Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by the rapid regeneration of skin cells, which leads to thick, red patches covered with white or silver scales. A 2017 study indicated that up to 11% of adults and 1.4% of children globally are affected by this condition.
What are the main signs and symptoms of psoriasis?
Psoriasis typically looks like elevated lesions that are red, dry, and have silvery scales. They can appear anywhere on the body, such as:[1]
- Elbows
- Knees
- Scalp
- Face
- Palms
- Feet
How is psoriasis diagnosed?
The diagnosis is largely clinical, based on the appearance of the rash and associated symptoms. A healthcare professional must first rule out other diseases that may cause similar symptoms. During a visit with a healthcare professional, a clinical history is acquired and a comprehensive skin evaluation is done.[3]
What are some of the main medical treatments for psoriasis?
Treatment is determined by the extent and severity of symptoms. Medical treatments include:
- Topical creams (e.g. steroids and moisturizers)
- Oral or injected medications (e.g. immunosuppressants)
- Phototherapy (exposing skin to different wavelengths of light)
Topical treatments are used for milder cases. If there is no response to topical treatments or for more severe cases, immunosuppressants and/or phototherapy (a treatment that uses ultraviolet light) may be used.[3]
Have any supplements been studied for psoriasis?
Dietary supplements are often sought out to relieve symptoms of psoriasis. Supplements with the most evidence include:
Some studies show that the above supplements are either beneficial or ineffective. More rigorous research is needed before recommendations can be made.[4]
How could diet affect prostate psoriasis?
Observational studies have demonstrated that people with psoriasis consume a lower amount of foods typically found in a Mediterranean diet (e.g., olive oil, fruits, fish, nuts, and whole grains).[5][6] Research using dietary interventions found that a hypocaloric diet in overweight or obese people with psoriasis or a gluten-free diet in people with a gluten sensitivity shows the most promise for helping reduce symptoms of psoriasis.[7] It is recommended that changes in diet should be used alongside standard medical treatments.[7]
Are there any other treatments for psoriasis?
There is some weak evidence that saltwater baths combined with phototherapy is effective. However, these findings are inconclusive and further research is required.[8] There are also some small studies suggesting that meditation can help alleviate some symptoms.[9]
What causes psoriasis?
Psoriasis is thought to be caused by an excessive immune response, which results in an overabundance of skin cells regenerating. The development of psoriasis includes a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological components.[3]
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Frequently asked questions
What is psoriasis?
Are there other types of psoriasis?
Quick answer:
Plaque psoriasis is the most common and best known but not the only type of psoriasis. Others include guttate psoriasis, characterized by small red patches often triggered by infections; erythrodermic psoriasis, a severe form that can be life-threatening; and pustular psoriasis, which causes pus-filled blisters and can be influenced by various factors. Each type presents distinct symptoms and potential health risks.
The most common type of psoriasis is called plaque psoriasis. However, there are other types of psoriasis that others may experience.
Guttate psoriasis, which affects approximately 2% of people with psoriasis, is characterized by small (3–5 mm) confetti-like red, scaly patches. A common cause is an acute infection such as strep throat.[3]
Erythrodermic psoriasis is a life-threatening form of psoriasis which presents as red, peeling skin that covers nearly the entire body. As a result, people will experience severe electrolyte imbalances, fluid loss, low body temperature, and severe skin shedding. If untreated, this can lead to shock (decreased blood flow which can result in organ failure) or life-threatening infection.[11]
Pustular psoriasis causes pus filled blisters on the hands, feet, or all over the body. This form of psoriasis can be caused by a multitude of factors including genetics, stopping steroid medications too quickly, pregnancy, or infection.[3]
What is the relationship between psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis?
Quick answer:
Approximately 30% of individuals with psoriasis may develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint stiffness, pain, and swelling and can significantly impair quality of life if untreated. Diagnosis often relies on the CASPAR criteria and requires 3 points from specific criteria related to psoriasis and joint symptoms.
Approximately 30% of people with psoriasis are at risk of developing a disease called psoriatic arthritis. This form of arthritis results in joint stiffness, pain, and swelling. Treatments include Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and immunosuppressant medications. This disease can impair quality of life and lead to destruction of affected joints if left untreated.[12]
For an accurate diagnosis, the Classification of Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR) criteria is often used. Three points from the following five criteria (bolded) must be met for a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis:[12]
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Evidence of psoriasis | |
| Current psoriasis | 2 |
| Personal history of psoriasis | 1 |
| Family history of psoriasis | 1 |
| Nail dystrophy (splitting, pitting, or thickening of the nails) | 1 |
| Negative rheumatoid factor test (a blood marker used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis) | 1 |
| Dactylitis (swelling of a finger) | |
| Current dactylitis | 1 |
| Personal history of dactylitis | 1 |
| Extra bone formation near joints of the hand or foot (confirmed by x-ray) | 1 |
What are the main signs and symptoms of psoriasis?
Psoriasis is characterized by elevated red lesions that are dry and covered with silvery scales. These lesions can occur on various parts of the body, including the elbows, knees, scalp, face, palms, and feet.
Psoriasis typically looks like elevated lesions that are red, dry, and have silvery scales. They can appear anywhere on the body, such as:[1]
- Elbows
- Knees
- Scalp
- Face
- Palms
- Feet
What is the difference between psoriasis and eczema?
