Erythrodermic PsoriasisCategoriespsoriasis type

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare but dangerous variant of psoriasis vulgaris that causes painful and itchy red, scaly patches to spread to larger areas of skin. The condition is chronic and inflammatory, which affects the body’s ability to control the temperature. If not treated properly, this condition can be life-threatening.

Overview

What is erythrodermic psoriasis?

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a harmful type of psoriasis that causes bright and burning plaques in various regions of the body. This condition also affects the immune system, which has a higher risk of developing other complications and risk factors like heart problems and pneumonia. 

The affected immune system alters the chemistry of the body and loses much-needed proteins and fluids from the body, which reduces the blood flow to the heart. If the heart doesn’t have enough blood to pump, it may fail the heart and kidney. It’s crucial to consult with doctors if you experience this condition.

How common is erythrodermic psoriasis?

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare type, affecting 2–3% of people with psoriasis. Also, 1 in 3 people with plaque psoriasis develop erythrodermic psoriasis. Most other forms of psoriasis are severe but not usually fatal. However, this erythrodermic psoriasis can get worse and be life-threatening if not treated properly. 

Symptoms and Causes

What are the causes of erythrodermic psoriasis?

The exact cause of erythrodermic psoriasis is not proven yet. Research is going on to find the exact cause of this condition. However, the chemical process behind the condition is that it causes the immune system to overreact, which leads to the rapid production of new skin cells. For a healthy person, the skin cells usually shed and grow every 30 days. But for people with erythrodermic psoriasis, these new skin cells grow rapidly in 3 to 4 days. 

The T-cells, which are responsible for attacking foreign particles in the body, malfunction and attack the healthy skin cells. As the process is very quick, the dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of the skin instead of shedding. These accumulations affect the skin, causing inflamed patches on the skin. This erythrodermic psoriasis can also easily develop from plaque psoriasis if that is not treated properly.

Other conditions that trigger erythrodermic psoriasis include:

  • History of family genetics with psoriasis
  • Overdosage of certain medications
  • Any severe infections from microbes
  • Excess stress
  • Severe sunburn
  • HIV
  • Substance abuse. 

Symptoms of erythrodermic psoriasis

  • Itchy and scaly red patches spread to various areas of the body
  • Extreme dehydration and fatigue
  • Chills and fever
  • Excess pain and burnt-looking skin
  • Affected areas peel off the skin in large pieces
  • Joint pain
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Swelling in the lower legs and feet.

These symptoms may develop slowly or occur suddenly. Visit your doctor as soon as possible if you experience these kinds of symptoms during psoriasis.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is erythrodermic psoriasis diagnosed?

Initially, the doctor will examine your records, such as your family history, recent medications, the condition of your symptoms, your previous history of psoriasis, and infections. Then they may take a blood test to learn about your blood cells and electrolyte levels. Also, they do skin biopsy tests to confirm your condition and its severity. If erythrodermic psoriasis is confirmed, you may need to be admitted to the hospital for further treatment, as the condition is dangerous.

Management and Treatment

Erythrodermic psoriasis treatment

    • Topical Medicines: Doctors provide effective ointments like xemsis, lotions, or corticosteroid creams that soften your plaques and reduce inflammation.
    • Oral Drugs: If you have other complications with erythrodermic psoriasis, doctors may provide medications like NSAIDs, DMARDs, cyclosporine, acitretin, and etanercept that stop the immune system from attacking healthy cells and control new cell growth. These medications may have complex dosages and side effects. So doctors may recommend avoiding some food types. It’s crucial to follow their guidelines.
    • Injections: To relieve you from excess pain and itching, doctors may recommend biological treatments or injections with antibiotics and pain medications.
    • Stabilizing Treatments: If your physical condition is very ill with a huge loss of fluids and proteins, doctors may admit you to bed and inject IV fluids or electrolytes in your veins to make you stable.
    • People with HIV: Treating erythrodermic psoriasis in people with HIV is more complicated, as usual treatments will not be effective. So first, treatments like antiretroviral therapy may be given to people with HIV. 
    • Phototherapy: If your erythrodermic psoriasis symptoms are fatal, doctors may recommend this phototherapy treatment. This treatment involves the process of passing ultraviolet lasers to your affected areas. The process is complex and may have some side effects. 

