Psoriasis / Scaly Skin / Patchy Skin
Scaly, dry rough skin is a common skin issue which is often related to the skin condition called Psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune skin condition affecting 2-3% of the population, primarily between the ages of 15-35.
Who is affected by Psoriasis?
Psoriasis affects any age group including infants, children, adults and the elderly.
What causes the skin condition?
The most common type of psoriasis is called psoriasis vulgaris. While the precise cause has not yet been determined, psoriasis is related to a body’s impaired immune system and has a hereditary predisposition. Natural triggers such as stress or poor diet tend to aggravate it.
What occurs is that the skin cells multiply faster than normal. When underlying skin cells reach the surface of the skin, they die but remain trapped. This causes the skin to appear raised and thick with red plaque covered in white scales.
The symptoms of Psoriasis in infants, children & adults
Psoriasis flare-ups are an inflammatory response and symptoms can appear differently depending on the individual and type of psoriasis.
Plaque psoriasis is characterized by patches of red skin, frequently covered with silver or whitish scales. Occasionally this develops lesions which can be itchy, painful, and sometimes can cause bleeding.
Psoriasis tends to affect the elbows, knees and scalp, although it can affect the skin elsewhere. Scalp psoriasis is characterized by red, dry patches on the scalp which may flake dandruff.
Click here to learn more about other skin conditions such as Eczema.