Everything You Need To Know About Psoriasis And How To Know If You Have It!

There are over 480,000 people in Australia with Psoriasis, which accounts for over 1.88% of the entire population. This means that it affects a lot of different people.

Psoriasis can manifest in different ways in different people. And while the disease can’t be cured, there are measures that people can take to treat it, such as going for natural treatment like vegan skincare or even using hydrocortisone treatments.

But to properly care for psoriasis and reduce the symptoms, you first need to know if you have it. So, in this article, we’ll be going through a couple of the most common symptoms and ways psoriasis manifests itself, so you know if you’re dealing with regular rashes or something more serious.

Read on to learn more.

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an immune-related condition that affects a lot of people worldwide. There are many types of psoriasis that manifest in different ways. However, the most common form is something called plaque psoriasis, which causes thick red skin and scales around the elbows, ankles, and knees.

People who suffer from psoriasis usually experience itchiness and flare-ups depending on a number of conditions. Currently, psoriasis can’t be cured. However, there are many different treatment options available for people looking to alleviate the symptoms.

Signs of Psoriasis

While different forms of psoriasis manifest in different ways, here are a couple of common symptoms associated with the condition. These usually arise during flare-ups and can cause a lot of discomfort for people with the condition.

Rashes

Rashes are the most common way for psoriasis to manifest itself. Usually, this occurs during a flare-up, which can be caused by stress, cold and dry weather, medication, injuries, alcohol, and even smoking.

Psoriasis rashes appear as red patches of skin that are usually thick and scaly. Typically, these rashes arise in the elbow and knees. However, some people may develop them on other parts of their body.

Cracking & Bleeding Skin

On top of rashes, psoriasis causes the skin to start cracking and bleeding when scratched. Since the rashes cause a lot of itching and irritation, many people instinctively scratch the area. If you suffer from psoriasis, this can lead to bleeding and other damage to the area.

Issues With Fingernails & Toenails

Another symptom of psoriasis manifests itself in the fingernails and toenails. If you have psoriasis, it can affect your toenails and fingernails by discolouration, pitting, and crumbling. Psoriasis can cause the nails to become weak, and at times, it could even cause the entire nail to come off the nail bed.

Conclusion

Psoriasis can be a hard condition to deal with. Since it’s an immune condition that can be caused by a number of factors, and while there is no cure, there is a way to treat it and make the symptoms more manageable. If you think you have psoriasis, consult your doctor immediately to learn about the different treatment options available.