A Psoriasis Overview

Hi, Fly Friends. Today’s blog post is very personal and close to my heart! I’m doing a psoriasis overview today. What it is, how psoriasis affects the body, how psoriasis is different from eczema, signs that you may have psoriasis, and how to care for psoriasis. If you have dry and itchy skin and have been wondering if you may have psoriasis, or if you’ve been treated for eczema but think it may be something different, keep reading! You can read about my personal journey with psoriasis in THIS BLOG POST HERE.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a condition where skin cells build up and form itchy and dry patches. “Psoriasis is thought to be an immune system problem. Triggers include infections, stress, and cold. The most common symptom is a rash on the skin, but sometimes the rash involves the nails or joints.” Psoriasis is most commonly found at the scalp, legs, lower back, and face, but can spread anywhere on the body especially during a serious flare-up.

What are the Symptoms? Psoriasis Overview

Psoriasis symptoms are different for everyone, but here are some common ones:

• Red patches of skin with silvery bits that may look like scales
• Dry cracked skin that can bleed or itch
• Itching and burning skin patches
• Thickened pitted or ridged nails
• Swollen or stiff joints.

There are different types of psoriasis and the symptoms for each can vary.

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How does Psoriasis differ from Eczema or Dermatitis?

Jeffrey Millstein, MD at Penn Medicine says, “The biggest difference between eczema and psoriasis is the underlying causes. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, meaning your immune system is dysfunctional and your skin cells grow too fast. The cells start to pile up on the top of the skin, forming the white scale” Eczema doesn’t have such a clear cause because it is just a side effect of having dry or sensitive skin and not an autoimmune disease.

This is the same situation for psoriasis vs. dermatitis. Dermatitis is the fancy medical word for dandruff, and it is much more common and without clear cause than psoriasis which you can be tested for. Check with your doctor if you have symptoms!

How Does Psoriasis Affect the Body?

WebMD can help you out here. They write, “Once you have psoriasis, you’ll deal with the condition for the rest of your life. Most of the time, the disease flares up for a few weeks or months, followed by a stretch of fewer or no symptoms. Triggers, such as stress or infections, can set off a flare. Psoriasis can be unpredictable. In some people, the disease stays mild for years. In others, it worsens quickly. The disease is also more than skin deep. The same inflammation that causes plaques and scales can affect your entire body. This sets the stage for other health issues.”

These issues can include painful joints, weakened bones, fatigue, reduced range of motion, psoriatic arthritis, higher risk of diabetes and liver disease, nervous system disorders, inflammation, and respiratory disorders.

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How to Care for Psoriasis Overview

There are topical treatments like creams that can be applied to the skin, phototherapy or light therapy which exposes the skin the ultraviolet light, and prescription drugs your doctor can prescribe. Most people with psoriasis have talked to their doctor but have also figured out tips and tricks for soothing their symptoms themselves at home. You can check out my top 5 psoriasis tips in THIS BLOG POST.

Debunking Psoriasis Myths

Lots of things are said about psoriasis by people who have only looked at it, so here’s some clarity on popular misinformation! Psoriasis isn’t just a “skin thing,” it’s an autoimmune disease. Psoriasis does not only affect your skin, as you’ve read above! There are multiple types of psoriasis it’s not just an “itchy rash.” Psoriasis is NOT due to bad hygiene! Read it again for the people in the back! Psoriasis is not “dirty” or because someone is not clean. So many people connect psoriasis to diet, just like they do everything else in this world apparently. You can not cure psoriasis just by changing what you eat. You CAN notice certain foods that cause flareups by listening to your body and avoid them in order to soothe your symptoms.

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Being Confident in Your Skin – Psoriasis Overview

I get asked often how I can stay so comfortable in my skin with a skin condition. The truth is that my psoriasis is part of me, and even though it was a journey I ultimately decided to accept it and myself! Lots of people have skin conditions, they’re pretty common. If anyone ever acts like they’re not into your skin that’s a pretty big red flag on their part, not on yours. If you ever need a pep talk about rocking your psoriasis skin, you can always read through my blog posts or check out my Instagram. I’m here for you!

Articles to Check Out

The Mayo Clinic What is psoriasis?

Penn Medicine Psoriasis vs. eczema

Healthline Psoriasis vs. dermatitis/dandruff

WebMD How does psoriasis affect the body?

Psoriasis.org Treatments

Healthline Debunking psoriasis myths

XO Victoria