Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis

There is no known cure for psoriasis yet. This isn’t a good enough excuse though not to educate yourself about it. There are different types of psoriasis and some need medical attention right away. Determining what type of psoriasis you have may not rid you of this problem but it can make your life more comfortable.

Plaque Psoriasis

This type is characterized by thick, raised patches that doctors call plaque. These reddish patches have a white silvery coating that have been coined scale. Often, these patches appear on the knees, elbows, scalp, and lower back. However, these can still pop up anywhere on the skin so don’t relax yet. Plaques vary in sizes. They usually look bigger though since they’re often joined together, covering a large area. Plaques are very itchy. Don’t scratch them though as this will thicken the patches.

Guttate Psoriasis

This type of psoriasis causes small red spots. While these spots can appear anywhere as well, they usually pop up on your arms, legs and trunk. There are also a number of cases where the spots appear on the face, ears and scalp. The person who had plaque psoriasis can also get spots from guttate psoriasis. (Bummer, I know!) The spots in this case though often appear on the area where the person had plaque psoriasis.

Pustular Psoriasis

This type shouldn’t be taken lightly. This is characterized by swelling of the affected skin area. The trouble spot will be reddish and dotted with pus-filled bumps. These bumps will usually appear on your palms and soles. However, if the bumps pop up all over the body, you better get to the hospital right away. This is a more serious type of psoriasis and even in some cases can be fatal. This stage, you’ll mostly feel feverish as well and will experience chills. Severe itching and muscle weakness will also be a problem.

Inverse Psoriasis

This is often characterized by smooth red patches of skin. These patches will look raw and will feel very sore. They usually appear on areas where skin touches skin like armpits, genitals and buttocks. In some cases, women also get raw patches under their breasts.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Also known as exfoliative psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis will make your skin look like its burned. Your skin will turn bright red and your body will not be ale to maintain its normal temperature. Often, the person with this type of psoriasis will get very hot or very cold. He or she will feel intense pain and itching. If you have these symptoms, go to the doctor right away. Your life depends on it.

Controlling Symptoms

Knowing the type of psoriasis that you have will not only make your life more comfortable but in rare cases save your life too, plus it will empower you also to take action. While there is no cure yet for this skin disease, there are ways to manage its symptoms. Keeping the skin moisturized is the key to preventing psoriasis. A great skin moisturizer to use is the Argan oil. The oil comes with Vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and sterols. All these 3 have moisturizing properties. Before using Argan oil, it is best to consult your doctor first or make sure that you don’t have any nut allergy.