Psoriasis: What It Is, Symptoms and Causes

Although it is not entirely clear where it originates, we do know that it is not contagious, that it can reappear, and that it affects both children and adults in areas of the body such as the elbows, back, knees or nails. We are talking about psoriasis, the symptoms and the causes of this disease.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease, non-contagious, that causes irritation, itching, flaking, swelling and pain, both in children and adults.

And how does it arise? In the immune system, when T lymphocytes do not activate properly, which causes the proliferation and dilation of blood vessels. While the cell renewal of the epidermis lasts 30 days, in the case of those who suffer from psoriasis, it only lasts four days.

All this triggers the build-up of these cells on the surface, causing plaques on the skin that flake, itch and hurt. But this does not end here; this skin disease can even cause other conditions such as psoriatic arthritis.

It is a form of joint inflammation, characterised by swelling, pain and redness of the joints, mainly in the fingers and toes, knees, wrists and the lumbar and sacral spine.

A quick diagnosis, correct and daily hygiene and a treatment supervised by a specialist can prevent irreversible damage to the joints.

Causes of psoriasis

It is true that there are still doubts today about the origin and causes of psoriasis. What is known is that psoriasis is genetic and hereditary, and some of the external factors that can trigger it are:

Hormonal changes, alcohol consumption, obesity, periods of stress, chronic infections or rheumatoid arthritis, among other diseases.

Symptoms of psoriasis

One aspect you should bear in mind about psoriasis is that it can appear suddenly or develop very slowly. In addition, even if the symptoms disappear, after a certain period of time they may reappear.

What are the most common symptoms of psoriasis? Reddened patches on the skin covered with whitish scales, of different shapes and sizes, in areas such as the face, elbows, knees, back or scalp.

Although they can also appear in other parts of the body such as the armpits, eyebrows, navel or around and under the nails, which causes them to grow in size, become deformed over time and change colour towards shades between brown and yellow.

Now that you know the symptoms and causes of psoriasis, the triggering problems this disease can cause and what they consist of, do you want to know which treatment to follow to combat it? Do not miss our next post!