Quick answer:
Psoriasis and eczema can both appear as dry, red, and scaly rashes, but they have different causes; psoriasis is due to an overactive immune system and leads to thick patches, whereas eczema results from immune hypersensitivity and a dysfunctional skin barrier, often accompanied by severe itching. This difference in underlying mechanisms leads to distinct symptoms and skin presentations for each condition.
Since both psoriasis and eczema can present as dry, red, and scaly rashes, they are often confused with one another. However, they differ significantly.
Psoriasis is caused by an over-activation of the immune system, which results in excessive proliferation of keratinocytes (cells that help regenerate skin) and inflammatory molecules (cytokines). This immune cascade results in distinct areas of thick, red, and scaly patches on the skin.[3]
On the other hand, eczema is caused by immune hypersensitivity (often triggered by allergens) and a dysfunctional skin barrier. Although eczema also presents as dry, red, and scaly skin, people often experience severe itching. This leads to scratching, which results in a vicious cycle that worsens the rash.[10]
How is psoriasis diagnosed?
Psoriasis is diagnosed primarily through a clinical evaluation of the rash, symptoms, and ruling out of other similar conditions by healthcare professionals. This process includes obtaining a clinical history and conducting a thorough skin examination.
The diagnosis is largely clinical, based on the appearance of the rash and associated symptoms. A healthcare professional must first rule out other diseases that may cause similar symptoms. During a visit with a healthcare professional, a clinical history is acquired and a comprehensive skin evaluation is done.[3]
What are some of the main medical treatments for psoriasis?
Medical treatments for psoriasis vary based on the severity of symptoms and include topical creams, oral or injected immunosuppressants, and phototherapy. Topical treatments are typically used for milder cases, but more severe cases may require immunosuppressants or phototherapy if topical treatments are ineffective.
Treatment is determined by the extent and severity of symptoms. Medical treatments include:
- Topical creams (e.g. steroids and moisturizers)
- Oral or injected medications (e.g. immunosuppressants)
- Phototherapy (exposing skin to different wavelengths of light)
Topical treatments are used for milder cases. If there is no response to topical treatments or for more severe cases, immunosuppressants and/or phototherapy (a treatment that uses ultraviolet light) may be used.[3]
Have any supplements been studied for psoriasis?
Several dietary supplements (including fish oil, vitamin D, selenium, and probiotics) have been studied for their potential effects on psoriasis symptoms; some showed benefits, whereas others were deemed ineffective. However, more rigorous research is necessary before definitive recommendations can be established.
Dietary supplements are often sought out to relieve symptoms of psoriasis. Supplements with the most evidence include:
Some studies show that the above supplements are either beneficial or ineffective. More rigorous research is needed before recommendations can be made.[4]
How could diet affect prostate psoriasis?
Diet can affect psoriasis because studies show that individuals with psoriasis often consume fewer Mediterranean diet foods. Dietary interventions, such as a hypocaloric or gluten-free diet, may help reduce psoriasis symptoms, but dietary changes should complement standard medical treatments.
Observational studies have demonstrated that people with psoriasis consume a lower amount of foods typically found in a Mediterranean diet (e.g., olive oil, fruits, fish, nuts, and whole grains).[5][6] Research using dietary interventions found that a hypocaloric diet in overweight or obese people with psoriasis or a gluten-free diet in people with a gluten sensitivity shows the most promise for helping reduce symptoms of psoriasis.[7] It is recommended that changes in diet should be used alongside standard medical treatments.[7]
Are there any other treatments for psoriasis?
There is weak evidence that saltwater baths combined with phototherapy may be effective for psoriasis, but further research is needed. Additionally, small studies suggest that meditation might help alleviate some symptoms.
There is some weak evidence that saltwater baths combined with phototherapy is effective. However, these findings are inconclusive and further research is required.[8] There are also some small studies suggesting that meditation can help alleviate some symptoms.[9]
What causes psoriasis?
Psoriasis is believed to be caused by an excessive immune response that leads to an overproduction of skin cells. Its development involves a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
Psoriasis is thought to be caused by an excessive immune response, which results in an overabundance of skin cells regenerating. The development of psoriasis includes a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological components.[3]
References
Examine Database References
- Psoriasis Symptoms - Allan SJ, Kavanagh GM, Herd RM, Savin JAThe effect of inositol supplements on the psoriasis of patients taking lithium: a randomized, placebo-controlled trialBr J Dermatol.(2004 May)
- Psoriasis Symptoms - Padilla HC, Laínez H, Pacheco JAA new agent (hydrophilic fraction of polypodium leucotomos) for management of psoriasisInt J Dermatol.(1974 Sep-Oct)
- Psoriasis Symptoms - Sadeghian G, Ziaei H, Nilforoushzadeh MATreatment of localized psoriasis with a topical formulation of zinc pyrithioneActa Dermatovenerol Alp Panonica Adriat.(2011)
- Psoriasis Symptoms - Gok Metin Z, Helvaci A, Gulbahar Eren MEffects of Aloe vera in adults with mucocutaneous problems: A systematic review and meta-analysis.J Adv Nurs.(2021-Mar)
- Psoriasis Symptoms - Zhu Y, Xu F, Chen H, Zheng QThe efficacy and safety of probiotics in the adjuvant treatment of psoriasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Front Med (Lausanne).(2024 Sep 4)
- Total cholesterol - Morken T, Bohov P, Skorve J, Ulvik R, Aukrust P, Berge RK, Livden JKAnti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic effects of the modified fatty acid tetradecylthioacetic acid in psoriasis--a pilot studyScand J Clin Lab Invest.(2011 Jul)