Psoriasis – Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks tissue whereby speeding up the life cycle and causing scales or red patches on the surface of the skin. Psoriasis Autoimmune effects over 125 million people around the world!
Psoriasis Autoimmune is also known as Psoriasis and Psoriasis Vulgaris. Vulgaris, meaning common.
Is Psoriasis Autoimmune Disease?
Yes, it is believed that Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease because of the immune system attacking the body’s own tissue causing inflammation.
“Researchers believe that for a person to develop psoriasis, that person must have a combination of the genes that cause psoriasis and be exposed to specific external factors known as triggers”(Psoriasis.org). Your patches will look different depending on what type of psoriasis you have. There are several difference types of psoriasis.
There is no cure at this time but you can manage symptoms. One of the ways to manage symptoms is to know your triggers so you can minimize them. Triggers typically are infections, stress, diet, smoking, bug bites, injury to the skin, alcohol consumption, and some medications.
Is Psoriasis Contagious?
It is important to note that psoriasis is not contagious. A flare can last for a few weeks to month.
30% of people with Psoriasis develop Psoriatic Arthritis. Psoriatic Arthritis is a form of chronic arthritis causing pain, stiffness, swelling and inflammation in the joints.
Types of Psoriasis Autoimmune
There are several types of Psoriasis, but these are the five most common:
Guttate Psoriasis
Inverse Psoriasis
Plague Psoriasis
Postular Psoriasis
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Psoriasis Symptoms
+ Red, raised, scaly, itchy patches that can be painful.
+ The patches are usually on the elbows, knees, scalp, but can be anywhere.
SPECIALISTS
+ Dermatologist
+ Rheumatologist (if you have psoriatic arthritis)
+ Internal medicine physician (to look at overall wellness and minimize inflammation in the body)
BLOOD TESTS
+ A biopsy might be needed to diagnose that it is psoriasis.is)
MEDICATIONS
+ Topical creams
+ Biologics
+ Oral treatments
+ Phototherapy
+ Diet
+ Acupuncture
Psoriasis Treatment
Psoriasis is different for each person- I have guttate psoriasis (small, round, red spots) and typically flare on my legs, arms and stomach. I can always feel when a flare is about to happen. Typically my joints will begin to ache and the future flare spot will start to sting. When this happens I have to stop, evaluate and make changes. Usually within the next few days I will start seeing my psoriasis flare.
Steroid creams didn’t work for me. IPL (intense pulsed light) performed at a dermatology office worked well for clearing a mild flare. Being aware of my triggers and trying to reduce them has made the biggest difference for me! My personal triggers are stress, sickness, bug bites, certain foods, and alcohol consumption. I’ve changed my diet to a whole food diet, take CBD oil, use nontoxic body products, and workout to reduce inflammation.
Get your Questions Answered about Psoriasis
TRISH
ABOUT | Hi! My name is Trish. I am 34 years old and live in SC. I have a wonderful husband and a one year old daughter. In my early twenties I was diagnosed with psoriasis. Since then I’ve had to be my own advocate and educate myself as much as possible about autoimmune disorders. I try to think of psoriasis as my body’s way of communicating with me-it’s telling to stop, get it together, and reboot.
AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES | Psoriasis
