Psoriasis is a common long-term skin condition that causes dry, itchy, sore, flaky patches covered in silvery-white scales, or grey patches on darker skin, most often on the scalp, elbows, knees and back. It happens when the skin makes new cells faster than usual, probably because of a problem with the immune system, and it is not contagious. Psoriasis cannot be cured, but moisturisers, vitamin D creams, steroid creams, coal tar, light therapy and medicines can control it. Stress, alcohol, smoking, obesity, infections and skin injuries can trigger flare-ups. See a doctor if you think you have psoriasis or also have joint pain, as some people develop psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriasis maksud: what is psoriasis?
According to the NHS, psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes itchy and painful patches of dry, flaky skin. It is caused by the skin making more skin cells than usual, which builds up into patches. It is not fully known why this happens, but it is thought to be caused by a problem with the immune system.
- It is not contagious, so you cannot catch it or spread it.
- You are more likely to have it if a family member has psoriasis.
- It can start at any age, but often begins between 15 and 25, or between 50 and 60.
- Symptoms usually come and go, with flare-ups and better periods.
What are the signs of psoriasis?
The main symptom is dry, itchy, sore, flaky patches of skin that form what look like silvery-white scales. According to the NHS, the patches are usually:
- about 1 to 2 cm in size, oval or irregular in shape;
- pink or red on lighter skin, turning silvery-white;
- grey on brown or black skin, often leaving dark marks after the psoriasis has gone.
Psoriasis is mostly found on the scalp and behind the ears, the chest, tummy and back, the bottom, the forearms and elbows, and the lower legs and knees. It can also affect skin folds such as the groin, genitals and under the breasts, and the nails, which may develop dents and pits. Some people get only a few patches, while others have them over large areas.
What are the types of psoriasis?
There are several types of psoriasis, and you can have more than one. Based on information from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the NHS:
| Type | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Plaque psoriasis | The most common type: raised, scaly patches |
| Scalp psoriasis | Scaly patches on the scalp and behind the ears |
| Guttate psoriasis | Small, pink to salmon-coloured, scaly spots; can be triggered by an infection such as strep A |
| Inverse psoriasis | Smooth, bright-red, raw-feeling patches only in skin folds, such as the armpits, groin or under the breasts |
| Pustular psoriasis | Pus-filled bumps, most often on the hands, feet or both |
| Nail psoriasis | Tiny dents (pits) in the nails, discolouration, or a nail lifting away from the nail bed |
| Erythrodermic psoriasis | A severe type with redness over most of the skin, which may look badly burned |
What causes psoriasis and what triggers flare-ups?
Psoriasis is linked to the immune system and often runs in families. According to the NHS, certain things can trigger a flare-up or make it worse:
- stress;
- drinking alcohol or smoking;
- living with obesity;
- being pregnant;
- certain medicines;
- infections, such as strep A or HIV;
- cuts, scratches or grazes on the skin;
- sunlight.
Keeping a note of when your flare-ups happen can help you find your own triggers.
Psoriasis, kurap or eczema?
Several skin conditions can look similar. Raised, flaky patches can be psoriasis, while ring-shaped, scaly, itchy patches are more likely to be a fungal infection (kurap), which needs antifungal treatment; see our guide to kurap and panau. Eczema also causes dry, itchy skin, often on the elbows, knees and hands. For an overview of itchy rashes, see our guide to gatal kulit. Because treatments differ, it is worth getting a diagnosis from a doctor rather than guessing.
How is psoriasis treated?
According to the NHS, treatment depends on the type of psoriasis, how severe it is and where it is on your body. The main treatments are:
- moisturisers (emollients), as creams, lotions, ointments or gels, and to wash with;
- vitamin D creams, lotions, ointments or gels applied to the skin;
- steroid creams, lotions or gels;
- other treatments for the skin or scalp, such as coal tar.
For more severe psoriasis, a dermatologist may offer light therapy (phototherapy) or medicines that work throughout the body. Many people need a combination of treatments.
