Psoriasis Guru

...Itching for a Cure

Types of Psoriasis

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Psoriasis on the Scalp

Thursday, September 24th, 2009

One of the most common symptoms of psoriasis is an itchy scalp.  This is the sort of symptom I personally experience on a daily basis.  For many people scalp-based psoriasis develops into other symptoms as time goes on, or it can go away altogether for extended periods of time.  Luckily, there are a variety of treatments to help you cope with this condition, including some effective medicinal shampoos.

It is best to investigate any possible cures for the specific psoriatic symptoms that you are experiencing.  First consult with a dermatologist and then, after finding out from this medical professional what is your best course of treatment, continue to research the factors that contribute to your psoriatic symptoms.  In particular, you should observe the effects that different treatments and changes in diet have on your psoriasis.

Take consistent daily action to drive away that irritating itch.  Scratching at your scalp long term will be a constant source of damage to your skin, which can not only be painful, it can also accelerate hair-loss.

Consistent, mild doses of direct sunlight can help to drive away that psoriasis itch.  Getting out and exercising on a regular basis as well as breathing fresh, non air-conditioned air is also good for your body in general.  Healthy lifestyle habits will empower your natural defenses to fight off all malicious presences in general, including psoriasis.

Types of Psoriasis: Pustular Psoriasis

Thursday, September 24th, 2009

Pustular psoriasis is a rare type of psoriasis characterized by little puss-filled bubbles (pustules) and general red-soreness around that same affected area.  Like most other kinds of psoriasis, the affect areas of the skin, including those areas covered with pustules, are itchy and can come and go depending on the whim of the disease.

Some other symptoms of pustular psoriasis include nausea, headaches and joint pain.  The most acute type of pustular psoriasis, named after von Zumbusch, has side effects that that are severe enough to land people in the hospital.

In cases where nails are affected, finger and toenails can become detached  due to puss build up underneath.

Anyone who has pustular psoriasis should probably see a dermatologist as soon as possible (or sooner) as some of the side effects of this particular type of psoriasis can be sever to the point of being life-threatening.  It is good to at least be aware of this condition since certain drugs / chemical compounds can trigger severe inflammations.

What is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

Psoriatic arthritis is characterized by joint inflammation and stiffness and affects about 10% of those who have standard skin psoriasis.  A very small percentage of affected individuals develop severe / debilitating forms of this type of psoriasis.

Psoriatic arthritis tends to become noticeable around the age of 40 but it can occur at any age.  In cases with children, it can hinder bone development.  Staying consistent with the unpredictable nature of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis can surface decades after the a person first notices the symptoms of basic skin psoriasis.

People with psoriatic arthritis oftentimes also have nail psoriasis (with all the accompanying symptoms).

Treatments include:

  • Moderate exercise, especially of affected joints
  • Steroid injections into problematic joints
  • Dietary changes / supplements
  • Ultraviolet light

Consult a dermatologist if you suspect that you might have psoriatic arthritis so you can determine, with the help of a medical professional, what would be your best course of action for treatment.

Types of Psoriasis: Nail Psoriasis

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

Many who suffer from “regular” skin psoriasis also suffer from nail psoriasis.  On some rare occasions a person will have only nail psoriasis and no skin psoriasis.

Since nails are closely related to skin and psoriasis is a skin condition, it is not surprising that nails should sometimes be affected by psoriasis.

Symptoms of nail psoriasis include (for both finder and toenails):

  • Nail discoloration (oily yellow and blood red coloring)
  • Pitting
  • Ridges that go against the natural grain of your nails (side to side instead cuticle to finger tip)
  • Thicker skin under the nails, which can lead to nail-loosening
  • Crumbling nails.
  • Other infections and inflammations around nail edges

Treatments include:

  • Ointments and lotions
  • Steroid injections under affected nails
  • UV light radiation

Definitely consult your doctor to confirm whether or not you have nail psoriasis.  Oftentimes pediatricians will do a biopsy (skin sample test) to confirm whether or not the condition you are experiencing is psoriasis.