Psoriasis skin

Symptoms

Common symptoms of psoriasis include red, scaly, itchy rashes. Where the rashes appear and what they look like depends on the type of psoriasis you have.

Plaque psoriasis

The most common form is called plaque psoriasis. Symptoms include round, scaly, itchy rashes. Beneath the silvery scales, the skin is tender and bleeds easily. On light skin, rashes are often red or pink. On dark skin, the patches may be purple or darker.

Plaque psoriasis usually appears on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp. Another characteristic is that rashes often appear on both sides of the body, for example on both knees. Symptoms often come in flare-ups.

Guttate psoriasis

Symptoms include red spots on the skin. The spots are usually round and measure approximately 0.5-1 cm in diameter. Guttate psoriasis can also be scaly and cause red, inflamed skin.

Guttate psoriasis can flare up in connection with strep throat or other infections. This variant most often affects teenagers and can resolve on its own.

Inverse psoriasis

Common symptoms include smooth, shiny rashes that appear in skin folds. Unlike many other variants, inverse psoriasis rashes do not scale.

Inverse psoriasis can affect the groin, armpits, under the breasts, and navel, for example. The face can also be affected, usually around the nostrils, eyebrows, or hairline on the forehead.

Pustulosis palmoplantaris (PPP)

This variant is controversial because some people do not consider it a form of psoriasis. Pustulosis palmoplantaris causes yellow pustules that then dry up. The skin can be itchy and feel tender when new pustules form. The rashes appear on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. Pustulosis palmoplantaris almost exclusively affects smokers or former smokers. 

Other types of psoriasis

Psoriasis can also appear in other variants, such as

• hand-foot psoriasis
• scalp psoriasis

What can I do myself?

For psoriasis, treatment is often needed because symptoms rarely resolve on their own. Depending on your lifestyle, there are certain things you can do to reduce symptoms. Research suggests that people with psoriasis are particularly sensitive to an unhealthy lifestyle. Eating nutritious food and staying active are therefore general tips to keep in mind.

Things you can do yourself include:

• lose weight if you are overweight
• quit smoking
• reduce alcohol intake
• exercise and stay active
• manage stress.

How is psoriasis treated?

Psoriasis is a chronic condition, but with treatment, symptoms can be relieved or almost completely disappear. The condition is often treated with creams, light therapy, and medications. There are also special therapeutic products designed for water baths, such as the BIOpH Psoriasis medical bath.

Skin care for psoriasis

There are many different types of creams, lotions, and ointments that can be used for psoriasis. Which creams or products you should use depends on the type of psoriasis you have, where the rashes are located, and your age.

Moisturizing the skin is among the most important steps for psoriasis care. Try to establish a routine that works for you. Ideally, products should contain ingredients that soften the skin, soothe itching, and reduce scaling.

Products containing steroids are also common for psoriasis and can reduce the risk of rashes flaring up.

Psoriasis on the face

Psoriasis rarely appears specifically on the face. When it does, the eyelids are usually the affected area.

Because the skin on the face, especially the eyelids, is sensitive, you should use skin care specifically designed for facial psoriasis. Use natural skin care and fragrance-free products.

Exfoliants and certain types of facial treatments can make the skin more sensitive. You should be careful with this because psoriasis often develops where the skin is damaged. For example, you can choose a gentle exfoliant if you want to exfoliate your face.

If you use skin care products with sunscreen, they must be washed off before light therapy.

Light therapy

If skin care tailored to relieve psoriasis does not help, you can try light therapy. These come in different variants depending on the severity of the condition.

• UVB
  Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis can be treated with UVB light therapy. Treatments are usually given a few times a week over several weeks.
• PUVA
  PUVA can be used for severe psoriasis. This treatment is also given more intensively over a shorter period.
• Climate and sun therapy
  Traveling to the Canary Islands or another sunny location can serve as a supplement to other treatments.