Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the rapid buildup of skin cells. This buildup of cells causes scaling on the skin’s surface.
Inflammation and redness around the scales is fairly common. Typical psoriatic scales are whitish-silver and develop in thick, red patches. Sometimes, these patches will crack and bleed.
Psoriasis is the result of a sped-up skin production process. Typically, skin cells grow deep in the skin and slowly rise to the surface. Eventually, they fall off. The typical life cycle of a skin cell is one month.
In people with psoriasis, this production process may occur in just a few days. Because of this, skin cells don’t have time to fall off. This rapid overproduction leads to the buildup of skin cells.
Scales typically develop on joints, such elbows and knees. They may develop anywhere on the body, including the:
Less common types of psoriasis affect the nails, the mouth, and the area around genitals.
Psoriasis symptoms differ from person to person and depend on the type of psoriasis. Areas of psoriasis can be as small as a few flakes on the scalp or elbow, or cover the majority of the body.
The most common symptoms of plaque psoriasis include:
Not every person will experience all of these symptoms. Some people will experience entirely different symptoms if they have a less common type of psoriasis.
Psoriasis isn’t contagious. You can’t pass the skin condition from one person to another. Touching a psoriatic lesion on another person won’t cause you to develop the condition.
Doctors are unclear as to what causes psoriasis. However, thanks to decades of research, they have a general idea of two key factors: genetics and the immune system.
Immune System
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. Autoimmune conditions are the result of the body attacking itself. In the case of psoriasis, white blood cells known as T cells mistakenly attack the skin cells.
In a typical body, white blood cells are deployed to attack and destroy invading bacteria and fight infections. This mistaken attack causes the skin cell production process to go into overdrive. The sped-up skin cell production causes new skin cells to develop too quickly. They are pushed to the skin’s surface, where they pile up.
This results in the plaques that are most commonly associated with psoriasis. The attacks on the skin cells also cause red, inflamed areas of skin to develop.
Genetics
Some people inherit genes that make them more likely to develop psoriasis. If you have an immediate family member with the skin condition, your risk for developing psoriasis is higher. However, the percentage of people who have psoriasis and a genetic predisposition is small.
Dr. Ruchi Mangla is a dermatologist(skin specialist). After MBBS, she done DVD and have 16+ years experience in dermatology. She handeled thousand of Psoriasis cases. Before joing Vasu Eye Institute & Skin Centre she worked in many prestigious hospitals as a skin specialist.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches (plaques) that may itch or burn.
Stress, infections, skin injury, certain medications, cold weather, and smoking are common triggers.
No — psoriasis is not contagious. You cannot catch it from someone else.
Diagnosis is usually clinical through physical examination. Sometimes a skin biopsy is done to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatments include topical creams and ointments, phototherapy, systemic medications, biological therapies, and lifestyle modifications.
There is no permanent cure, but treatments and proper skin care can help control symptoms and reduce flare-ups.
Depending on the severity and type of treatment, many patients see improvement within a few weeks, but full control may take several months.
Side effects depend on the treatment — topical steroids may thin the skin, systemic medicines can affect liver function or immunity, and biologics may carry infection risks. Monitoring is essential.
Yes — maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding known triggers (alcohol, smoking, certain foods), reducing stress, and following a balanced diet can help manage the condition.
You should consult a skin specialist if your psoriasis is widespread, painful, unsightly, affecting joints, or not responding to over-the-counter treatments.
Yes — some people may develop psoriatic arthritis, nail changes, and an increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic issues.
At Vasu, patients receive personalized treatment plans, experienced dermatologists, advanced therapies, regular monitoring, and patient education to manage flare-ups effectively.
