What Is Psoriasis?
Understanding the Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes red, scaly patches, known as plaques, to form on the skin. It can appear anywhere on the body—including the scalp, nails, elbows, and even skin folds—and ranges from mild to severe. While it’s not contagious, psoriasis often impacts a person’s quality of life both physically and emotionally.
What Causes Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is closely linked to the immune system. In a healthy body, T cells help fight infection. But with psoriasis, these cells are mistakenly activated, speeding up the skin cell life cycle. Instead of turning over every 28–30 days, new skin cells form every 6–8 days, which leads to a buildup of dead cells and the formation of plaques.
The condition tends to run in families and can be triggered or worsened by:
- Stress
- Infections (like strep throat)
- Cold weather
- Certain medications
- Skin injuries (like cuts or sunburn)
How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed?
Dermatologists usually diagnose psoriasis based on appearance, but in some cases, a skin biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis—especially if symptoms resemble other skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis.
Is Psoriasis Curable?
There is no cure for psoriasis, but there are many effective treatments that help manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups. With the right approach, many people experience long periods of clear or nearly clear skin.
What Does Psoriasis Look Like?
The 5 Main Types of Psoriasis
Psoriasis isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s how to identify the five main types:
1. Plaque Psoriasis (Psoriasis Vulgaris)
Most common type—affects about 80% of people with psoriasis.
What to look for:
- Raised, red patches with silvery-white scales
- Most often on elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back
- Can be itchy, painful, or cause cracking and bleeding
- May appear as small bumps that grow into plaques
3. Guttate Psoriasis
Often triggered by strep infections, especially in children and young adults.
What to look for:
- Small, drop-shaped red spots
- Usually on the trunk, arms, and legs
- May appear suddenly after illness
- Can resolve on its own or evolve into plaque psoriasis
4. Pustular Psoriasis
Less than 5% of cases. Can appear on palms and soles or cover the body (more serious).
Localized Pustular Psoriasis:
- Red, swollen skin with pus-filled bumps
- Typically on hands and feet
- Painful and tender
Generalized Pustular Psoriasis:
- Widespread redness and white blisters
- Fever, chills, fatigue, muscle weakness
- May require hospitalization
5. Inverse Psoriasis
Common in skin folds, like the armpits, under the breasts, groin, or between the buttocks.
What to look for:
- Smooth, shiny red patches
- Little to no scaling
- Easily irritated by moisture, heat, and friction
- More common in people with overweight or obesity
6. Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Very rare but serious—affects 1–2% of people with psoriasis.
What to look for:
- Widespread redness and shedding of the skin
- Looks like a severe burn
- Intense itching, pain, fever, and rapid heart rate
- May require emergency care
💡 Why Phototherapy Works
Phototherapy, also called light therapy, uses controlled doses of UV light to slow down the overactive skin cell growth caused by psoriasis. It’s one of the most trusted and effective treatments for moderate to severe psoriasis, especially when topical treatments aren’t enough.
Common Types of Phototherapy:
- UVB (Narrowband or Broadband): Short-wavelength light that penetrates the top layers of skin
- PUVA (Psoralen + UVA): A combination of light-sensitive medication and UVA light for deeper treatment
- Combination Therapy: UV light plus medications (like retinoids) for enhanced results
Many people experience significant improvement with regular phototherapy, often within a few weeks.
What About Sunlight?
Short, non-burning exposure to natural sunlight can also help. UV rays can reduce inflammation and slow skin cell turnover. But always consult your doctor—sunburn can trigger flare-ups, and not all skin types react the same.
Want to Learn More?
Phothera is dedicated to helping you live a clearer life with psoriasis. Our home phototherapy solutions offer a safe, doctor-guided way to manage psoriasis from the comfort of your home.