Silver-Colored Marks on the Skin: What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic and recurring skin disease that occurs when skin cells multiply faster than normal. It may appear with redness, thickening, scaling and silvery-white crusting on the skin.
Psoriasis is not only a condition that affects the appearance of the skin. It may cause itching, sensitivity, social discomfort, difficulty choosing clothes and a decrease in quality of life. In some people, it may also affect the nails or joints.
At Dr. Seher Arı Dermatology Clinic in Göktürk, Istanbul, psoriasis is evaluated by considering factors such as the extent of the lesions, their location, frequency of flare-ups, and whether the nails or joints are involved.
Not Every Flaking Is Dandruff, and Not Every Redness Is Eczema
Psoriasis may sometimes be confused with eczema, fungal infections, seborrheic dermatitis or allergic rashes. Especially when it appears on the scalp, it may be perceived as dandruff. However, psoriasis plaques are usually more distinct, well-defined and scaly.
Common symptoms that may be seen in psoriasis include:
- Red, raised and well-defined plaques on the skin
- Silvery-white scaling
- Itching or sensitivity
- Crusting on the scalp
- Rashes on the knees, elbows, lower back and scalp
- Pitting, thickening or discoloration of the nails
- Joint pain or morning stiffness in some people
These symptoms may vary from person to person. The severity of psoriasis may increase or decrease at different periods, even in the same person.
Who Can Develop Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is one of the common skin diseases seen worldwide. It may occur at similar rates in women and men. Although it most often begins in young adulthood, it may also develop during childhood or later in life.
Genetic predisposition may play an important role in psoriasis. Having psoriasis in the family may increase the risk; however, not everyone with a family history of psoriasis will necessarily develop the condition.
Psoriasis is not contagious. It does not spread to another person through handshaking, being in the same environment, using the same towel or skin contact.
The Invisible Triggers Behind Flare-Ups
Although the exact cause of psoriasis is not fully known, the immune system, genetic predisposition and environmental factors are thought to play a role together. Certain situations may trigger the onset of the disease or cause existing psoriasis plaques to flare up.
Factors that may trigger psoriasis include:
- Emotional stress
- Certain infections, such as throat infections
- Skin trauma, scratching, scrubbing or sunburn
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Some medications
- Irregular sleep and conditions that affect overall immune balance
Triggers are not the same for everyone. Therefore, recognizing personal flare-up triggers may support the treatment process in psoriasis.
The Map of Psoriasis: Skin, Scalp, Nails and Joints
Psoriasis is most commonly seen on areas such as the knees, elbows, scalp, lower back and trunk. However, it may also appear on different parts of the body. Scalp psoriasis may be noticed with intense flaking and crusting.
In nail psoriasis, small pits on the nail surface, thickening, yellowing, breakage or separation of the nail from the nail bed may be observed. In some people, psoriasis may also affect the joints. If there is joint pain, swelling or morning stiffness, an evaluation by dermatology and the relevant medical specialty may be required.
The area affected by psoriasis directly influences the choice of treatment. A more sensitive approach may be needed for special areas such as the face, scalp, nails, palms, soles or genital area.
The Goal of Treatment: Calming the Flare and Maintaining Control
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition. Therefore, the goal of treatment is to reduce plaques, control itching and scaling, ease flare-ups and support long-term periods of improvement.
Treatment is planned according to the extent of the disease, the affected area, the person’s age, accompanying diseases, nail or joint involvement and previously used treatments.
Treatment approaches that may be considered for psoriasis include:
- Moisturizing and barrier-supporting skin care products
- Topical treatments that help reduce scaling
- Creams and lotions recommended by a dermatologist
- Phototherapy in suitable patients
- Systemic treatments in widespread or resistant disease
- Biologic treatment options when necessary
- Lifestyle adjustments aimed at reducing triggers
Uncontrolled medication use or stopping treatment early may lead to flare-ups in psoriasis. For this reason, the treatment process should be carried out under the follow-up of a dermatologist.
How Does Psoriasis Progress?
Psoriasis usually progresses with periods of flare-up and improvement. In some periods, plaques may become more noticeable, while in other periods the skin may be calmer. The severity of the disease varies from person to person and may also change over time in the same person.
Regular follow-up, appropriate treatment and reducing triggers may help psoriasis progress in a more controlled way. Dermatology follow-up should not be neglected, especially in psoriasis that affects large areas, recurs frequently, or presents with nail or joint findings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psoriasis
Is psoriasis contagious?
No. Psoriasis is not contagious. It does not spread to another person through contact, handshaking or being in the same environment.
Can psoriasis go away completely?
Psoriasis may have a chronic course. With appropriate treatment and regular follow-up, symptoms can be kept under control and long-term periods of improvement may be achieved.
Does psoriasis cause itching?
Yes. In some people, psoriasis plaques may cause itching, sensitivity or a burning sensation.
Can psoriasis affect the joints?
In some people, psoriasis may be associated with joint involvement. If there is joint pain, swelling or morning stiffness, an evaluation is required.
Does psoriasis treatment vary from person to person?
Yes. Treatment is planned individually according to the extent of the disease, the affected area, age, accompanying diseases, and nail or joint involvement.
Psoriasis Evaluation in Göktürk, Istanbul
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that requires accurate diagnosis and regular follow-up. Since not every scaling or redness is psoriasis, a dermatological examination is important.
At Dr. Seher Arı Dermatology Clinic in Göktürk, Istanbul, psoriasis, scalp psoriasis, nail psoriasis and skin concerns related to psoriasis are evaluated through dermatological examination. For patients coming from Turkey and abroad, the process is carried out with personalized information and a treatment plan.
You can contact Dr. Seher Arı Clinic for psoriasis, skin scaling, plaque formation, scalp crusting or nail changes.