Prevention

Can you prevent erythrodermic psoriasis?

There are no proven measures to prevent erythrodermic psoriasis. However, there are some ways to prevent new flare-ups.

  • Apply Xemsis regularly, as prescribed 
  • Avoid consuming alcohol and tobacco products
  • Manage stress with meditation and yoga
  • Protect your skin from external injuries like cuts, burns, infections, or wounds
  • Keep in touch with your healthcare provider
  • Don’t abruptly stop previous medications or try new medications. 
  • Eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated
  • Protect yourself from harsh weather, be it summer or winter.

Conclusion

Erythrodermic psoriasis can be very challenging, affecting your physical strength and appearance. Treating this type of psoriasis involves many trials and errors. You will need to change your lifestyle and take medications for long periods of time, as they work in stages to relieve you of the condition. This condition can be life-threatening if it is not treated properly. So it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s guidelines and stay positive.

Reference

  1. WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/erythrodermic-psoriasis 
  2. National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5572467/
  3. Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/erythrodermic-psoriasis#outlook
  4. Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314514#takeaway
  5. National Psoriasis Foundation: https://www.psoriasis.org/erythrodermic-psoriasis/
  6. HIVinfo: https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/hiv-treatment-basics
  7. Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22998-erythrodermic-psoriasis
Picture of Rakhul Mathivanan
Rakhul Mathivanan

Rakhul Mathivanan, a writer and filmmaker, focuses on creating innovative and unique content through directing short films, writing scripts, blogs, articles, case studies, and website content. He loves to watch movies, read books, listen to music, and travel. He has also had expertise in the field of writing and filmmaking for over a year and works closely with Xemsis by providing them with well-researched blogs about psoriasis.

Inverse PsoriasisCategoriesPsoriasis Treatment

Inverse Psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis, also known as intertriginous or flexural psoriasis, is a chronic auto-immune condition that causes reddish, shiny, and itchy rashes on skin folds where the skin rubs against each other, like armpits and groins. People often refer to this condition as hidden psoriasis because our clothes usually cover the skin folds.

Overview

What is Inverse Psoriasis?

Inverse psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that appears in the areas where the skin rubs against each other, including:

  • Armpits
  • Belly button and belly folds
  • Below the breasts
  • Groin
  • Around genitals
  • Between buttocks 
  • Abdomen
  • Neck folds

This condition is quite challenging, as the skin fold areas are sensitive. Because of the location, this condition may trigger yeast, fungal, or bacterial infections in affected areas. It also causes discomfort during sexual activities.

Symptoms

Symptoms of inverse psoriasis include:

  • Smooth and shiny, discolored rashes in red, brown, purple, or pink according to the skin color.
  • Fissures (cracks) in genital regions
  • Excess itching in the affected areas
  • Rashes that are moist and damp
  • Foul smell in affected regions
  • Swelling
  • Soreness when touched 
  • Irritation due to sweating
  • Inflammation.

These symptoms are usually painful and may bleed as the skin folds are very tender and sensitive. This condition of inverse psoriasis is complicated and challenging, which hurts the quality of life.

Causes

Inverse psoriasis is categorized as an immune-mediated disorder, so its exact cause has not been found yet. However, after getting affected by the condition, it causes the immune system to overreact, which leads to the rapid production of new skin cells. For a healthy person, the skin cells usually shed and grow every 30 days. But for people with inverse psoriasis, these new skin cells grow rapidly in 3 to 4 days. As the process is very quick, the dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of the skin instead of shedding. These accumulations affect the skin, causing psoriatic rashes. Also, 21–30% of people suffering from other forms of psoriasis develop this inverse psoriasis.

