What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
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Symptoms of Psoriasis: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to Psoriasis Symptoms
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by a variety of symptoms that can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. This article synthesizes findings from multiple research studies to provide a detailed overview of the symptoms associated with psoriasis.
Common Dermatological Symptoms
Redness, Scaling, and Plaques
One of the most recognizable symptoms of psoriasis is the appearance of red, thick, scaly patches on the skin. These patches, also known as plaques, are often found on the elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk, but can appear anywhere on the body, including the soles of the feet and palms of the hands4 6. The plaques are typically erythematous (red) and indurated (hardened), and they can be pruritic (itchy) and painful6.
Itching and Pain
Itching (pruritus) and pain are common symptoms that can severely affect the daily lives of psoriasis patients. These symptoms are often reported alongside stinging and burning sensations, contributing to significant discomfort1 8. The intensity of these symptoms can vary, but they are persistent and can lead to sleep disturbances and reduced quality of life3.
Cracking and Bleeding
In more severe cases, the skin affected by psoriasis can crack and bleed. This is particularly common in areas where the skin is frequently stretched or moved, such as the hands and feet. The cracking can lead to secondary infections and further complicate the condition1.
Oral and Nail Manifestations
Oral Symptoms
Psoriasis can also manifest in the oral cavity, presenting as geographic tongue, fissured tongue, and gingival or mucosal lesions. These oral symptoms are less common but can contribute to the overall burden of the disease2.
Nail Involvement
Nail psoriasis is another common manifestation, affecting up to 23-27% of patients. Symptoms include pitting, discoloration, and separation of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis). These changes can be both cosmetically and functionally distressing10.
Psychological and Systemic Symptoms
Psychological Impact
The visible nature of psoriasis can lead to significant psychological distress, including feelings of shame, embarrassment, and self-consciousness. This psychological burden can exacerbate the physical symptoms and contribute to a cycle of stress and symptom flare-ups5 9.
Systemic Involvement
Psoriasis is not limited to the skin; it is a systemic disease that can involve multiple organ systems. About 30% of patients develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain and stiffness. Additionally, psoriasis is associated with comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, which can complicate the management of the disease3 6.
Conclusion
Psoriasis is a multifaceted disease with a wide range of symptoms that extend beyond the skin. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for effective management and improving the quality of life for those affected. From dermatological manifestations like redness, scaling, and plaques to systemic and psychological impacts, the burden of psoriasis is substantial and requires a comprehensive approach to treatment and care.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Development of the Psoriasis Symptoms Scale (PSS) in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis: qualitative and quantitative analyses
The Psoriasis Symptoms Scale (PSS) is a valid and reliable tool for assessing patient-reported symptoms and signs in moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients, aiding in treatment efficacy assessment.
Observational StudyPsoriasis: pathophysiology and oral manifestations.
Psoriasis can cause oral manifestations such as geographic tongue, fissure tongue, gingival and mucosal lesions, and temporomandibular joint inflammation, with multiple treatment strategies providing symptom relief but not cure.
Literature ReviewPsoriasis and sleep disorders: A systematic review.
Psoriasis is associated with an increased prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and insomnia, with treatments reducing cutaneous symptoms improving insomnia but not OSA.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedImpact of Psoriasis on Women
Psoriasis is a common, chronic inflammatory skin disease that can affect any part of the body. It is a highly visible condition with symptoms that include the appearance of red, thick, scaly patches on the arms, legs, trunk, soles of the feet, palms, and nails, but most commonly on the elbows, knees, and scalp.
The Brain–Skin Axis in Psoriasis—Psychological, Psychiatric, Hormonal, and Dermatological Aspects
Psychological stress contributes to the etiology and exacerbation of psoriasis, requiring multidisciplinary approaches to address the brain-skin axis.
Management of psoriasis as a systemic disease: what is the evidence?
Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic disease with increased risk of comorbidities, and effective management requires addressing its systemic nature and addressing its impact on overall health.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedPsoriasis
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated cutaneous disorder characterized by chronic, scaling, erythematous patches and plaques of skin, often involving the nails and affecting personal and working lives.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedA multidimensional assessment of the burden of psoriasis: results from a multinational dermatologist and patient survey
Psoriasis significantly impacts quality of life and work productivity, with significant financial costs and comorbidities.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedThe Psychosocial Burden of Psoriasis
Psoriasis patients experience significant psychosocial burden beyond physical symptoms, which should be considered when assessing disease severity and treatment efficacy.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedPsoriasis in special localizations
Special localizations of psoriasis, such as the face, scalp, intertriginous or palmoplantar areas, significantly reduce quality of life and impact sexual health, requiring specific management.
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