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CA Psoriasis

The document discusses the different types of psoriasis, a common skin disease characterized by abnormal skin cell growth. The main types are plaque psoriasis, nail psoriasis, scalp psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, and erythrodermic psoriasis. Psoriasis is caused by an immune system dysfunction that causes skin cells to grow and build up too quickly. The overproduction of skin cells is driven by T cells attacking healthy skin cells, triggering more T cells and inflammation in a continuous cycle. Common signs are red patches covered in scales, spots or plaques on the skin,

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Sugar Capule - Manuel
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98 views

CA Psoriasis

The document discusses the different types of psoriasis, a common skin disease characterized by abnormal skin cell growth. The main types are plaque psoriasis, nail psoriasis, scalp psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, and erythrodermic psoriasis. Psoriasis is caused by an immune system dysfunction that causes skin cells to grow and build up too quickly. The overproduction of skin cells is driven by T cells attacking healthy skin cells, triggering more T cells and inflammation in a continuous cycle. Common signs are red patches covered in scales, spots or plaques on the skin,

Uploaded by

Sugar Capule - Manuel
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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INTRODUCTION PSORIASIS Psoriasis is a common skin disease that affects the life cycle of skin cells.

Psoriasis causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin, forming thick silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that are sometimes painful. Normally, skin cells grow gradually and flake off about every 4 weeks. New skin cells grow to replace the outer layers of the skin as they shed. But in psoriasis, new skin cells move rapidly to the surface of the skin in days rather than weeks. They build up and form thick patches called plaques. It most commonly begins between ages 15 and 35. Psoriasis seems to be passed down through families. Doctors think it may be an autoimmune condition. This occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue.For some people, psoriasis is just a nuisance. For others, it's disabling, especially when associated with arthritis. There's no cure, but psoriasis treatments may offer significant relief. Lifestyle measures, such as using a nonprescription cortisone cream and exposing your skin to small amounts of natural sunlight, can improve your psoriasis symptoms. TYPES Plaque psoriasis. The most common form, plaque psoriasis causes dry, raised, red skin lesions (plaques) covered with silvery scales. The plaques itch or may be painful and can occur anywhere on your body, including your genitals and the soft tissue inside your mouth. You may have just a few plaques or many, and in severe cases, the skin around your joints may crack and bleed. Nail psoriasis. Psoriasis can affect fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth and discoloration. Psoriatic nails may become loose and separate from the nail bed (onycholysis). Severe cases may cause the nail to crumble.

Scalp psoriasis. Psoriasis on the scalp appears as red, itchy areas with silvery-white scales. You may notice flakes of dead skin in your hair or on your shoulders, especially after scratching your scalp.

Guttate psoriasis. This is more common in children and adults younger than 30 and is usually triggered by a bacterial infection such as strep throat. It's marked by small, water-drop-shaped sores on your trunk, arms, legs and scalp. The sores are covered by a fine scale and aren't as thick as typical plaques are. You may have a single outbreak that goes away on its own, or you may have repeated episodes, especially if you have ongoing respiratory infections.

Inverse psoriasis. Mainly affecting the skin in the armpits, in the groin, under the breasts and around the genitals, inverse psoriasis causes smooth patches of red, inflamed skin. It's more common in overweight people and is worsened by friction and sweating.

Pustular psoriasis. This uncommon form of psoriasis can occur in widespread patches (generalized pustular psoriasis) or in smaller areas on your hands, feet or fingertips. It generally develops quickly, with pus-filled blisters appearing just hours after your skin becomes red and tender. The blisters dry within a day or two, but may reappear every few days or weeks. Generalized pustular psoriasis can also cause fever, chills, severe itching and fatigue.

Erythrodermic psoriasis. The least common type of psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis can cover your entire body with a red, peeling rash that can itch or burn intensely. It may be triggered by severe sunburn, by corticosteroids and other medications, or by another type of psoriasis that's poorly controlled.

CAUSES The cause of psoriasis isnt fully known, but it's thought to be related t o the immune system and its interaction with the environment in people who have the genetic susceptibility. More specifically, one key cell is a type of white blood cell called a T lymphocyte or T cell. Normally, T cells travel throughout the body to detect and fight off foreign substances, such as viruses or bacteria. If you have psoriasis, however, the T cells attack healthy skin cells by mistake, as if to heal a wound or to fight an infection. Overactive T cells trigger other immune responses. The effects include dilation of blood vessels in the skin around the plaques and an increase in other white blood cells that can enter the outer layer of skin. These changes result in an increased production of both healthy skin cells and more T cells and other white blood cells. This causes an ongoing cycle in which new skin cells move to the outermost layer of skin too quickly in days rather than weeks. Dead skin and white blood cells can't slough off quickly enough and build up in thick, scaly patches on the skin's surface. This usually doesn't stop unless treatment interrupts the cycle. SIGN AND SYMPTOMS Psoriasis signs and symptoms can vary from person to person but may include one or more of the following: Red patches of skin covered with silvery scales Small scaling spots (commonly seen in children) Dry, cracked skin that may bleed Itching, burning or soreness Thickened, pitted or ridged nails Swollen and stiff joints

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