Psoriasis is skin disease characterized by the appearance of dry, itchy, red, patches also known as erythematous plaques on the body that mainly affects the scalp, trunk, elbows and knees according to its type. It is non-infectious and non-communicable in nature.

Psoriasis is commonly present in the age group of 15 to 40 years, it is rare before the age of 10 years. It is usually chronic in nature and is known for its remissions.

Types of Psoriasis

Listed below are the five main types of psoriasis:-

1. Plaque psoriasis
2. Guttate psoriasis
3. Inverse psoriasis
4. Pustular psoriasis
5. Erythrodermic psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis:- this is most common type of psoriasis in which individual red patches with silver scales are present on the body. Ares that are affected are forearms, shins, scalp, back and navel. The size of patches may vary from millimetres to centimeters.

Guttate psoriasis:- in this type of psoriasis multiple small droplet shaped red lesions are present on the body mostly trunk and extremities.

Inverse psoriasis:- it is also known as flexural psoriasis involves the folds of the skin like the axillary region, below the breast, groins, penis and navel.

Pustular psoriasis:- it is rare but a serious type of psoriasis as there are small pustules present over the psoriasis patches. This may be localised or generalised(widespread). It involves mainly palms and soles.

Erythrodermic psoriasis:- it affects the whole of the body, face, hands, feet, nails, trunk, arms and legs.

Causes of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder in which the skin cells multiply at a very fast rate and accumulate on the skin as thick, dry crusts also known as plaques; these plaques can affect the elbows, knees, shin,trunk, scalp and groin region.

The cause of psoriasis is still unknown but some factors are considered as causative factors like:-

• Family history :-  Psoriasis is a disease which passes on. If your one parent has psoriasis you are at a risk of having it but if your both parents have psoriasis you are at a higher risk of having it.
• Stress :- a strong mental or emotional pressure can cause it.
• Smoking and Alcohol :- these two factors are known to cause Psoriasis and also disrupt the treatment of an existing as they make medications less effective.
• Injury:- injuries are seen to trigger Psoriasis.

How can one control Psoriasis

There are many known factors that trigger Psoriasis but it varies from individual to individual. There are some steps that can be followed to keep Psoriasis in control. Some are as follow:-

• Stress:- emotional stress is seen to flare up existing psoriatic condition. To avoid it you can practice meditation, or have therapy sessions with your doctor frequently.
• Diet:- an uncontrolled diet can flare up psoriasis. To prevent it one can opt for green vegetables, fruits that help in boosting the immune system.
• Hydration:- keeping yourself hydrated is the key as it will prevent dryness of your skin and keep your body detoxified by flushing out toxins.
• Exercise:- Psoriasis is seen to worsen up in obese people so regular exercise can help in fighting off Psoriasis.
• Hygiene:- taking regular baths and moisturizing your body will keep your Psoriasis in check. Moisturizing your affected areas at night also helps in preventing dryness.
• Sunlight:- slight exposure to sunlight or using topical Vit D treatments also help in Psoriasis.