What Does Psoriasis Look Like When It First Starts? (and What To Do)

Well over 7 million people in the United States alone struggle with psoriasis. And while it can start at almost any age, it’s usually adults between the ages of 20 and 30 that most often develop it.

Worried you might be seeing the beginning stages of this skin condition? Wondering what you should look out for?

Let’s start with what it looks like.

When psoriasis first starts, there are generally only a few red bumps on the skin. These bumps will more than likely appear on areas such as the face, knees, feet, scalp, elbows, and palms. Itchiness and general discomfort soon follow.

As time passes, these bumps will get larger, thicker, and develop scales on top of them. Some patches even join together to cover a larger area.

A Look at the Different Types of Psoriasis

It also helps to understand the different types of psoriasis.

• Plaque psoriasis. This is the most common type of psoriasis – the type that starts with the symptoms mentioned above.
• Nail psoriasis. Abnormal nail growth, pitting, and discoloration are all signs of nail psoriasis. And in some cases, the nails can start to crumble completely.
• Inverse psoriasis. This specific type of psoriasis affects areas that usually have folds of skin, including the buttocks, breasts, and groin. Friction and sweating tend to make it worse.
• Guttate psoriasis. Bacterial infections tend to trigger this type of psoriasis in young adults on the arms and legs.
• Pustular psoriasis. This type is rarer and has the added symptom of pus-filled blisters.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis. Lastly, there’s erythrodermic, which is the least common. It tends to cover the entire body and itches and burns more intensely.

What Triggers Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is linked to the immune system and causes skin cells to grow at a rapid rate. But what is it that triggers it, to begin with?

Some of the most common triggers include:

• Cold and dry weather
• Exposure to cigarettes and second-hand smoke
• Bacterial infections
• Injuries to the skin
• Heavy drinking
• Withdrawal of corticosteroids
• Medication for conditions such as malaria and high blood pressure

Treating Psoriasis: Can It Be Done at Home?

Yes, it is possible to treat psoriasis at home, but there are also instances when it’s best to see a doctor (more on that later). Here’s what you can do at home:

1. Try a specialized cream such as Psoriaderm
2. Take baths daily to keep the skin clean and moist
3. Keep the affected areas covered when you sleep to prevent friction
4. Avoid scratching the affected areas as much as possible
5. Keep the skin cool and sweat-free
6. Avoid any triggers linked to the skin condition and maintain a healthy lifestyle

When to See a Doctor

There is a lot that you can do at home to treat psoriasis, but if any of the following applies to you, it might be time to see a doctor instead:

• The condition becomes too painful
• Your skin doesn’t seem to be improving after making general changes
• The psoriasis has started spreading at a rapid pace
• The appearance of your skin is starting to affect you mentally and emotionally

This should give you all the information you need to decide whether you might have psoriasis and what you can do about it.