Who does inverse psoriasis affect?

Inverse psoriasis can affect people of any age, but adults are more likely to be affected as immune systems get weaker as people get older. 

Also, inverse psoriasis can be triggered in people with:

  • Genetics of family members with psoriasis
  • Skin injuries like cuts, wounds, or scrapes
  • Excess stress and tension
  • Overdosage of certain high-dose medications
  • The habit of smoking tobacco products
  • Excess fat and obesity
  • The habit of consuming excess alcohol
  • Skin infections from bacteria, fungus, or yeast

Difference between psoriasis and inverse psoriasis?

        Factors

                     Psoriasis                   Inverse Psoriasis

       

      Condition

Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease where the body’s immune system attacks its cells, mistaking them for foreign cells.Inverse psoriasis is the same auto-immune disease as a type of psoriasis. But its many characteristics differ from those of psoriasis.
         FormsIt is a common form that has many types and affects various parts of the body.This is a type of psoriasis that primarily affects the skin folds.
       CausesNot scientifically proven yet, but may be triggered by various factors.Not scientifically proven yet, but may be triggered by various factors.
      SymptomsIt usually causes reddish and slivery scaly plaque that is thick and inflamed. The affected areas experience excess itching, burning, and swelling.Despite being a type of psoriasis, this condition occurs in the skin folds that are usually moist. The affected areas will have rashes that are shiny, smooth, and more prone to irritation.
 Common AreasAs a common form of all types, it can occur in any part, like the scalp, joints, nails, or lower back.It occurs only in the skin folds, where the skin rubs against each other. Common areas are the buttocks, armpits, groins, neck folds, and under breasts.
       TriggersStress, skin injuries, infections, and high-dosage medications are the most common triggers.It can also be triggered by the triggers of psoriasis, but being in skin folds, sweating, and friction in skin folds trigger this condition the most.
  Mostly AffectsThis can affect people of any age, but it mostly occurs in people aged 15–35.This condition mostly affects older adults who have a weaker immune system.
   ComplicationsIn the worst case of this condition, psoriasis may develop into psoriatic arthritis, which causes the loss of affected bones and may become life-threatening if not diagnosed properly.This condition may allow various other infections from bacteria, viruses, fungi, or yeast.

How does inverse psoriasis impact daily life?

  • As this condition occurs in sensitive areas of the skin, it causes discomfort even during routine physical activities like walking and driving.
  • Wearing our favorite clothes of our choice cannot be done as tightly, and certain fabrics may worsen the condition.
  • Affecting sensitive areas of skin, people with this condition may feel low self-esteem and embarrassment.
  • The chronic nature of this condition may lead to anxiety and stress for the affected people.

Management and Treatment

Can inverse psoriasis go away?

Inverse psoriasis is a chronic condition that has no scientifically proven cure. The affected people may experience the symptoms disappearing and flaring up again. A doctor’s prescription may provide relief from the symptoms.

What medications or treatments are used?

    • Topical Medicines: If you have mild rashes, doctors provide effective ointments like xemsis, lotions, or corticosteroid creams that reduce swelling and inflammation. 
    • Oral Drugs: If your rashes are a little severe, doctors may provide medications containing acitretin, methotrexate, or apremilast that are effective in treating the symptoms. These medications may have complex dosages and side effects. So doctors may recommend avoiding some food types. It’s crucial to follow their guidelines.
    • Injections: If your symptoms are severe and painful, doctors may recommend biological treatments or injections like adalimumab, etanercept, or infliximab. These injections may reduce the pain and severity of the condition.
    • Phototherapy: If your inverse psoriasis symptoms are very severe, doctors may recommend this phototherapy treatment. This treatment involves the process of passing ultraviolet lasers to your affected areas. The process is complex and may have some side effects. It is recommended only for severe cases of psoriasis. 

