What Are Psoriasis Symptoms

When skin cells grow too fast, psoriasis happens. Essentially, there are mixed signals in an immune system and new skin cells start forming within days. Typically they form over a couple of weeks. Since the body cannot shed the new skin cells, they start to increase on the surface of the skin and form lesions.

The symptoms of psoriasis can manifest in a variety of forms. According to the symptoms, the disease can be classified into plaque, pustular, guttate and flexural psoriasis.

• Flexural psoriasis is smooth inflamed patches that appear in skin folds. It is specific to the genital area ( between thigh and groin) , under the breasts, under belly fold and in the armpits.
• Pustular psoriasis is bumps filled with pus that is non-infectious. The skin adjoining the pustules is tender and red. They may also occur as widespread patches, distributed throughout the body or confined locally.
• Plaque psoriasis is the most common variant of the disease and is seen 80 to 90% of the affected individuals. In this form of psoriasis, inflamed skin displays elevated or bumpy areas (plaques) covered with silvery white scales.
• Guttate psoriasis –In this form of the disorder, numerous ‘tear drop’ spots appear over the trunk, limbs, and scalp. This form of psoriasis is also linked to streptococcal throat infection. This is most linked to teenagers and young children and usually occurs after an upper respiratory infection. The disease can also be triggered by stress, streptococcus infections and skin injuries.

Below is a great interview on psoriasis - you can also view what are psoriasis symptoms on YouTube

Some frequently asked questions are:

Is there hope for a cure? Yes. Researchers are studying psoriasis more than ever before. They understand much more about its genetic causes and how it involves the immune system. The National Psoriasis Foundation and the federal government are promoting and funding research to find the cause and cure for psoriasis.

What is the financial impact? Psoriasis is a chronic (life-long) illness. Most people need ongoing treatments and visits to the doctor. In severe cases, people may need to be hospitalized. About 56 million hours of work are lost each year by people who suffer from psoriasis, and between $1.6 billion and $3.2 billion is spent per year to treat psoriasis.

How severe can psoriasis become? Psoriasis can be mild, moderate or severe. Three percent to 10 percent of the body affected by psoriasis is considered to be a moderate case. More than 10 percent is considered severe. The palm of the hand equals 1 percent of the skin. However, the severity of psoriasis is also measured by how psoriasis affects a person's quality of life. Psoriasis can have a serious impact even if it involves a small area, such as the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.