Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What is psoriasis? — Psoriasis is a skin condition that can make parts or all of the skin inflamed, thick, and flaky.
Psoriasis spots happen when a problem with the immune (infection-fighting) system causes inflammation in the skin. Certain things might raise a person's risk of psoriasis, like having family members who also have it.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis? — The symptoms of psoriasis can include:
●Areas of skin that are flaky and thick – Depending on your skin tone, they might look pink, red, purple, dark brown, or dark gray. The areas are usually covered with silvery or white flakes (picture 1 and picture 2 and picture 3 and picture 4).
●Rashes in skin folds (like in the armpit, groin, or under the breasts)
●Itching
●Nail changes – These can make the fingernails or toenails look pitted, crumbly, or different in color (picture 5 and picture 6 and picture 7).
Is there a test for psoriasis? — Your doctor or nurse might be able to tell if you have psoriasis by looking at your skin and asking you questions. In some cases, doctors might take a small sample of skin to check for psoriasis.
How is psoriasis treated? — There are treatments that can help with your symptoms. But there is no cure for psoriasis.
Most treatments for psoriasis work by controlling the immune response that causes psoriasis. Most people need to try different treatments or combinations of treatments before they figure out what works best.
Treatments can include:
●Steroids that are applied to the skin – This is the most common treatment.
●Other medicines in the form of creams, ointments, pills, or shots
●"Phototherapy" – This is when your skin is exposed to a special light, called "ultraviolet light."
Some people have a hard time coping with psoriasis. You might feel embarrassed by your skin, or even feel depressed or anxious. If you have these problems, talk to your doctor or nurse. They can help you find ways to cope. For example, it might help to talk to a counselor, therapist, or support group.
Is there anything I can do on my own? — Taking good care of your skin will help your symptoms. You can:
●Keep your skin from getting too dry – Use thick, unscented moisturizing creams and ointments.
What is psoriatic arthritis? — This is a form of arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis. It causes pain and swelling in the joints. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have psoriasis and notice pain in your joints.
People with psoriatic arthritis can take medicines to help with pain and swelling. Physical activity and physical therapy can also help. Plus, some of the same medicines that help with the skin problems caused by psoriasis also help with psoriatic arthritis.
What problems should I watch for? — Call for advice if:
●You start having joint pain or swelling in the joints.
●You have a flare up with patches covering most of your body.
●You are having trouble coping with your condition or doing your everyday tasks.
●Your treatment isn't working, or your psoriasis is spreading.
Patient education: Itchy skin (The Basics)
Patient education: Eczema (atopic dermatitis) (The Basics)
Patient education: Psoriatic arthritis in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Psoriatic arthritis in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Topical corticosteroid medicines (The Basics)
Patient education: Phototherapy (The Basics)
Patient education: Psoriasis (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Psoriatic arthritis (Beyond the Basics)
آیا می خواهید مدیلیب را به صفحه اصلی خود اضافه کنید؟