Your skin is itchy, dry, and sore with patches of red rashes with silvery, white scales – and it’s showing up on your scalp, elbow, knees, lower back, and/or other places not to describe at church – it’s painful, embarrassing, and worse of all, you don’t know what it is. There are many itchy skin conditions that produce red rashes, but if your skin is as described above, you may have Psoriasis. Psoriasis affects nearly 3% of the population worldwide. So, what exactly is it?

As defined by the National Psoriasis Foundation, Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. Psoriasis is an incurable disease with symptoms that often come and go. Anyone can experience Psoriasis, though it is more common in adults that children.

Psoriasis is not contagious but there is no definite answer of how someone can develop Psoriasis. The immune system and genetics play a role in whether you will experience it or not, and there is evidence that triggers like stress will cause psoriasis to flare. But, scientifically, it is understood that those who have psoriasis have skin cells that grow at an abnormally fast rate, which will create a buildup of psoriasis lesions. Or, otherwise known as thick, scaly, itchy, red skin. There is no certain answer as to why some people have these skin cells and others do not.

There is no cure to Psoriasis. However, there are ways to manage the symptoms and reduce triggers in your life that may cause Psoriasis to flare up. Understanding what kind of Psoriasis you have, may also help you find ways to soothe the skin and manage the symptoms. So, what kind of Psoriasis do I have?

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, there are 5 types of Psoriasis.

Plaque Psoriasis: Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of the disease and appears as raised, red patches covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells. These patches or plaques most often show up on the scalp, knees, elbows and lower back. They are often itchy and painful, and they can crack and bleed.

Guttate: Guttate [GUH-tate] psoriasis is a form of psoriasis that appears as small, dot-like lesions. Guttate psoriasis often starts in childhood or young adulthood, and can be triggered by a strep infection. This is the second-most common type of psoriasis, after plaque psoriasis. About 10 percent of people who get psoriasis develop guttate psoriasis.

Pustular: Pustular [PUHS-choo-lar] psoriasis in characterized by white pustules (blisters of noninfectious pus) surrounded by red skin. The pus consists of white blood cells. It is not an infection, nor is it contagious. Pustular psoriasis can occur on any part of the body, but occurs most often on the hands or feet.

Inverse: Inverse psoriasis shows up as very red lesions in body folds, such as behind the knee, under the arm or in the groin. It may appear smooth and shiny. Many people have another type of psoriasis elsewhere on the body at the same time.

Erythrodermic: Erythrodermic [eh-REETH-ro-der-mik] psoriasis is a particularly severe form of psoriasis that leads to widespread, fiery redness over most of the body. It can cause severe itching and pain, and make the skin come off in sheets. It is rare, occurring in 3 percent of people who have psoriasis during their life time. It generally appears on people who have unstable plaque psoriasis.

If you are experiencing a rash that is similar to any of the Psoriasis conditions described above, we recommended you to visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis, to learn your treatment options, and understand what causes it.

Though, from our experience working with clients who are dealing with Psoriasis, we have found that it is brought on by extreme stress. When we work 60+ hours a week or manage more than we can easily handle at work, home, school, church, etc., we find ourselves experiencing more stress than ever before. Stress can weaken the immune system, allowing for diseases like Psoriasis to flare up. Simple changes in lifestyle, such as making more time for fun, relaxation, or meditation, can dramatically improve health and strengthen the immune system – and hopefully clear up any Psoriasis rash.

For more information about Psoriasis, and current research, visit National Psoriasis Foundation. If you are experiencing any kind of rash, a visit to your doctor or dermatologist is highly recommended before you self-treat the condition. Psoriasis, like many skin conditions, could be a symptom of something more serious and life-threatening. Any medical advice given here is a suggestion only, ask your doctor if it’s right for you.