Red, Flaky Skin: Could it be Psoriasis?

The cause of psoriasis is unknown. Experts believe several factors, such as autoimmune and genetic factors, cause it.

This disease causes new skin cells to multiply. Normally, skin cells shed every 10–30 days. In psoriasis, new cells grow every 3-4 days. The buildup of old cells being replaced by new cells creates the scales.

Triggers are usually injury, sunburn, certain medications, infection, stress, alcohol, or tobacco. Although not contagious, it is hereditary.

Psoriasis cannot be cured. Most sufferers experience cycles of symptoms. They flare up for weeks or months; then symptoms may disappear. Psoriasis most often occurs on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp.

Common signs and symptoms

• A rash ranging from scaly, dandruff-like spots to an extensive rash over most of the body.
• The rash appears purple with gray scales on brown or black skin and pink or red with silver scales on white skin.
• In children, the patches are usually small and scaly spots.
• Dry, cracked skin that might bleed.
• Itching, burning, or pain.
• A cyclical rash that appears for weeks or months and then subsides

Types of psoriasis and their symptoms

Plaque

This kind of psoriasis is the most prevalent. Plaque psoriasis manifests as dry, itchy, raised skin rashes (plaques) covered with scales. The number could be small or large. Plaque psoriasis commonly appears on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp.

The color of the patches can vary depending on skin color. However, the infected skin can heal with temporary discoloration (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), especially on brown or black skin.

Nails

When psoriasis affects fingernails or toenails, nail growth becomes abnormal, and the color changes. Nails may also loosen and separate from the nail bed (onycholysis), which might cause them to crumble.

Guttate

Guttate psoriasis mainly affects young people and children. It may be caused by a bacterial infection, such as strep throat. Little pink, red, brown, or purple spots on the body, arms, or legs distinguish it.

Inverse

Inverse psoriasis mainly affects skin folds like the groin, armpits, and under the breasts.

This condition results in smooth patches of inflamed skin. Inverse psoriasis worsens if there is friction and sweat or due to fungal infections.

Pustular

Pustular psoriasis is a rare condition. It causes the skin to change color and produces pus-filled blisters on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.

Erythrodermic

If you have this type of psoriasis, your skin will change color and develop peeling scales that can cause severe itching or burning.

Triggers are sun exposure, infections, certain medications, and stopping some types of psoriasis treatment. This condition will worsen if not treated immediately.

How is it treated?

A standard treatment approach is based on the severity of the rash, its location, the patient's age, and overall health.

Treatments to relieve psoriasis symptoms include:

• Steroid creams.
• Moisturizers for dry skin.
• Medications to slow down skin cell production (anthralin).
• Medicated lotions or shampoos containing coal tar and salicylic acid.
• Vitamin D3 analog ointments.
• Vitamin A cream or retinoid.
• A cream or ointment may be enough to soothe a small rash area. However, if you have a large area of rash or joint pain, which could indicate arthritis, you may need other treatment.

The goals of treatment include:

• Relieving symptoms, such as itching.
• Improving skin health by removing scales and clearing psoriasis.
• Treating nail changes if present.
• Reducing joint pain if you have psoriatic arthritis.

There is no single best treatment for psoriasis or one treatment that works for everyone. In addition to medication, psoriasis survivors should also take steps to manage their diet, especially foods that can trigger inflammation and irritation.

If you have psoriasis and want to improve your overall health, limiting the following foods and drinks can help reduce the severity of inflammation, as well as other psoriasis symptoms:

• Alcohol.
• Foods with a high glycemic index or high in sugar, such as donuts, white bread, soda, and fruit juice.
• Red and processed meats, dairy products, fried foods, fast foods, and processed snacks are among the foods high in saturated and trans fats.
• Processed foods include frozen meals, candy, soft drinks, and sugary cereals.

Therefore, you need to focus on a healthy and balanced diet, such as

• High-fiber fruits and vegetables include leafy greens, blueberries, carrots, and pears.
• High-protein foods, such as beans, lentils, yogurt, and eggs.
• Healthy fats are found in avocados, extra virgin olive oil, and walnuts.
• Omega-3 fatty acids are present in various types of fish, such as salmon, herring, tuna, and flaxseed oil.
• Vitamins and minerals.

Pay attention to your experience with psoriasis. If your skin worsens after eating certain foods, avoid them because they may be triggers. To make it simpler to remember, keep a meal journal. This journal will assist you when seeing a doctor.

If you are experiencing symptoms of psoriasis, immediately click WhatsApp to consult with our team or visit the GWS Medika Clinic, a health clinic in Jakarta.