Introduction
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can cause red, scaly patches on the skin that can be itchy, painful, and embarrassing. While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms. In this article, we will explore what psoriasis feels like from the perspective of physicians who have treated patients with the condition. We will also discuss dietary changes that can help reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms. By understanding what psoriasis feels like and how to manage it, we can help those living with the condition to live a more comfortable and fulfilling life.
Here’s What Psoriasis Feels Like, Say Physicians — Eat This Not That
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin that can be itchy, painful, and embarrassing. While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms. But what does psoriasis feel like? We asked physicians to share their insights.
What Does Psoriasis Feel Like?
According to Dr. Robert Brodell, a board-certified dermatologist and professor of dermatology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, psoriasis can feel like a burning or stinging sensation. “It can be very uncomfortable and can cause a lot of distress,” he says. “It can also be itchy and can cause pain when the patches are scratched or rubbed.”
Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, says that psoriasis can also cause a feeling of tightness in the skin. “The patches of psoriasis can be very thick and can cause a feeling of tightness in the skin,” he says. “This can be very uncomfortable and can make it difficult to move the affected area.”
How to Manage Psoriasis Symptoms
Dr. Brodell recommends avoiding triggers that can worsen psoriasis symptoms, such as stress, certain medications, and certain foods. “It’s important to identify and avoid any triggers that can worsen psoriasis symptoms,” he says. “Eating a healthy diet and avoiding foods that can trigger inflammation, such as processed foods, can help manage psoriasis symptoms.”
Dr. Zeichner also recommends using topical treatments, such as creams and ointments, to help manage psoriasis symptoms. “Topical treatments can help reduce inflammation and itching,” he says. “It’s important to use the right product for your skin type and to follow the instructions on the label.”
When to See a Doctor
If you are experiencing symptoms of psoriasis, it’s important to see a doctor. “It’s important to see a doctor if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of psoriasis,” says Dr. Brodell. “Your doctor can help you identify triggers and recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms.”
Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that causes itchy red patches on certain areas of the body. Triggers like stress, illness and weather can cause flare-ups that can last up to months. While psoriasis isn’t deadly, it can severely affect a person’s wellbeing and cause mental and emotional anguish. Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with experts who explain what psoriasis feels like, how it can affect daily life and course of treatments. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Family practitioner, Dr. Janice Johnston, MD, Chief Medical Officer & Co-Founder at Redirect Health explains, “Psoriasis is a common and chronic autoimmune condition that is triggered by infection, stress and cold weather, affecting more than 7.5 million adults in the U.S. This skin disease can cause patches of itchy, red and scaly skin to appear on various areas of the body, including the knees, elbows, chest and scalp. Inflammation is common and it is possible for the skin to crack and bleed. While it can’t be cured, treatment can help alleviate symptoms. There are multiple types of psoriasis, including plaque, guttate, pustular, inverse and erythrodermic.”
Dr. Jeffery Hsu, M.D., FAAD, Founder of Oak Dermatology shares, “Psoriasis is a common skin disorder, affecting approximately 3% of the US adult population. Generally psoriasis manifests as red, itchy, scaly plaques. Sometimes it can be mistaken as rashes or eczema unless a patient is examined by a dermatologist. Unfortunately, psoriasis is a chronic condition with periods of remission. Psoriasis can appear on various body parts: scalp, nail, groin, with extremities and trunk being the most common.”
Dr. Johnston emphasizes, “Psoriasis is not contagious, so it is not caused by contact with other people who suffer from the disease. Scientists are unsure of the exact causes of psoriasis, but they know the immune system and genetics are factors that can contribute to the disease. The genetic risk factors of psoriasis are complicated, and it is possible to develop it even if no one else in the family has it. Psoriasis can be triggered by events such as stress, injury to skin, cold weather and possibly allergies. When psoriasis is triggered, it means that the skin production process is accelerated, causing a rapid overproduction of skin cells and leading to build up.”
Dr. Johnston says, “Among different racial groups, Caucasian individuals are more at risk of developing psoriasis. Additionally, since the disease can be genetic, if both parents have psoriasis the child can have a 50 percent chance of developing the disease. Smoking and alcohol have also been associated with the risk of developing psoriasis. Psoriasis can develop at any age, but those aged between 15 and 25 are most at risk. Psoriasis is common and despite the known risk factors, anyone is at risk of developing this disease during their lifetime.”
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“According to those with psoriasis, the disease affects more than just their physical wellbeing,” Dr. Johnston shares. “Many patients living with psoriasis say the disease takes a severe toll on their confidence levels. While the disease is not contagious, patients reflect on times when people were afraid to touch them. Without treatment, patients say they can lose sleep over the discomfort and extreme itchiness. It can also cause pain and a burning sensation. The risk of the patches cracking and bleeding is also a source of severe discomfort.”
Dr. Hsu adds, “Patients complain of chronic itchy red patches with thick scales, typically on the scalp, knees, and elbows. It can become more severe at times of stress or during cold winters. It can become painful at times.”
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Dr. Johnston says, “Psoriasis affects both mental and physical health. Studies have linked psoriasis with depression and suicidal tendencies due to feelings of isolation. Those with psoriasis may also be at an increased risk for diabetes and heart disease.”
Dr. Hsu emphasizes, “Psoriasis is not a fatal disease and does not affect survival. But not only is the rash symptomatic, causing itch and sometimes pain, the appearance of these lesions can be stigmatizing, which in turn causes anxiety, stress or even depression.”
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“Psoriasis has no permanent cure, but treatments that exist help reduce symptoms and the speed at which skin cells grow,” says Dr. Johnston. “Options for treatment include light therapy (phototherapy) and ointments or creams. Ointments and creams include corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone cream. This cream works as a temporary solution to stop itching. However, over time, these creams may stop working. Light therapy can treat mild to severe psoriasis by exposing the skin to controlled amounts of natural or artificial light. Oral medication may also work, but has risks of severe side effects. Individuals should discuss with their doctor to determine the best treatment for psoriasis for them. The newest forms of treatments are called biologics which are given by injection. They act to suppress the immune system and can have remarkable improvement in the skin appearance. Biologic medications are quite expensive however and can be associated with increased risk of infections.” And to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.