If you’ve noticed itchy, scaly red patches on your elbows, knees, scalp, or trunk, taking a trip to the doctor’s office would be a good idea.
These signs can be indicative of a skin disease called Psoriasis – a long-term chronic disease for which a cure is yet to be discovered. The disease acts up in cycles, flaring for a few weeks/months until it subsides into remission again.
![](https://tradingblvd.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/psoriasis-skincare-routine-e1629882365587.jpg)
To keep a lookout, here are a couple of things you need to know about the disease:
Most Common Symptoms
While these may differ amongst individuals, the disease does have some common symptoms including:
- Dry, cracked skin (prone to itching and bleeding)
- Red patches of skin with silverish thick scales
- Stiff or swollen joints
- Soreness, burning, or itchiness
- Small scaling spots (commonly seen in children)
- Ridged, thickened, or pitted nails
A singular patch of psoriasis can be either as small as a few dandruff-like spots to bigger eruptions that cover large areas.
![](https://tradingblvd.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/psoriasis-e1629882852701.jpg)
Causes of Psoriasis
According to current research, the disease stems from the immune system, which causes the skin to renew itself at a higher rate. While scientists think both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of the disease, it’s uncertain exactly what goes wrong in the immune system that allows it. However, a few common triggers have been outlined, including:
- Weather (especially dry, cold conditions)
- Speedy withdrawal of systemic or oral corticosteroids
- Injury to the skin (severe sunburn, bug bite, cut/scrape)
- Some medication (antimalarial drugs, high bp drugs, or lithium)
- Stress
- Alcoholism
- Smoking (or secondhand smoke)
Risk Factors of Psoriasis
The following factors increase your risk of developing psoriasis. In one-third of the cases, signs show up in the early pediatric years. As of now, evidence indicates that anyone can develop the illness.
Stress – High-stress levels affect your overall wellbeing and that includes your immune system too. If you’re a habitual stressor, try opting for calming and relaxing activities.
Genetics – If your parent(s) suffer from psoriasis, you might want to keep an eye out as the disease tends to run in families.
Smoking – Tobacco can not only cause the disease but also cause its symptoms to worsen.
![](https://tradingblvd.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/pexels-irina-iriser-798124-e1629882481773.jpg)
Wrapping It Up
No chronic illness is easy to deal with, even more so when they have no cure. If you’ve developed psoriasis, you have to keep a lookout for other conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, mental health conditions, or other autoimmune diseases. Be sure to visit your doctor immediately if you notice any signs or symptoms.