Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory, autoimmune disorder that results in red scaly patches of skin. Silvery plaques occur on the skin when skin cells proliferate too quickly as a result of inflammation caused by the immune system response. Cell proliferation (i.e. skin cell turnover) in normal skin usually takes 28 days, in psoriasis this process is accelerated, taking only 4 days. It can affect any part of the body but is commonly seen on elbows, knees, scalp and sacrum. The different types of Psoriasis include:

• Plaque psoriasis

• Guttate psoriasis

• Flexural psoriasis

• Pustular psoriasis

• Scalp psoriasis

• Inverse psoriasis

• Erythrodermic psoriasis

What causes Psoriasis?

The exact cause of Psoriasis is unknown but what is known is that both the immune system and genetics play a role in its development. While the potential to develop Psoriasis is genetically inherited it is by no means a certainty that it will develop. Psoriasis is usually triggered and exacerbated by the following:

• Infection 

• Stress

• Environmental factors

• Koebner phenomenon

• Medications

• Climate  

• Lifestyle

• Diet  

Comorbidities associated with Psoriasis:

Psoriasis frequently co-exists with the following conditions:

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): this attacks the joints and tendons causing swelling, redness and tenderness.

• Nail changes -loosened, thickened or pitted nails

• Higher risk of diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity

• Higher risk of cardiovascular disease e.g. atherosclerosis, angina, heart attack, stroke

• Psychological/psychiatric disorders e.g. depression, anxiety

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD, NASH), a result of abnormal metabolism within the liver

• Metabolic syndrome

• IBS, Crohns, Leaky gut syndrome

• Uveitis

• Autoimmune disorders e.g. coeliac disease

• Osteoporosis