Psoriasis progresses as inflamed, red, scaly patches on the skin that can become thicker and more widespread over time. It can also affect other areas of the body such as the joints or nails.
And now, in greater depth
Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune skin condition, progresses in stages and can be unpredictable in its course. Initially, inflamed, red, scaly patches appear on the skin, and over time, they can become thicker and more widespread. As the condition progresses, the patches may develop into plaques with silver scales. Psoriasis can also affect other parts of the body, such as the joints (psoriatic arthritis) and nails (psoriatic nail disease).
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, “Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches to appear on the skin.” Psoriasis can occur on any part of the body, but it is commonly found on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but genetics, environmental factors, and the immune system are believed to play a role.
Psoriasis is classified into five types: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular, and erythrodermic. Each type has its own unique characteristics and treatment options. For example, guttate psoriasis is characterized by small, red, scaly spots on the skin and is often triggered by a streptococcal infection.
In terms of treatment, there is no cure for psoriasis, but there are several treatment options available, including topical creams, phototherapy, oral medications, and biologic drugs. A healthcare provider will work with the patient to determine the best treatment plan based on the type and severity of psoriasis.
As American reality TV personality Kim Kardashian West once stated, “I have this psoriasis thing on my scalp that’s not going away.” Kardashian West is one of many individuals who have been open about living with psoriasis, raising awareness about the condition and helping to combat misinformation.
Here is a table summarizing the types of psoriasis:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Plaque psoriasis | Raised, red, scaly patches (plaques) |
| Guttate psoriasis | Small, red, scaly spots on the skin |
| Inverse psoriasis | Smooth, red patches in skin folds |
| Pustular psoriasis | White blisters surrounded by red, irritated skin |
| Erythrodermic psoriasis | Widespread, red, inflamed skin covering most of the body |
Video answer to your question
The impact of psoriasis on a patient’s quality of life and the growing recognition of the disease as a systemic inflammatory condition is discussed in this video. Comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease and inflammatory bowel disease, are common among patients with psoriasis and require a more holistic approach to treatment. The need for interdisciplinary collaboration between different specialties is emphasized and the potential for biologics to prevent or better control comorbidities is an ongoing area of study. The decision to start or not to start a biologic is an important consideration for physicians.
There are alternative points of view
The condition can spread from one part of a person’s body to another. This is not because it passes from the affected skin to other areas but because of changes to the immune system process, which causes psoriasis. Depending on the type of psoriasis a person has, a psoriasis rash can develop in various places on the body.
The affected skin might heal with temporary changes in color (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation), particularly on brown or Black skin. Nail psoriasis. Psoriasis can affect fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth and discoloration.
Guttate psoriasis causes small, pink-red spots on your skin. On darker skin, the spots may be purplish. They often appear on your: This type of psoriasis may go away within a few weeks, even without treatment. Some cases, though, are more stubborn and require treatment. Patches of skin that are bright red, smooth, and shiny, but don’t have scales
The treatment of psoriasis usually depends on how much skin is affected, how bad the disease is (e.g., having many or painful skin patches), or the location (especially the face). Treatments range from creams and ointments applied to the affected areas to ultraviolet light therapy to drugs (such as methotrexate).
I’m sure you will be interested
Does psoriasis get progressively worse?
Psoriasis is a lifelong condition. Although psoriasis doesn’t get worse over time, you may experience whole-body challenges — from aging skin to related health conditions — that may signal a need to adjust your psoriasis treatment as you get older.
How quickly does psoriasis progress?
In reply to that: Normal skin cells grow deep in the skin and rise to the surface about once a month. When you have psoriasis, this process takes place in 14 days rather than in 3 to 4 weeks. This results in dead skin cells building up on the skin’s surface, forming the collections of scales.
What is the progressive stage of psoriasis?
In reply to that: Progressive Stage
New inflammatory lesions continue to appear, presenting as erythematous thick-scaly plaques. A local cutaneous trauma caused by acupuncture, scratching or surgery may lead to typical psoriatic lesions.
How do I know if my psoriasis is spreading?
The answer is: Your skin cells start to grow too fast, which is why you have those raised patches of skin. During a psoriasis flare, an inflamed patch may get bigger. Another patch may appear somewhere else. This means your disease is in high gear.
How does psoriasis spread?
Response will be: The condition can spread from one part of a person’s body to another. This is not because it passes from the affected skin to other areas but because of changes to the immune system process, which causes psoriasis. Depending on the type of psoriasis a person has, a psoriasis rash can develop in various places on the body.
How does psoriasis affect your skin?
The affected skin might heal with temporary changes in color (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation), particularly on brown or Black skin. Nail psoriasis. Psoriasis can affect fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth and discoloration.
Can psoriasis go away without treatment?
Guttate psoriasis causes small, pink-red spots on your skin. On darker skin, the spots may be purplish. They often appear on your: This type of psoriasis may go away within a few weeks, even without treatment. Some cases, though, are more stubborn and require treatment. Patches of skin that are bright red, smooth, and shiny, but don’t have scales
How is psoriasis treated?
Response will be: The treatment of psoriasis usually depends on how much skin is affected, how bad the disease is (e.g., having many or painful skin patches), or the location (especially the face). Treatments range from creams and ointments applied to the affected areas to ultraviolet light therapy to drugs (such as methotrexate).
What happens if psoriasis is sped up?
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.
How do you know if you have psoriasis?
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 types of psoriasis, each with its own unique signs and symptoms.
Does psoriasis go away?
The reply will be: Psoriasis is a lifelong skin condition that never goes away. Though it typically cycles between periods of worsening symptoms (flares) and improvement (remission), the underlying disease process is always there and prone to triggering. Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune response.
How does psoriasis spread?
Response: The condition can spread from one part of a person’s body to another. This is not because it passes from the affected skin to other areas but because of changes to the immune system process, which causes psoriasis. Depending on the type of psoriasis a person has, a psoriasis rash can develop in various places on the body.