Note that the vitamin D treatments used for psoriasis are prescription creams and gels applied to the skin, not the same as taking a vitamin D supplement. Talk to your doctor before trying supplements, and be wary of any product that promises to cure psoriasis permanently.
If you are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant, speak to your doctor, as some psoriasis medicines can be harmful in pregnancy.
What can you do to help your psoriasis?
The NHS suggests these steps:
Do:
- try to avoid your triggers;
- eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly;
- try to reduce stress if you can;
- try not to drink too much alcohol, and stop smoking if you smoke.
Don't:
- share your moisturisers with anyone else;
- put your fingers into a pot of emollient; use a spoon, spatula or pump instead;
- smoke or go near naked flames if you use an emollient, as clothing and bedding that have been in contact with it burn more easily.
Living with psoriasis can affect your mood and confidence. It is common for it to affect mental health, so talk to your doctor if you are struggling.
Psoriatic arthritis and other complications
According to the NHS, people with psoriasis have a higher chance of some other health problems:
- psoriatic arthritis, a long-term condition causing joint pain, swelling and stiffness, swollen fingers or toes, and nail changes; symptoms are often worse in the morning;
- metabolic syndrome, which can lead to diabetes and heart and blood vessel disease; see our guides to kencing manis and kolesterol tinggi;
- inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease.
You will usually be offered regular check-ups to help reduce these risks.
When should you see a doctor?
See a doctor, according to the NHS, if:
- you have symptoms of psoriasis;
- your treatment is not working or is giving you side effects;
- you also have pain, stiffness and swelling in your joints that keeps coming back.
Go to the emergency department if you have psoriasis and your skin quickly turns red and you develop white, pus-filled bumps that join together, your feet develop yellow-brown, pus-filled patches, or your fingertips and toes have red, scaly, pus-filled bumps, especially with a fast heartbeat, a high temperature or chills. These can be signs of a more serious form of psoriasis or an infection.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is psoriasis (psoriasis maksud)?
Psoriasis is a common long-term skin condition that causes dry, itchy, sore, flaky patches of skin covered with silvery-white scales on lighter skin, or grey patches on brown and black skin. It happens when the skin makes new cells faster than usual, probably because of a problem with the immune system. It cannot be cured, but treatment can control it.
Is psoriasis contagious?
No. Psoriasis is not contagious, so you cannot catch it from someone or spread it to others, even by touching the patches. It is linked to the immune system and often runs in families.
What are the types of psoriasis?
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type, with raised, scaly patches. Guttate psoriasis causes small, pink, scaly spots, which can follow an infection such as strep A. Inverse psoriasis affects skin folds such as the armpits, groin and under the breasts. Pustular psoriasis causes pus-filled bumps, often on the hands and feet. Psoriasis can also affect the scalp and nails.
What triggers psoriasis flare-ups?
Common triggers include stress, drinking alcohol, smoking, obesity, pregnancy, certain medicines, infections such as strep A, cuts or scratches on the skin, and sunlight. Learning your own triggers and avoiding them where possible can help reduce flare-ups.
What is the best treatment for psoriasis?
Treatment depends on the type, severity and location. The main treatments are moisturisers (emollients), vitamin D creams or gels, steroid creams, and coal tar products for the skin or scalp. For more severe psoriasis, a dermatologist may offer light therapy or medicines. Many people need a combination of treatments.
Can psoriasis be cured?
No, psoriasis cannot be cured, but treatment can manage symptoms well. Symptoms tend to come and go, with flare-ups followed by better periods. Be cautious of products that promise a permanent cure.
When should I see a doctor about psoriasis?
See a doctor if you think you have psoriasis, your treatment is not working or causes side effects, or you also have joint pain, stiffness or swelling that keeps coming back. Go to the emergency department if your skin quickly turns red with white, pus-filled bumps, especially with a fast heartbeat, fever or chills.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor, dermatologist or pharmacist. Health supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
