on the body. Erythrodermic psoriasis is not common at all, but it can cover your entire body in a red, peeling rash that can intensely itch. Psoriatic arthritis can occur in the joints on top of the already itchy, red, irritated skin. This condition can also lead to other conditions, such as conjunctivitis. It can also cause stiffness of the joints as well as muscle pain.