Familiar Names, Uncommon Condition
Do any of these (somewhat unusual) names sound familiar to you? Humira, Stelara, Cosentyx, Embrel, and Otezla? It’s probably because you’ve seen ads for them. With so many commercials (and celebrities) talking about “clear skin” you might think everyone needs it!
The skin condition those medications, and many others, are designed to treat is psoriasis. It affects 3% of the population, so while we don’t all need it, millions of Americans suffer from it. It’s considered an “immune-mediated disease,” which means a disease with an unclear cause related to the dysfunction of the immune system, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation®.
The Immune System and Psoriasis
Normally, skin cells grow and then fall off in about a month. When you have psoriasis, the immune system doesn’t work properly, causing T-cells to attack the body and prevent skin cells from shedding. Instead of coming off, they pile up in raised “plaques” or scales on the skin.
Don’t Be Fooled by Appearances: The Many Types of Psoriasis
If you think red, itchy, or flaky skin is psoriasis, it might be. But in fact, many skin conditions look similar. That’s why getting an exam from a dermatologist is the quickest way to the best treatment (versus buying an over-the-counter treatment that may or may not treat the outward symptoms).
List of Psoriasis Types
- Plaque psoriasis: Raised, thicker skin in patches, covered with scales; typically on the scalp, elbows, knees, or back.
- Scalp psoriasis: Thin or thick psoriasis on the scalp, can spread to nearby areas like the ears or neck.
- Nail psoriasis: Yellow-brown spots on the nails or tiny potholes, weak or separated nails.
- Guttate psoriasis: Small, scaly spots, often seen in children after an infection like strep throat.
- Inverse psoriasis: Shiny, smooth patches in areas where skin touches skin, like under the arms or in the groin.
- Pustular psoriasis: Painful pus-filled blisters and thicker, scaly skin, often on hands and feet.
- Generalized pustular psoriasis: Rare and serious, shows up as dry, red, and tender skin followed by pus-filled blisters.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis: Life-threatening, noticeable areas of skin that look burned.
What Causes Psoriasis?
While the specific cause is unknown, medical professionals agree it’s genetic. If someone in your family has it, your chances of getting it too are higher. As with many health conditions, you can have a genetic predisposition but never “trigger” the disease itself.
Known Triggers to Avoid
- Stress
- Injuring the skin (cuts, sunburn)
- Infection
- Certain medications, including lithium, prednisone, and hydroxychloroquine
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Heavy alcohol use
Psoriasis Treatment Options
- Topical medications
- Injections of biological medications
- Oral therapy with immunomodulators and anti-inflammatory medications
- Phototherapy
- Laser treatment