Explore psoriasis symptoms and treatments
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease caused by an alteration of the immune system. It can manifest anywhere on the body in the form of reddened skin lesions covered with whitish scales, of varying size and intensity, which can cause itching, stinging, bleeding and even pain. Since it is not an infectious disease, it is not contagious. When psoriasis affects the patient's joints, it is called Psoriatic Arthritis.The following daily medicines and treatment plans.
Symptoms and types of Psoriasis
We explore the different types of this autoimmune disease, such as plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, inverted psoriasis and pustular psoriasis.
We describe its main symptoms, which include itching, scaling and pain, and share practical advice for daily management.
We recommend staying well hydrated, using appropriate products and consulting a doctor in severe cases. This resource is an essential guide to better understanding and managing psoriasis.
Psoriasis in special areas
Scalp
The scalp is very frequently affected. It can accompany any form of psoriasis, and may even be the initial form or the only location of the disease.
It appears in the form of dry, very adherent flaking (thick dandruff) on a red area of the scalp. It does not cause alopecia.
Symptoms and advice
Itching
It appears when the lesions appear and are more inflamed and red, and when the skin is dry (with many whitish scales).
How to relieve itching when it is mild:
It appears when lesions appear and are more inflamed and red, and when the skin is dry (with many whitish scales).
Cold, a good ally: apply moisturising cream previously chilled in the fridge. Do not apply ice, because it can cause burns.
Phytotherapy: apply compresses soaked in chamomile, as it has anti-inflammatory and sedative properties.
Aloe vera juice or ice will relieve itching, moisturize and reduce inflammation.
A warm bath with oatmeal or vinegar will help reduce itching and dryness.
Apply moisturizing lotions containing antipruritic agents (menthol, polidocanol, allantoin, camphor, pramoxine, etc.)
Tips for your daily life:
Use detergent-free soaps, over-greasing shower gels and neutral shampoos or with an acidic pH, between 4 and 4.5.
Do not wear wool or synthetic clothing, or clothing that is too tight.
If you cannot avoid scratching, do so using the palm of your hand or the tip of your fingers; do not scratch with your nails.
Avoid overly hot places and showers with excessively high temperatures.
Protect your hands with gloves when touching water, detergents and other cleaning products.
Peeling
This occurs when the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin) peels off in small sheets.
Moisturize your skin. This will prevent it from drying out and peeling and reduce the risk of cracking and painful fissures forming.
Emollient and keratolytic creams are ideal for moisturizing the skin, preventing cracks and reducing or even eliminating scales.
Pain
When skin lesions are very dry, they can crack and cause pain. This usually occurs on the palms, soles of the feet, elbows, knees and nails when they are affected.
Consult your family doctor, dermatologist and rheumatologist.
If cracks have formed in the skin lesions.
If psoriasis affects the skin folds, such as armpits and groin, and fissures have also formed in these.
If you feel stiffness, inflammation or pain in any of your joints.