Home Remedies and Prevention

  • Bathing in oatmeal mixed with lukewarm water provides relief from irritation caused by inverse psoriasis. However, the bathing time should be limited, as showering too long will inflame the affected skin more.
  • Use mild soaps recommended by your doctor.
  • Wear loose, cotton clothes that allow the affected areas to breathe.
  • Apply pure coconut oil along with your ointments to keep the skin hydrated and reduce inflammation.
  • You can ask your doctor to prescribe medicinal powder so that it can be used in the affected areas of skin folds to absorb the moisture.
  • Engage in physical activities and avoid stress.
  • Follow a healthy lifestyle and keep your surroundings free from dirt and microbes.
  • Applying pure turmeric paste to the affected areas helps reduce inflammation, as turmeric has rich anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Patients with inverse psoriasis have a higher risk of developing other complications like diabetes, cardiovascular problems, obesity, or stroke. So these patients must keep in touch with doctors regularly.

Conclusion

Inverse psoriasis is a long-lasting condition that comes and goes throughout life. Affecting sensitive areas, this type of psoriasis impacts the quality of life. Treatments and medications work in stages to relieve you of the condition. Consistency in following the doctor’s guidelines and keeping hope is the best option to overcome this psoriasis.

Reference

  1. WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/inverse-psoriasis 
  2. National Psoriasis Foundation: https://www.psoriasis.org/inverse-psoriasis/ 
  3. Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/inverse-psoriasis 
  4. Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314259 
  5. National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6997231/
  6. Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22852-inverse-psoriasis
Picture of Rakhul Mathivanan
Rakhul Mathivanan

Rakhul Mathivanan, a writer and filmmaker, focuses on creating innovative and unique content through directing short films, writing scripts, blogs, articles, case studies, and website content. He loves to watch movies, read books, listen to music, and travel. He has also had expertise in the field of writing and filmmaking for over a year and works closely with Xemsis by providing them with well-researched blogs about psoriasis.

Pustular PsoriasisCategoriespsoriasis type

Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis is a form of psoriasis that affects 3% of people living with other types of psoriasis. This pustular psoriasis is a chronic auto-immune condition that is considered a variant of psoriatic vulgaris and can occur in any part of the body, causing pus-filled bumps on the affected areas.

Overview

What is Pustular Psoriasis?

Pustular psoriasis is an autoimmune condition formed when the body’s immune system releases white blood cells that attack the body’s cells by mistake, judging them as foreign objects. The dead cells accumulate at the skin’s surface instead of shedding, forming scaly pus-filled bumps that cause pain and itching.

Pustular Psoriasis Symptoms

Pustular psoriasis causes widespread blisters, i.e., bumps, surrounded by red skin. It can occur in any part, but mostly in the hands and feet. The bumps usually occur in a particular part and rarely spread throughout the body. When it occurs in a particular part, like the hand, the severity is comparatively low compared to the spread. This condition can affect people of any age, but it mostly affects adults rather than children.

In this case, the bumps are usually:

  • Thick
  • Scaly
  • Flaky
  • Filled with pus
  • In yellow or white colors. 

The affected area may cause itching or mild pain in the area. 

However, if the bumps spread and cover large areas with severity, the condition is termed generalized pustular psoriasis. This case is rare but very serious. 

This condition causes: 

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Muscle weakness
  • Severe pain or itching
  • Fatigue
  • Increased heartbeat
  • Dehydration
  • Swelling of affected areas

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of these pustular psoriasis symptoms.

Causes of Pustular Psoriasis 

The exact cause of pustular psoriasis has not been proven yet. But many conditions trigger it. The trigger makes the immune system attack the body’s cells that accumulate on the surface of the skin as bumps and blisters, which are the initial cause of pustular psoriasis. Developing this type of psoriasis from other forms, like plaque psoriasis, is very rare. These symptoms are not caused by any bacteria or fungus, so they are not contagious.

Other conditions that can trigger the growth of pustular psoriasis are:

  • High-dosage medications
  • Overexposure to UV rays from the sun
  • Stress
  • Hormonal changes
  • Allergic reactions 
  • Bacterial or viral infections
  • Genetics
  • Poor environmental factors.

In very rare cases, when genes named IL36RN and CARD14 get mutated, it may result in flare-ups and the development of pustular psoriasis.  

Pustular Psoriasis Images

How to Cure Pustular Psoriasis

While pustular psoriasis is chronic and there is no proven cure, some medications, treatments, and self-care are recommended by doctors to get relief from the condition and reduce the formation of flare-ups. Initially, the doctor may examine your condition thoroughly and take your blood samples for testing to understand the severity of your condition.

The doctors then prescribe solutions according to the severity of your pustular psoriasis symptoms, which include:

    • Topical Medicines: Doctors provide effective ointments like Xemsis that soften your plaques and reduce inflammation. It is formulated with 100% pure natural ingredients and has no side effects.
  • Oral Drugs: If your symptoms are a little severe, doctors may provide medications containing cyclosporine, methotrexate, or acitretin that have vitamin A and other ingredients to calm down your psoriatic flare-ups. These medications may have complex dosages and side effects. So doctors may recommend avoiding some food types. It’s crucial to follow their guidelines.
  • Phototherapy: If your pustular psoriasis symptoms are very severe and spread to larger areas, doctors may recommend this phototherapy treatment. This treatment involves the process of passing ultraviolet lasers to your affected areas. The process is complex and may have some side effects. It is recommended only for severe cases of pustular psoriasis. 

There are also some preventive measures to reduce irritation and prevent new flare-ups:

  • Stress: Stress worsens the symptoms of psoriasis, and it is essential to manage it.
  • External Injury: New psoriatic flare-ups may arise in psoriatic patients even with mild external injuries, like a cut during a shave. So it’s important to stay safe from these kinds of injuries.
  • Alcohol and Smoking: Consuming alcohol and smoking tobacco products slows down the effectiveness of psoriatic medications. It’s best to avoid these things if you are affected by psoriasis.
  • Quick Showers: Taking a shower for a long time causes psoriatic inflammation to further worsen. So it is recommended to take a bath quickly, in 10–15 minutes.
  • Stay Hygienic: Pollution, dirt, and micro-organisms further trigger the symptoms of psoriasis. So it’s best to stay hygienic by washing hands often, maintaining a clean living environment, and staying as clean as possible.
  • Moisturize: Use doctor-prescribed moisturizers regularly to improve dryness and irritation caused by psoriatic flare-ups and help smooth the skin.

Types of Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis occurs in various forms in terms of severity and blister breakouts. Each type needs different types of treatment and care.

  • Generalized: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare and serious form of psoriasis. In this condition, the blisters break out severely, causing extreme redness, pain, itching, and swelling. The symptoms spread to a large area of the body with the rapid popping of pus-filled blisters. It also causes fatigue, chills, fever, nausea, headaches, joint pain, weight loss, weakened muscles, or an increased heart rate. It is recommended to consult with a doctor as soon as possible if any of these symptoms occur.
  • Localized: This form of psoriasis occurs only in particular parts, usually the hands and feet. Its severity is less compared to the generalized and occurs in two types, namely palmoplantar and acrodermatitis.
  1. Palmoplantar psoriasis (PPP): This type of localized psoriasis causes blisters in the palms and soles of the feet. The bumps may turn brown and peel off. Most commonly, this type affects the base of the thumb and the side of the heel. It usually goes away and comes back by itself.
  2. Acrodermatitis Continua of Hallopeau (ACH): This type of localized psoriasis causes minor yet painful blisters in the tips of fingers and toes, mostly in nails. Affected fingers or toes may experience difficulty moving and using them.

Conclusion

Treatments and medications for less severe pustular psoriasis may take a couple of weeks to several months to cure, according to the condition and body type. The treatments for this type of psoriasis usually work in stages to clear the blisters. However, if the condition is severe, it may last longer despite medications causing irritation, frustration, and low self-esteem. Consistency in following the doctor’s guidelines and keeping hope is the best option to overcome psoriasis.

Xemsis is an ointment formulated with effective natural ingredients after many years of research. It is prescribed by many dermatologists for skin problems like psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis. Get relief from psoriatic symptoms today with Xemsis.

Reference

  1. WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/pustular-psoriasis 
  2. National Psoriasis Foundation: https://www.psoriasis.org/pustular/ 
  3. National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537002/#:~:text=Pustular%20psoriasis%20is%20a%20rare,a%20variant%20of%20psoriasis%20vulgaris 
  4. Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24805-pustular-psoriasis
Picture of Rakhul Mathivanan
Rakhul Mathivanan

Rakhul Mathivanan, a writer and filmmaker, focuses on creating innovative and unique content through directing short films, writing scripts, blogs, articles, case studies, and website content. He loves to watch movies, read books, listen to music, and travel. He has also had expertise in the field of writing and filmmaking for over a year and works closely with Xemsis by providing them with well-researched blogs about psoriasis.

Guttate PsoriasisCategoriespsoriasis type

Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that causes several drop-like red lesions on any part of the body. The word ‘Gutta’ is derived from a Latin word that means ‘Drops’. This guttate psoriasis usually shows its first signs as a streptococcal infection in the throat, such as soreness and strep throat. This type of psoriasis can affect people of any age, is usually not contagious, and is not as severe as other types of psoriasis. Also, this type is not common and affects only 8% of people who are living with psoriasis.

Overview

What is guttate psoriasis?

Like other types of psoriasis, guttate psoriasis is also an autoimmune condition caused when the body’s immune system attacks its own cells, mistaking them for foreign particles. Usually, this type of psoriasis goes away on its own. But in some cases, it may cause several flare-ups and become chronic. So it’s essential to contact your doctor if you experience this condition.

Who gets guttate psoriasis?

Guttate psoriasis mostly affects children and young adults aged 30 or younger. But it doesn’t mean others won’t get it. It can sometimes affect older people too. Gender or race is not a barrier for this type of psoriasis to spread.

Is guttate psoriasis the same as chronic psoriasis?

In most cases, guttate psoriasis is not chronic and goes away on its own, leaving no scars. But it is recommended that you visit your doctor if you have this condition. In some cases, this type of infection may cause several flare-ups and inflammation, developing into chronic psoriasis. 

Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms 

  • Guttate psoriasis usually causes tear-drop-shaped pink or red patches in the skin and can spread to any part of the body.
  • The affected parts experience itching throughout the area.
  • The patches are not as thick as in other types of psoriasis but may be covered with silvery and flaky scales.
  • These guttate psoriasis symptoms are not severe, and in rare cases, they may develop into other forms of severe psoriasis.

Does guttate psoriasis happen in stages?

Guttate psoriasis usually doesn’t progress in stages and will develop anytime after a bacterial infection, mostly with streptococcal infection. Firstly, the infection causes soreness or strep in the throat. Then it will develop into teardrop-shaped patches. The symptoms are usually not serious, but in rare cases, they may become severe with inflammation.

Causes

  • Genes: Psoriasis is strongly associated with genes that can be transmitted by the genetics of family members with a history of psoriatic symptoms.
  • Bacterial Infections: Any type of bacterial infection can develop guttate psoriasis. However, bacteria named streptococci are the main culprits that develop this type of psoriasis. 
  • Triggers: Other than these, factors like sinusitis, flu, tonsillitis, stress, external wounds and burns, and certain medications can trigger this type of psoriasis.

Is guttate psoriasis contagious?

Contagion factors in this type of psoriasis are a little complicated. All types of psoriasis are non-contagious, but the bacterial infection from which guttate psoriasis develops is contagious. In simple words, the red patches caused by this type of psoriasis are non-contagious, but the bacterial infection that causes sores and strep throat is contagious.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is guttate psoriasis diagnosed?

  • Skin Biopsy: In this procedure, the doctor will remove a small piece of your affected skin in the lab and test it with a microscope. This process is to identify how severe the condition is and if there are any other complications, like skin cancer or eczema. This procedure is recommended only if there is excess itching or burning from guttate psoriasis.
  • Throat Swab Culture: In this laboratory process, the doctor will make the patient open the mouth as wide as possible, press down the tongue with a depressor, and place a special cup called culture around the tonsils of the throat to collect the samples. Then the samples are tested with a microscope to determine the severity of guttate psoriasis.
  • Blood Test: Your doctor may take your blood sample to test for recent bacterial and fungal infections that have affected your body.

Management and Treatment

How is guttate psoriasis treated?

Usually, guttate psoriasis is found in three stages:

  • Mild: A few spots that are spread on the skin. This mild case doesn’t need any special treatment and will go away by itself.
  • Moderate: The spots cover some extended areas of the skin. This condition won’t need laboratory treatments and can be treated with ointments and creams.
  • Severe: The spots are spread to larger areas of skin or the entire body. In these cases, specialized laboratory treatments will be recommended by the doctor. 

The treatments for guttate psoriasis include:

  • Xemsis: Formulated with the purest natural ingredients, this ointment can be effective for all types of skin conditions without any side effects.
  • Emollients: Doctors may provide moisturizers, creams, soaps, or lotions that have coal tar, Vitamin D, and anti-inflammatory properties for mild conditions.
  • Medications: Doctors may prescribe oral drugs with vitamin A, biological medications, or immunosuppressive drugs for more widespread spots that cause excess itching or burning.
  • Phototherapy: If guttate psoriasis is very severe with excess inflammation and turning into chronic psoriasis, doctors may provide ultraviolet laser therapy. The therapy is effective but has some side effects. Doctors prescribe it only for severe cases of psoriasis.

Prevention

Can guttate psoriasis be prevented?

Unfortunately, there are no proven measures to prevent guttate psoriasis. As it is caused by a bacterial infection, there are some common measures to prevent bacterial and viral infections.

  • Wash your hands often with sanitizer to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
  • Eat a healthy diet with more vegetables, fruits, grains, and proteins that support your immune system.
  • Engage in physical activities like yoga and exercise regularly to boost your immunity.
  • Get an adequate amount of sleep in a scheduled manner to maintain proper body function.
  • Try to reduce your stress by involving yourself in meditation or other relaxation techniques. Excess stress can trigger multiple problems in your body.
  • Avoid consuming excess alcohol and tobacco products.

Conclusion

Guttate psoriasis usually isn’t as dangerous as other types of psoriasis and will mostly go away on its own. Only in rare cases does this type of psoriasis develop into other serious forms of psoriasis. With proper health care and lifestyle, we can escape any type of infection from microbes. Xemsis is formulated to provide effective relief for all forms of psoriasis and skin infections. Together, we can beat psoriasis out of this world.

Picture of Rakhul Mathivanan
Rakhul Mathivanan

Rakhul Mathivanan, a writer and filmmaker, focuses on creating innovative and unique content through directing short films, writing scripts, blogs, articles, case studies, and website content. He loves to watch movies, read books, listen to music, and travel. He has also had expertise in the field of writing and filmmaking for over a year and works closely with Xemsis by providing them with well-researched blogs about psoriasis.

Scalp psoriasis and dandruffCategoriesScalp psoriasis vs Dandruff

Scalp Psoriasis vs Dandruff

Understanding the difference between Scalp Psoriasis and Dandruff

Scalp psoriasis and dandruff are conditions that occur on the scalp and often look similar, creating confusion in many people. Let’s see how Scalp psoriasis differs from dandruff in this blog.  

Scalp Psoriasis

Dandruff

Condition
Scalp psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects a part or entire area on the scalp Dandruff is a common condition that affects the scalp and skin which is not very severe.
Formation
This forms thick plaques and scales, which cause excess itching on the scalp This forms as a dry or flaky scale on the scalp and will fall out as flakes
Symptoms
It can affect any area of the scalp and will appear as a thick, reddish patch. The affected areas will be itchy, dry flaky, and even bleed. It may also cause temporary hair loss This causes the affected areas of skin on the scalp to shed a white flake, which usually falls on shoulders and clothes that creates embarrassment in public
Causes
The exact cause of scalp psoriasis is not known yet. However, researchers believe that it may be caused by genetics and environmental exposure  The exact reasons for dandruff are also not proven by scientists yet. Doctors believe that poor hygiene, improper maintenance of hair, and overproduction of yeast in the scalp will cause dandruff
Contagion
Psoriasis can’t be spread from the affected person to a healthy person through physical contact Most people consider dandruff to be contagious. But it can’t be transferred person-to-person by physical contact
Home       Remedies
  • Firstly, scalp psoriasis should not be scratched 
  • Aloe vera gel can treat scalp psoriasis effectively
  • Coconut oil can relieve the inflammation caused in the scalp and smooth it
  • Proper hygiene and practice of meditation can help treat any kind of psoriasis
  • Medicated shampoo prescribed in the pharmacy
  • Aloe vera gel can also help treat dandruff.
  • Any kind of infection in the skin or hair can be treated with coconut oil, as it has rich properties for smoothing.
The Chemical Process of Creation
When a person gets scalp psoriasis, the immune system becomes overactive, making the skin cells grow faster than usual. This results in the accumulation of excess dead skin cells on the surface of the skin rather than shedding. That is when the patches and plaques appear In terms of dandruff, a natural oil called sebum will be released excessively in the scalp. Sometimes a fungus called Malassezia, which is naturally present in everyone’s head, will misprocess and lead to dandruff Malassezia
Triggers
Scalp psoriasis will get triggered and worsen with factors like external injuries, infections, excess sun exposure, stress, and certain medications Dry skin, sensitivity to certain hair products, improper diet, stress, hormonal changes, and improper maintenance of the hair will trigger the dandruff more.
When should I see a doctor?
If a person develops excess itching, redness, or inflammation by scalp psoriasis, immediate medical attention is required.  Usually, dandruff can be cured in the home easily and there is no need for consultation with doctors. However, if a person has dandruff that lasts for many days, they can speak to a healthcare professional
Treatment
  • Medicated Shampoos – Shampoos containing Clobetasol propionate are one of the most effective methods to treat scalp psoriasis 
  • Scale Softeners – Ointments, lotions, and creams containing Salicylic Acid are commonly recommended by dermatologists.
  • Laser Treatments – For the worst condition of scalp psoriasis, doctors provide light treatments like Excimer Laser and Phototherapy which are very effective 
Dandruff is not dangerous and usually won’t need specified treatments. Doctors may recommend anti-dandruff shampoos containing zinc pyrithione, Salicylic acid, and coal tar to reduce the fall of flake from the scalp.

Conclusion

Dandruff is primarily caused by a misprocess that occurs in certain immune systems of the body and can often be managed with over-the-counter shampoos containing antifungal agents. On the other hand, scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune condition characterized by the rapid turnover of skin cells. If you find any of these symptoms of scalp psoriasis, it is recommended that you seek the advice of a professional doctor and follow their guidance.
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Rakhul Mathivanan

Rakhul Mathivanan, a writer and filmmaker, focuses on creating innovative and unique content through directing short films, writing scripts, blogs, articles, case studies, and website content. He loves to watch movies, read books, listen to music, and travel. He has also had expertise in the field of writing and filmmaking for over a year and works closely with Xemsis by providing them with well-researched blogs about psoriasis.