How is psoriasis caused?
Psoriasis is caused, at least in part, by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy skin cells. If you’re sick or battling an infection, your immune system will go into overdrive to fight the infection. This might start another psoriasis flare-up. Strep throat is a common trigger.
What is the best treatment for psoriasis?
Mild corticosteroid ointments (hydrocortisone) are usually recommended for sensitive areas, such as your face or skin folds, and for treating widespread patches. Topical corticosteroids might be applied once a day during flares, and on alternate days or weekends only to maintain remission.
What viruses cause psoriasis?
Common viral causes include colds, influenza, mumps, and chickenpox. Infection-induced flares are more common in children than adults, leading to a form of the disease known as guttate psoriasis. HIV is another trigger that can induce psoriasis symptoms.
What does psoriasis look like when it starts?
What Does Psoriasis Look Like? Psoriasis usually appears as red or pink plaques of raised, thick, scaly skin. However, it can also appear as small, flat bumps or large, thick plaques. It most commonly affects the skin on the elbows, knees, and scalp, though it can appear anywhere on the body.
Is psoriasis a fungus?
At first glance, psoriasis and ringworm can appear similar. Both conditions cause red, scaly, and itchy plaques to form on the skin. While ringworm is a temporary rash caused by a fungus, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that lasts for a lifetime, although the symptoms can be treated.
How long can psoriasis last?
Psoriasis is an unpredictable condition. The duration of remission can vary from a few weeks to a few months or, in some cases, years. However, most remission periods last for between 1 month and 1 year. Several factors can affect the onset and length of a psoriasis remission.
Is psoriasis brought on by stress?
Stress. Stress is a common trigger for a psoriasis flare. Stress also can make itch worse. This makes managing stress a particularly important skill for people with psoriasis.
Is stress a cause of psoriasis?