Where on the Body Can Psoriasis Appear?
Dr. Robert Nossa | 10/9/2021
Psoriasis is an uncomfortable condition in which the skin develops patches that are red, scaly, and itchy. These patches can form on many areas of the body, causing discomfort. Many people with psoriasis feel self-conscious about visible patches on their bodies. The good news for residents of the Cape Cod, MA or Southern Massachusetts area is that board-certified dermatologist Dr. Robert Nossa and the team at Contemporary Dermatology in Marstons Mills, MA can help provide relief.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease, and recent estimates indicate about 8 million U.S. adults have psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, which means it is caused by the body’s immune system becoming overactive. In psoriasis, that means the body produces new skin cells too quickly, in a matter of days rather than weeks, which causes irritation and pain. Most people who have psoriasis will experience ups and downs in which the appearance of scaly patches will increase before they subside for a time.
Because psoriasis is often mistaken for eczema, it’s important to have a full evaluation with a board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Nossa and the team at Contemporary Dermatology in Marstons Mills, MA can help residents of the Cape Cod, MA and Southern Massachusetts area determine what skin condition they’re dealing with.
What are the different types of psoriasis?
There are several types of psoriasis, and many of them refer to the areas of the body on which psoriasis patches appear. However, the most common form of the disease, plaque psoriasis, causes red, itchy patches on many areas of the body.
Plaque psoriasis: This is the most common type, affecting as many as 90% of people who have psoriasis. Patches usually appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
Nail psoriasis: Affecting as many as half of the patients, it causes pitting, pain, color changes, and separation of the nail from the nail bed.
Guttate psoriasis: Rare, affecting less than 2% of patients, this type of psoriasis causes small red spots to appear on the trunk, upper arms, thighs, and scalp.
Inverse psoriasis: Causes patches that are bright red, smooth, and shiny, but it lacks scales. However, it produces rashes in the armpits, groin, under breasts, and in skin folds around genitals and buttocks.
Pustular psoriasis: Although pustular psoriasis is rare, it does cause widespread pus-filled lesions or lesions in smaller areas of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Erythrodermic psoriasis: The least common type of psoriasis in which patches cover the entire body, often peeling and creating intense pain.
Psoriatic arthritis: In addition to skin lesions, it causes painful, stiff joints. About 70% of those with psoriatic arthritis had psoriasis symptoms for ten years before being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis.
How can psoriasis be treated?
In many cases, people mistake psoriasis for eczema, which is another skin condition marked by the appearance of itchy, red patches. Both conditions are believed to have an autoimmune origin, and while neither of them can be cured, with treatment, many people can experience relief from symptoms. Depending on the severity of your psoriasis, treatment options include corticosteroid ointments and lotions to minimize inflammation, light therapy, laser treatments, and special shampoos, sprays, and oils for the scalp. Oral or injected medications may also be appropriate for individuals with moderate to severe forms of the disease.
Schedule a consultation today for psoriasis treatment
While psoriasis can’t be cured, it may be possible to improve your quality of life through treatment. Many people with psoriasis even experience remission of their condition for extended periods of time, thanks to treatment. If you or a loved one are dealing with the discomfort of psoriasis, contact Dr. Robert Nossa and the team at Contemporary Dermatology in Marstons Mills, MA.