Content
Psoriasis is a skin disease of unknown cause that causes the appearance of red, scaly patches or patches on the skin, which can appear anywhere on the body, but which are more frequent in places such as the elbows, knees or scalp.
The symptoms of psoriasis can disappear spontaneously, without the need for treatment, however they also tend to appear with greater intensity during periods of weakening of the immune system, such as during periods of stress or flu, for example.
Depending on the type of psoriasis you have, symptoms and characteristics may vary slightly:
1. Psoriasis vulgaris
It is the most frequent type of psoriasis and is characterized by the presence of lesions of varying sizes that usually appear on the scalp, knees and elbows. These lesions are red and well-defined, usually covered with white scales, can itch a lot and, in some cases, can also bleed.
2. Guttate psoriasis
This type of psoriasis is the most common of yer identified in children and is characterized by the presence of small lesions on the skin in the form of a drop, mainly on the trunk, arm and thighs, and is most often associated with infection by bacteria of the genus Streptococcus.
3. Arthropathic psoriasis or psoriatic attrition
In this type of psoriasis, in addition to the appearance of red and scaly plaques characteristic of the disease, the joints are also very painful. This type of psoriasis can affect from the joints of the fingertips to the knee.
4. Pustular psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis is uncommon and is characterized by the presence of lesions with pus spread over the body or hands. In this type of psoriasis, other symptoms can also be observed, such as fever, chills, itching and diarrhea, for example.
5. Nail psoriasis
In this type of psoriasis, yellow spots or changes in the shape and texture of the fingernails can be observed, and can even be confused with a ringworm.
6. Psoriasis on the scalp
The symptoms of psoriasis on the scalp usually appear in periods of stress, being characterized by the presence of thick white scales adhered to the scalp, around the hair follicles. In addition, there is redness in the affected region and decreased amount of hair in the region.
Psoriasis in children
The symptoms of psoriasis in children and adolescents are the same as in adults, but in very young children there may be some changes. In children up to 2 years old, psoriasis manifests itself especially in the diaper region, being similar to diaper erythema (diaper rash), but in child psoriasis, which is usually of the guttate psoriasis type, there are:
- Slight redness of the affected area, with a slightly shiny tone, with well-defined edges;
- Also involved in the inguinal folds;
- It may or may not be associated with itching.
About 2 weeks after the appearance of this lesion, it is common to have the same psoriasis lesions on the face, scalp, trunk or limbs. Learn all about guttate psoriasis.
Essential treatment and care
Treatment for psoriasis is done in order to control your symptoms, and should be done according to the dermatologist's guidance. The treatment is usually done through the use of medications in the form of tablets and ointments, in addition to hygiene and skin hydration measures.
It is also important to pay attention to food, giving preference to antioxidant foods and able to keep the skin hydrated. Watch the video and learn how to always have a beautiful and hydrated skin: