Psoriasis

Your skin speaks volumes about your health. Some persistent skin problems may be an indicator that all is not well. If you have been struggling with a persistent skin condition that your make-up can no longer conceal, it could be psoriasis. Read on for more information on questions such as, “is psoriasis contagious,” “is psoriasis itchy,” “how do you get psoriasis,” “is psoriasis an autoimmune disease” and many more.  

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin condition that accelerates skin cell multiplication. The increased multiplication results in the appearance of bumpy red patches covered with silvery or white scales. The condition can affect any part of your body, but it is most common on the scalp, knees, and elbows. The condition causes your skin to itch, and sometimes the itching can be so severe as to cause bleeding when you scratch too much.  

So, how do you get psoriasis and is psoriasis an autoimmune disease?

Dermatologists and doctors are yet to pinpoint the exact cause of psoriasis. However, there appears to be a connection between psoriasis and autoimmunity. Autoimmunity is a condition that causes the body to attack itself. In the case of psoriasis, an increased multiplication of skin cells causes bumpy patches as a result of the cells pilling up.  

Is psoriasis genetic?

A close version of the question is, “Is psoriasis hereditary?” Though doctors relate psoriasis to autoimmunity, the condition links to genetic or hereditary factors. People with a family history of psoriasis are at a higher risk of developing psoriasis than those without a family history. For instance, Kim Kardashian psoriasis could have been inherited from her mother, who also struggled with psoriasis.  

What does psoriasis look like? (Signs & Symptoms of Psoriasis)

The condition is often characterized by raised or bumpy red patches that cover your skin with white or silvery scales. The spots can also be flat bumps or large plaques. The scalp, knees, and elbows are the most commonly affected areas though the condition can extend to any part of the skin. Other symptoms include:

• You may experience a burning sensation, soreness, or itching.
• Your joints may be inflamed, causing stiffness and swelling.
• Your nails may feel loose, and you may notice abnormal growth and discoloration.

Psoriasis can present itself in different forms. The most common type is the Vulgaris or plaque psoriasis, which represents about 80% of all psoriasis cases. Psoriasis Vulgaris causes red raised skin spots covered with white or silver scales that eventually relax and fall off from the skin. Guttate psoriasis is the second most common form of psoriasis and affects about 10% of all cases. This form of psoriasis is characterized by pink drop-like pimples covered with silver scales. Other forms include:

• Inverse psoriasis that usually appears under the armpit or any other skinfolds
• Pustular psoriasis which is characterized by non-contagious pus-filled bumps on the skin
• Erythrodermic psoriasis which causes a red inflammatory itchy rash on the whole body (this form is scarce)