Psoriasis, a widespread skin condition that affects around 3% of Britons, is often overlooked because its symptoms and treatments are unknown. As August marks Psoriasis Awareness Month, Dr Donald Grant, GP and Chief Clinical Adviser at The Independent Pharmacy, sheds light on the key indicators of psoriasis and stresses the importance of recognizing them for timely intervention.
Dr Grant said: “Psoriasis is a very common autoimmune disease that cannot be prevented. It comes in many forms and leaves the skin itchy, irritated and inflamed.”
He continued: “Understanding the telltale signs of psoriasis is vital to early treatment to minimize flare-ups, but what are the common signs of this condition? Let’s take a closer look.”
Know the signs of psoriasis
One of the main symptoms, according to Dr. Grant, is the appearance of red patches on the skin, indicative of plaque psoriasis, which occurs mainly on the elbows, knees or scalp, although it can appear elsewhere on the body.
“These plaques can also dry out and have a silvery flaky appearance. Overproduction of skin cells can make the skin thick and dry, leading to itchy and irritated skin. E45 Fat-Free Emollient Cream is available over the counter and can reduce itching, soothe and make the skin smoother. “
Dr Grant has issued a stark warning about common skin problems: “It’s important for people to understand that although itchy and burning skin is common in the summer – a sign of sunburn – it’s also a massive indicator of psoriasis. Affected areas can quickly become irritated during symptoms and this feeling can come before visible changes in the skin.
“Itchy or burning skin can be caused by inflammation from an autoimmune disease. To control symptoms, a cool compress can reduce burning and provide quick relief from itching, while medical treatments are available for long-term relief.”
Dr Grant urges caution, reports Gloucestershire Live: “Dry skin is quite normal in the summer as the temperature rises. That said, I would recommend keeping a close eye on dry or cracked skin. It can be a sign of psoriasis. Dry skin is usually an early sign of this skin condition and can lead to cracking, which in turn can be a sign of psoriasis.” causes bleeding.
“To prevent flare-ups, I recommend regularly moisturizing the affected area and avoiding potential irritants. If the skin continues to dry or crack, it is best to seek medical help for available treatments. Treatments such as Diprobase Cream are effective in targeting dry or scaly skin caused by psoriasis.”
He also highlighted negative nail concerns.
Dr Grant emphasized: “Nail psoriasis is a common skin condition that affects around half of people with psoriasis, according to the NHS. An indicator of nail psoriasis is nail pitting – when small bumps or bumps form on the surface of the fingernails or toenails. It affects the appearance and brittleness can cause nails to crumble in severe cases. cases.
“Toenails can affect work and social life, making writing or typing challenging and at the same time undermining people’s confidence. If the appearance or texture of your nails has changed, it’s always best to seek further advice from your GP.”
Dr. Grant also mentioned a dry or scaly scalp: “Finally, changes in the scalp, such as dry or scaly skin, are a massive sign of scalp psoriasis. This is another type of plaque psoriasis that can lead to scaling and flaking. It can even cause temporary hair loss in severe cases.
“However, over-the-counter shampoos such as Polytar Shampoo may prove helpful in reducing dry, flaky skin while protecting against future flare-ups. The active ingredient, coal tar solution, accelerates the shedding of dead skin cells and should be used for about 4 weeks to reduce symptoms.
“Overall, psoriasis takes many forms, and signs of the disease can appear anywhere on the body, including the elbows, knees, or scalp. By recognizing the signs, people can quickly get medical advice or over-the-counter treatments to help reduce the severity of flare-ups.”
Dr Grant, who completed his medical degree in Bristol in 1985, has gained extensive clinical experience as a general practitioner in the Bristol area. He is particularly interested in orthopedic medicine.
