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Symptoms, treatment options, and personal experiences for various physical, mental, and health conditions and concerns.
Image courtesy of Bella Geraci
What is psoriasis?
Having psoriasis can also make you more susceptible to developing other diseases.
What does psoriasis look like?
psoriasis skin disorder on an elbow
Sometimes these plaques will itch or crack and possibly even bleed.
Under the overarching psoriasis umbrella, there are also many different types of the condition.
All forms of psoriasis are characterized by plaques, but the size, pattern, and location can differ.
psoriasis skin disorder on an elbow
Of these, plaque psoriasis is considered to be the most common form.
“Plaque will typically be on the elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk,” Greenfield explains.
What do you do about it?
Womans arm with painful skin condition, psoriasis.
Don’t just go to Google images and have a go at diagnose yourself.
Once you’ve been diagnosed, you’ve got the option to discuss treatment plans.
There are now many options available, including topical creams,injections, and lifestyle alterations.
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“For mild cases, skin care is important,” Goldenberg says.
Other topical options for mild cases include cortisones andvitamin Dcreams, Zeichner says.
“More severe cases may require systemic medications like pills or shots to keep the inflammation calm.”
If you havescalp psoriasis, Zeichner also suggests using over-the-counter tarshampoosto help relieve dandruff and itching.
When it comes to psoriasis, certain lifestyle choices can greatly affect and even trigger flare-ups.
“Lifestyle is very important,” Goldenberg explains.
Alcohol in excess and smoking can also make psoriasis worse."
In addition to alcohol and smoking, stress can also exacerbate symptoms, Greenfield says.
“Rubbing and picking at the skin will actually worsen the spots,” Shainhouse says.
“Psoriasis tends to develop in sites of skin trauma, including cuts and scratches.”
This is called the Koebner phenomenon.
In case that wasn’t quite comprehensive enough:
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