What skin condition is similar to psoriasis?

Eczema. Eczema is the name for a group of conditions that cause red, itchy skin patches similar to psoriasis. As opposed to psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder, eczema is characterized by an overactive (rather than self-destructive) immune response.

What diseases are associated with psoriasis?

If you have psoriasis, you’re at greater risk of developing other conditions, including:

• Psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints.
• Eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis and uveitis.
• Obesity.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• High blood pressure.
• Cardiovascular disease.

Can psoriasis be a symptom of something else?

Because psoriasis can look like other skin conditions that cause scaly patches and itchy rashes with inflammation, it is often confused with various disorders. These may include common skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or heat rash.

What is psoriasis and how does it affect skin?

Since psoriasis causes skin cells to renew too quickly, the cells never have enough time to mature. The end result is skin that looks scaly, loose and white. The visible skin damage that is caused by psoriasis can actually be scraped off of the body, and the skin can be removed with little effort.

Does psoriasis only affect the skin?

Unfortunately, psoriasis doesn’t only affect the skin. While that is a main component of this autoimmune disorder, it can also affect the joints and is called psoriatic arthritis. Most people with psoriasis will suffer skin irritation on their scalp, knees, elbows, hands and feet.

What does psoriasis feel like?

Plaque Psoriasis. This is the most common type. Patches of skin are red, raised and have silvery-white flakes, called scales. They usually show up on your scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. They may crack and bleed and they feel sore and itchy.

What is the cause and treatment for psoriasis?

Psoriasis cannot be cured, but there are treatment options that include biologic drugs, topicals, and light therapy. While the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, it’s an autoimmune condition in which a faulty immune system changes the life cycle of skin cells in the body.