Psoriasis happens to be a chronic inflammatory condition that affects a lot of people who need to be familiar with psoriasis symptoms to avail themselves of proper treatment. After all, an early diagnosis means better treatment.
Presently, there is no cure for psoriasis, but several treatments do effectively manage the symptoms. When a patient can identify psoriasis early on, he or she can indeed promptly get treatment to reduce the symptoms and also improve his or her quality of life.
Early psoriasis symptoms
Psoriasis is typically first noticed because of its skin rash. Raised red bumps or plaques with defined edges that develop silver or white skin scales over them are an early sign of the condition. The area can feel dry and itchy as the skin scales develop.
There are different kinds of psoriasis, each with its unique signs and symptoms.
What causes psoriasis?
An overactive immune system does cause psoriasis. It is an autoimmune condition that causes the body to make too many skin cells. If the skin cells tend to rapidly accumulate, they do form plaques on one’s skin’s surface.
Can early psoriasis be treated?
Psoriasis happens to be a chronic condition that cannot be cured. Even if it is caught early, it cannot really be cured. Several prescription treatments can lessen symptoms and reduce the incidence of flare-ups. These treatments can include:
- Creams to moisturize the skin.
- Phototherapy.
- Steroid creams.
- Prescription oral medications.
- Prescription injection medications.
Flare-Up Triggers
Psoriasis happens to be a condition that goes through periods of remission and also exacerbations. Several issues trigger a flare-up or worsen psoriasis, like:
- Stress.
- Skin injuries, such as a cut or bruise.
- Cold, dry weather.
- Heavy alcohol consumption.
- Smoking.
- Infection.
At what age does psoriasis usually start?
Psoriasis can indeed start at any age, but it tends to have two periods where it usually starts. The first age range happens to be 15–20 years, and the second stage is 55–60 years.
When someone does develop psoriasis earlier, it is associated with a more severe psoriasis condition. It also tends to run in families, with about 36% of people having a family history of psoriasis.
Conditions that tend to look like early psoriasis
Other skin conditions do look like psoriasis, and a few of them may think the health issue is psoriasis, like:
- Atopic dermatitis.
- Lichen planus.
- Tinea corporis (ringworm).
- Contact dermatitis.
- Pityriasis rosea.
How to Get an Early Diagnosis of Psoriasis Symptoms?
The sooner psoriasis is diagnosed, the earlier treatment can begin. Patients do need to have advocates in their care and also seek a diagnosis from their healthcare provider.
A healthcare provider will, of course, examine the rash, nails, and joints to look for signs of psoriasis. They may even ask about the patient’s medical history and whether the patient has a family history of psoriasis.
If the healthcare provider is not able to determine if it is a psoriasis rash, they can even scrape the skin for a small biopsy sample.
Conclusion
Psoriasis is indeed a chronic condition that causes skin rashes, itching, and pain. The symptoms can start with small and raised red bumps as well as develop into larger scaly patches known as plaques. There are multiple types of psoriasis, each with its own specific symptoms. Talking to a healthcare provider to get a firm diagnosis and prompt treatment does help with successful treatment.