Psoriasis Symptoms

Psoriasis is mainly a disease of the skin and joints but can also affect other areas including the scalp or genitals. The exact symptoms can vary from person to person and are largely dependent on the kind and severity of the condition in the patient. Some common psoriasis symptoms are given below.

• The skin gets covered in scaly red patches which are actually areas of extra skin regeneration.

• The skin may crack up in areas and also bleed in some cases.

• Joints become stiff, swollen and extremely painful to operate.

• Nails become thick or ridged.

In its most severe form psoriasis can be a highly painful disease; psoriasis symptoms are also recurrent and therefore require lifelong treatment and attention. There are various kinds of psoriasis with different psoriasis signs. These include:

• Plaque psoriasis: This form of psoriasis is characterized by scales or plaque formation that can occur just about anywhere on the body. It is the most common form of psoriasis.

• Nail Psoriasis: As the name suggests, this kind affects the finger and toenails making them weak, ridged, and often causing them to crumble.

• Scalp psoriasis: This kind of psoriasis occurs on the scalp and causes dandruff like dead cells in the hair.

• Psoriatic Arthritis: Along with the [gainful scales that are the most visible symptom of this disease, psoriatic arthritis causes inflamed joints much like arthritis. In its most severe form, this can cause permanent disability in the patient.

• Inverse psoriasis.  This form is very common in overweight people and is characterized by scales in the armpit region as well as the groin, genitals and even under the breasts. It is worsened by humidity and sweating.

Other forms include guttate psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis and pustular psoriasis each with its own specific symptoms. While many dismiss psoriasis symptoms considering the disease to be trivial, the condition can worsen and cause great damage to the patient. While the causes of psoriasis are believed to be genetic, it can be triggered by stress, climate changes, and certain drugs like lithium or anti malaria medication or even physical illness. It is very important to find a good doctor to help you manage your disease at the first sight of the psoriasis symptoms. The symptoms continue and abate for a long time and require constant management from the patient and doctor. If left untreated psoriasis can cause permanent disfigurement and even disability. Patients suffering from psoriasis often benefit from psychological counseling given the nature of the disease.