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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- Farber EM, Nall ML. The natural history of Psoriasis in 5600 patients. Dermatologica. 1974; 148:1-18.
- Farber EM, Nall ML. The natural history of Psoriasis in 5600 patients. Dermatologica. 1974; 148:1-18.
- Christophers E. Psoriasis — epidemiology and clinical spectrum. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2001;26:314-20.
- Christophers E. Psoriasis — epidemiology and clinical spectrum. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2001;26:314-20.
- Schon MP, Boehncke WH. Psoriasis. N Engl J Med. 2005; 352:1899-912.
- Schon MP, Boehncke WH. Psoriasis. N Engl J Med. 2005; 352:1899-912.
- Andressen C, Henseler T. Inheritance of psoriasis. Analysis of 2035 family histories. Hautarzt. 1982;33:214-7.
- Andressen C, Henseler T. Inheritance of psoriasis. Analysis of 2035 family histories. Hautarzt. 1982;33:214-7.
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What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystemic disease that affects approximately 2 percent of the U.S. population. It shows up as pink or red scaly plaques. There may be a few coin-shaped lesions on the elbows and knees, or it may affect the entire skin surface.
This recurrent skin disease changes the life cycle of skin cells, causing them to build up quickly on the surface of the skin. Sites affected generally include the scalp, nails, fronts of the forearms, belly button region and lower-back/tailbone area. The eruption is typically symmetrical. Eventually, the skin lesions may clear, though the normal pigment of the skin may become lighter or darker than it was before.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of psoriasis include burning and itching of the skin lesions, which can be quite severe. Psoriasis evolves slowly; however, there is a guttate form, which is the sudden development of gumdrop-like lesions typically related to the beta-hemolytic strep bacteria manifesting as either a sore throat or as a red rash around the anus. This subtype is more common in children.
Most types of psoriasis go through cycles, flaring up for a few weeks or months, then remitting for some time or even going into complete remission. Psoriatic arthritis occurs in approximately a quarter of patients with cutaneous psoriasis. A classic presentation of this is when there is inflammation, redness and swelling of the small joints of the hands classically described as a “sausage digit.” This can be quite painful.
- Common symptoms of psoriasis include burning and itching of the skin lesions, which can be quite severe.
Onset of Psoriasis
Possible Complications of Psoriasis
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There are usually two peaks of onset of psoriasis — one at 20 to 30 years of age and the other at 50 to 60 years of age. In approximately 75 percent of patients, the onset is before the age of 40.
Genetic factors also play a role in the clinical course of the disease. It is common for psoriasis to occur in increased frequency among family members. PSORS1 is considered the major gene involved in up to half of patients with psoriasis 1.
Both internal and external triggering factors can bring forth psoriasis in genetically predisposed individuals. External factors that flare psoriasis include trauma to the skin, such as sunburn. Internal or systemic factors include infection. Additionally, stress, alcohol, smoking and obesity have all been associated with psoriasis.
- There are usually two peaks of onset of psoriasis — one at 20 to 30 years of age and the other at 50 to 60 years of age.
- Both internal and external triggering factors can bring forth psoriasis in genetically predisposed individuals.
Impact of Psoriasis
The impact of psoriasis on quality of life is significant given how chronic and prevalent it is. Itching, scaliness and inflammation are the signs and symptoms of most concern to patients.
In recent patient surveys, reduced quality of life and the feeling that treatments often don‘t provide lasting results are current challenges. The goal is to find comprehensive, safe and effective long-term treatments that include modifying diet and lifestyle factors that can contribute to the disease.
- The impact of psoriasis on quality of life is significant given how chronic and prevalent it is.
- In recent patient surveys, reduced quality of life and the feeling that treatments often don‘t provide lasting results are current challenges.
Future Research
How to Remove Psoriasis Scales
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There is currently extensive research taking place for new therapies for psoriasis. The most promising of these are the biological therapies. We also know that psoriasis can be associated with other conditions like heart disease, elevated cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes. Accurate diagnosis and a comprehensive approach to care are essential.
- There is currently extensive research taking place for new therapies for psoriasis.
Related Articles
References
- Farber EM, Nall ML. The natural history of Psoriasis in 5600 patients. Dermatologica. 1974; 148:1-18.
- Christophers E. Psoriasis — epidemiology and clinical spectrum. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2001;26:314-20.
- Schon MP, Boehncke WH. Psoriasis. N Engl J Med. 2005; 352:1899-912.
- Andressen C, Henseler T. Inheritance of psoriasis. Analysis of 2035 family histories. Hautarzt. 1982;33:214-7.
- American Academy of Dermatology. What is psoriasis?
- Bowes J, Budu-Aggrey A, Huffmeier U, et al. Dense genotyping of immune-related susceptibility loci reveals new insights into the genetics of psoriatic arthritis. Nat Commun. 2015 Feb 5; 6: 6046. DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7046
- Cather JC, Young M, Bergman, MJ. Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017 Mar; 10(3): S16–S25.
- Eureka Alert. Physical trauma associated with onset of psoriatic arthritis among psoriasis patients. Published June 11, 2015.
- Haroon M, Gallagher P, FitzGerald O. Diagnostic delay of more than 6 months contributes to poor radiographic and functional outcome in psoriatic arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2015 Jun;74(6):1045-50. DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2013-204858
- Leavitt M. Why early diagnosis is critical for psoriatic arthritis. Published May 6, 2015.
- Mentor A. Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Overview. Am J Manag Care. 2016; 22: S216-S224.
- National Psoriasis Foundation. Erythrodermic Psoriasis.
- National Psoriasis Foundation. About Psoriatic Arthritis.
- National Psoriasis Foundation. Statistics.
- Saber TP, Ng CT, Renard G, et al. Remission in psoriatic arthritis: is it possible and how can it be predicted? Arthritis Res Ther. 2010; 12(3): R94. DOI: 10.1186/ar3021
Writer Bio
Board-certified in dermatology and pediatrics, and fellowship-trained in pediatric dermatology, Cynthia Price, M.D., is dedicated to providing excellent, innovative and compassionate patient care. She specializes in adult, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatology. She is in private practice in Scottsdale, Arizona. Dr. Price trained at the University of Arizona, UCLA and the University of Miami – one of the top dermatology training programs in the country – where she was honored to serve as chief resident.