Skin manifestations and visual depictions in psoriatic arthritis: Varieties of rashes
Psoriasis is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. This article will focus on the various types of psoriasis, their symptoms, and treatments.
Guttate Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis is characterised by small, drop-shaped red, pink, or violet spots that typically appear on the torso, arms, and legs. These lesions may be scaly, itchy, and sometimes painful. Unlike plaque psoriasis, guttate lesions are smaller and more scattered. This type of psoriasis often coexists with psoriatic arthritis, and skin symptoms usually appear before joint symptoms. Nail involvement, such as thick, pitted nails, is also common [1][3][4].
Treatment for guttate psoriasis related to psoriatic arthritis focuses on both skin and joint symptoms. Topical treatments, such as corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and salicylic acid, can help reduce inflammation, slow skin cell overproduction, and remove scales. For moderate to severe cases or when joints are involved, doctors may prescribe systemic treatments like disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), oral corticosteroids, or biologic medications [2][3]. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can alleviate joint pain and swelling, while phototherapy can reduce the rapid growth of skin cells and alleviate symptoms in the skin lesions [2].
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare, severe form of psoriasis that can cover large parts of the body. Symptoms may include flushed or discolored skin, skin that appears burned, and large areas of the body shedding skin as "sheets". This form of psoriasis can increase the risk of developing infections, pneumonia, and heart failure. A person with erythrodermic psoriasis may experience edema or swelling from fluid retention [5].
Treatment for erythrodermic psoriasis may include hospitalization, topical treatments, medication, biologics, and measures to bring body temperature and fluid balance back under control [6].
Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis appears as inflamed, flushed skin with raised, silvery scales. It can also present as nails and nail beds showing pitting or lifting up from the skin [7].
Other Types of Psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis causes pus-filled blisters which can cause painful and thick, scaly skin. Inverse psoriasis can appear in skin folds, sometimes alongside a fungal infection. Both of these types of psoriasis require specific treatment strategies [1][2].
At-Home Treatment
For mild cases of psoriasis, at-home treatment may include using soap-free cleanser, taking a salt bath, using coal tar, applying moisturizer, reducing stress, spending time in the sun, considering supplements, getting enough sleep, staying active, and seeking guidance from a healthcare professional before trying home remedies. However, it's important to note that at-home therapy should complement medical treatment, not replace it [8].
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis can develop before psoriasis or appear around 10 years after the first development of psoriasis. This condition affects the joints, nails, and internal organs, and can cause inflammation in the joints. Triggers for erythrodermic psoriasis include sunburn, injury to the skin, emotional stress, infection, alcohol, allergic reaction, starting a new medication or stopping a medication, systemic illness, and medication such as lithium and antimalarials [9].
In treating psoriatic arthritis, the goal is to control joint inflammation and prevent joint damage while managing skin lesions. Therapy often combines systemic immunomodulatory drugs with topical skin treatments tailored to the characteristics of the specific type of psoriasis [2][3].
References:
[1] National Psoriasis Foundation. (2021). Guttate psoriasis. https://www.psoriasis.org/what-is-psoriasis/types-of-psoriasis/guttate-psoriasis
[2] American Academy of Dermatology. (2021). Psoriasis treatment. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/treatment
[3] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Psoriasis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373798
[4] National Health Service. (2021). Psoriasis. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriasis/
[5] National Psoriasis Foundation. (2021). Erythrodermic psoriasis. https://www.psoriasis.org/what-is-psoriasis/types-of-psoriasis/erythrodermic-psoriasis
[6] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Erythrodermic psoriasis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erythrodermic-psoriasis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373807
[7] National Psoriasis Foundation. (2021). Plaque psoriasis. https://www.psoriasis.org/what-is-psoriasis/types-of-psoriasis/plaque-psoriasis
[8] National Psoriasis Foundation. (2021). Home remedies for psoriasis. https://www.psoriasis.org/get-support/self-care/home-remedies-for-psoriasis
[9] National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2021). Psoriatic arthritis. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/psoriatic-arthritis
- Entities struggling with guttate psoriasis may experience small, drop-shaped lesions on their torso, arms, and legs, which can be itchy, scaly, and painful.
- Personas with erythrodermic psoriasis might face severe symptoms, such as flushed skin, skin shedding in large areas, increased risk of infections, and edema (swelling).
- Switchers diagnosed with plaque psoriasis will notice inflamed skin with raised, scaly lesions and possible nail changes.
- Seekers seeking treatment for pustular psoriasis might require therapies to manage pus-filled blisters and thick, scaly skin, while individuals with inverse psoriasis may need treatments for skin folds and potential fungal infections.
- In the health-and-wellness realm, treatments for psoriasis may include topical creams, systemic medications, phototherapy, oral corticosteroids, DMARDs, biologic medications, NSAIDs, dietary changes, stress reduction techniques, and sleep management.
- Those with psoriatic arthritis, a condition that affects joints, nails, and internal organs, may be prescribed treatments that combine systemic immunomodulatory drugs with tailored topical skin treatments to manage joint inflammation and skin lesions.
- In the science of medical-conditions, psoriasis, a chronic disease, has various types, including guttate, erythrodermic, plaque, pustular, and inverse psoriasis, each with distinct symptoms and treatment strategies.
- Offering support for those affected by chronic diseases like psoriasis, the therapies-and-treatments spectrum can expand to include alternative options, such as CBD, as a component of overall care when recommended by healthcare professionals.
