Are you or a loved one possibly suffering from early psoriasis symptoms?
Check out some answers to the most commonly asked questions about the condition and information on identifying and treating early psoriasis symptoms.
Early Psoriasis Symptoms
The beginning of psoriasis symptoms usually appears as patches of red skin with white or silvery scales. While adults can suffer from large patches with thick scales, children typically experience smaller patches with less scaling.
Skin can also be sometimes sore, but the skin is itchy in most cases. When left untreated, the itch can turn into a burning sensation, while skin dries out so badly it cracks and bleeds.
Less common symptoms include:
- Dandruff
- Strange changes to the nails or nail beds
- Smooth patches of red skin
- Fungal or bacterial infections
- Peeling rash
- Joint pain or swelling, arthritis pain
Depending on what psoriasis symptoms you have, visiting a medical professional will give you a better idea of what skin condition you might be suffering from.
Psoriasis Types
Plaque Psoriasis
The most common type of psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis is easily identifiable by the thick, silvery scales that develop. It can grow anywhere, from your scalp to your feet.
Guttate Psoriasis
Like plaque psoriasis, it develops in kids and teenagers. However, the affected areas are smaller, and the scaling is much thinner. It can happen alongside a bacterial infection.
Pustular Psoriasis
All hallmarks of plaque psoriasis, but with the unfortunate addition of small, painful blisters that pop up on the hands and feet. The development of blisters is often accompanied by stomach flu-like symptoms such as fever and an upset stomach.
Inverse Psoriasis
Appears on the body's most sensitive areas: armpits, the underside of the breasts, and around the groin. No blistering, but a distinct red smooth patch will develop. It can be tied to a fungal infection and is usually challenging to fight because of sweat and chafing.
Nail Psoriasis
Affects fingernails and toenails. It can present visual changes to the nails or loosen nails from the nail bed. In addition, it can cause the nail to fall apart entirely if ignored and untreated.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
The most severe and likely to cause serious problems include pneumonia or heart failure. It is characterized by a fiery red, burning, and peeling rash that covers most of the body. This is not a simple, run-of-the-mill rash; it typically looks like the sufferer has been burned over their entire body. Those who may be suffering from erythrodermic psoriasis must seek medical attention immediately.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Arthritis causes psoriasis to flare. It typically targets older people but can be seen amongst all ages. Sometimes joint stiffness is the only symptom, but nail changes present themselves in 90% of cases.
Psoriasis vs. Eczema: What’s the Difference?
Psoriasis and eczema can be so similar that even doctors struggle to tell the difference, but a few key differences can help distinguish them.
Location
Eczema in children tends to appear on the scalp and face, while guttate psoriasis – the most common type of psoriasis to impact younger people – appears more on the chest and collarbones.
In adults, eczema appears in the inner crooks of elbows and the back of the knee. It can also occur on the face, hands, and feet. Eczema is typically confined to specific areas and does not cover large areas.
Psoriasis, on the other hand, is generally more widespread.
Appearance
Psoriasis usually is composed of thick scales or smooth patches of skin.
Eczema usually appears as red, weeping, or thick skin, even white spots, but has a different appearance than psoriasis.
Causes
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where skin cells multiply too quickly and build up on the surface.
Eczema can be genetic or caused by an environmental or diet-based trigger.
Natural Psoriasis Treatments
Try all-natural psoriasis creams and bath products to relieve symptoms and avoid further irritation or skin damage. Oils like Pure Emu Oil – Nature’s Miracle for Healthy, Radiant Skin soothe itch and irritation without stinging, while deeply nourishing the skin to help prevent damage from scratching and promote healing. To aid with healing and getting rid of the scaly skin, seek out a balm like Emily Skin Soothers for Thick, Dry Skin.
Other natural treatments for the beginning of psoriasis symptoms:
Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream- helps relieve itchy skin while restoring moisture to scaly skin. However, it contains only six natural ingredients to soothe inflamed, scaly skin.
Emily’s Liquid Soap Soother- provides itch relief through its fatty olive oil base. Perfect for use in the bath or shower, and can also be used as a shampoo.
Soothe My Rash Kit – Natural Relief for Irritated Skin - Looking for a natural way to calm itchy, irritated skin? The Soothe My Rash Kit is your go-to bundle for early psoriasis symptoms, eczema flare-ups, and more. Packed with our most-loved herbal formulas, this kit works together to cleanse, hydrate, and heal, providing gentle, lasting relief for even the most sensitive skin.
Dry Skin Kit – Deep Hydration for Eczema-Prone Skin - This isn’t just any dry skin routine. The Dry Skin Kit is your all-in-one solution for tackling stubborn dryness, rough patches, and early signs of psoriasis. Featuring nourishing emu oil, a powerful natural lip balm, and a rich callus treatment, this bundle deeply hydrates and restores your skin from head to toe. Try it today and give your skin the deep moisture it deserves.
To treat mild psoriasis symptoms with eczema clothing, check out our blog post: Best Types of Clothing for Psoriasis.
We especially recommend wet wrapping for psoriasis. This is a powerful, temporary tool to get a break from the itch or pain that can be a daily burden with moderate to severe cases of psoriasis. Learn how to wet wrap. Remedywear makes garments that can be worn for dry or wet wrapping, and as a bonus, these items are made from soft, cooling TENCEL and antibacterial zinc.
It is important to remember that no matter how mild, untreated psoriasis can lead to long-term consequences. Therefore, we always suggest seeking the advice of a medical professional if you are experiencing any of these early psoriasis symptoms.
Resources
https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/types/pu...
https://www.omicsonline.org/scholarly/plaque-psori...
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314816.p...
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Bio: Laura is a contributor and content developer for The Eczema Company. She is in no way a medical professional. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes.
