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Home >> Psoriasis >> Further Information >> Frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin condition that affects 1 in 50 of the worlds population. Over 125 million people world-wide suffer, or approximately 1 million Canadians.

In people with psoriasis their skin becomes inflamed, producing thickened patches of red, flaky skin. These patches or lesions appear most often on the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet and genitalia.

Plaque psoriasis accounts for about 80% of all cases of psoriasis, and looks like raised patches of red skin with silvery scales on top.

What causes psoriasis?

Everybody sheds skin. Normally skin cells mature and are shed in roughly 28 days. In psoriasis this happens much faster in 3-6 days.

Immature skin cells build up on the skin's surface, forming red, flaky lesions that can itch and may crack and bleed.

It is thought that this process is caused by the bodys own immune system. For some unknown reason it reacts against its own skin, triggering this rapid growth and shedding of skin cells.

If you have psoriasis, some everyday things can make it flare up, and should be avoided if possible. These include

  • stress
  • infections (e.g. sore throat)
  • skin injury
  • some medications (e.g. lithium)

What does psoriasis look like?

There are five major types of psoriasis, each with its own characteristic skin lesions:

Guttate Psoriasis commonly starts in childhood, often triggered by an infection such as strep throat or other conditions such as chicken pox, colds, and tonsillitis. Small, red lesions that look like tear drops on the skin usually appear on the trunk or limbs, although they may also appear on the scalp.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis is a particularly inflammatory type of psoriasis and the least common form of the disease. Often covering most of the body's surface, the skin will have large, red patches, which are often accompanied by severe pain and itching. It may occur suddenly as the first sign of psoriasis or develop over time in people with plaque psoriasis.

Pustular Psoriasis is either generalized (occurring in widespread areas of the body) or localized (appearing on the hands, feet or tips of fingers). It is characterized by the appearance of non-infectious, pus-filled blisters and is sometimes accompanied by severe itching, fever, or chills.

Palmoplantar Psoriasis is a form of localized pustular psoriasis that develops in the fleshy areas of the hands or feet.

Scalp Psoriasis usually develops when plaques are present in other areas of the body. It occurs in at least half of all cases of psoriasis. Lesions may appear on the hairline and extend to the nape of the neck or forehead and also commonly appear behind the ears.

Psoriasis can also develop on fingernails and toenails, causing the nails to become thick, pitted and discoloured.

Some people with psoriasis may go on to develop an inflammation of the joints called psoriatic arthritis.

Why have I got psoriasis?

Psoriasis tends to run in families, but in theory anyone can suddenly experience an outbreak of psoriasis.

Theres no way of predicting who will develop psoriasis.

Theres nothing you could have done to avoid it.

You didnt catch it from anyone, and no-one can catch it from you.

Is psoriasis contagious?

No! Psoriasis is not contagious, it is not infectious. Psoriasis cant be transmitted or passed from one person to another.

Is there a cure for psoriasis?

While there is presently no cure for psoriasis, there are treatments that aim to control symptoms and improve quality of life.

Can psoriasis be treated?

Yes, psoriasis symptoms can be controlled with treatment.

There are four main classes of psoriasis therapies:

However, psoriasis is highly variable, and so a treatment that works well in one person may not work in another. The key is to find a therapy that clears your psoriasis without disrupting your life.

References:
www.psoriasis.org/


This quick guide is supported by Merck Serono.