The main symptoms of psoriasis are skin with red, raised spots superimposed with silvery loose scales generally developing in the elbows or knees.
Psoriasis has many types and each type has symptoms that can differ in seriousness and can manifest in a wide range of combinations. The main symptoms of psoriasis are:
- Itching- During psoriasis flare-ups the itching is one the most distressing symptoms of psoriasis. Itching is also considerable when the psoriasis spots are located in body folds.
- Auspitz’s sign – This is the bleeding of the skin after psoriasis scales have been scratched out for the skin.
- Formation of mild or thickened crusts of plaque on the scalp
- Blazing red and elevated plaques on affected parts of the skin usually topped with silvery loose scales. Most of the time, plaques develop on the knee.
- Nail abnormalities – This happens often in extreme cases of psoriasis. Characteristics of nail abnormalities can include:
- Accumulation of skin debris below the nails
- The end of the nail separated from the nail bed
- Discoloration of the fingernails (occasionally) and the toenails
- Very small pits developing in the nails
Other psoriasis signs and symptoms can involve:
- Joint pain, tenderness and swelling (psoriatic arthritis)
- The development of several raindrop-shaped patches during flare-ups – This condition is seen in guttate psoriasis and occurs after a strep infection. Guttate psoriasis is the second most prevalent kind of psoriasis and 10% of psoriasis sufferers have this kind of condition.
- Development of plaques in the body bilaterally (ex. Both arms, both knees, etc.)
A condition called Koebner’s phenomenon can happen when a psoriasis sufferer has a skin injury like excessive sun exposure, burn or cut on a part of the skin unaffected by psoriasis. About a number of days to about a few weeks, psoriasis lesions start to develop on the injured skin or on any unaffected parts of the body. Koebner’s phenomenon is a common experience among people with psoriasis and that is why they need to avoid damaging or irritating their skin as best as possible.
The symptoms of psoriasis can be similar to symptoms of other skin conditions. Certain drugs can cause psoriasis-like symptoms skin reddening. In order to avoid these side effects you need to talk to your doctor about the medications you are using.
Eastern Healing Solutions, LLC
10875 Grandview Dr #2250
Overland Park, KS 66210
Phone: (913) 549-4322
www.overlandparkacupuncturist.com
COMMENTS