Does Psoriasis Hurt? Yes, Psoriasis Inflammation and Cracked Skin is Painful

The answer to the question does psoriasis hurt depends on the type of psoriasis afflicting the patient. In general, psoriasis is a skin condition associated with the appearance of thick, hard, scaly patches mottling skin that frequently cracks and bleeds.

Because psoriasis stems from a compromised immune system that is not strong enough to fight infections, the resulting inflammation produces intense itching and pain. Repetitive scratching often exacerbates the pain as well.

Caused by the immune system's response to an internal or external irritant, inflammation occurs when the immune system produces a protein substance called “circulating immune complex” or CIC.

Therefore, itching, discomfort and also swelling influences the aggravated location in an effort to "self-heal" by creating discomfort as well as limiting activity. Geared to educate the person that something is incorrect, these signs constantly come with breakeouts of psoriasis and also typically raise unless dealt with.

Intended to help with recovery of the irritant, CIC amounts lower when the body immune system is not completely operating. Furthermore, too much recreation of brand-new skin cells in feedback to an inefficient body immune system causes thick, flaky spots of skin.

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Does Psoriasis HURT All the Time?

Severity of psoriasis flare-ups can range from minor to debilitating. What is causing the psoriasis may dictate whether a patient constantly suffers from psoriasis pain. Reasons for psoriasis outbreaks include:

• Viral and bacterial infections, including strep throat, flu, or bronchitis
• Exposure to drying climate conditions
• Skin injuries, such as insect bites, burns and cuts
• Medications, especially lithium and beta-blockers
• Sunburn
• Autoimmune disorders, especially rheumatoid arthritis and AIDS
• Chemotherapy
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Stress and/or mental problems

If any of these conditions remain untreated, the itching, pain, and burning of psoriasis patches may potentially affect joints, causing them to swell and stiffen.

When Does Psoriasis HURT THE MOST?

Essentially, psoriasis is not a skin disorder but a disorder of the immune system. As a result, any disease or affliction seriously weakening the immune system will make a psoriasis flare-up more painful. For example, if someone experiences sunburn that directly triggers psoriasis, then once the sunburn has healed, the psoriasis should disappear.

However, when difficult-to-treat emotional conditions, such as anxiety and depression disturb a person's quality of life, the immune system becomes severely depressed as well, allowing psoriasis symptoms to overwhelm the individual.

Does Psoriasis Hurt Once TREATMENT Begins?

Depending on the cause of psoriasis outbreaks, treatment can involve one or more of the following:

• Ointments containing cortisone, anthralin, coal tar or lactic/salicylic acid
• Prescription or over-the-counter dandruff shampoos
• Prescription medications containing retinoids such as vitamins A and D
• Phototherapy (exposure of the affected skin to ultraviolet light)
• Biologics such as Humira, Stelara or Amevive

Alleviation of pain and itching not directly caused by severe depression generally occurs within several days of initiating any of these treatment plans. Mental issues contributing to psoriasis may require counseling and administration of antidepressant to facilitate relief from psoriasis.

If you suffer from psoriasis, you may find that adjusting nutritional intake can also help relieve psoriasis. Avoiding unhealthy foods high in fats and sugars, as well as being tested for food allergies may reduce symptoms. Some research suggests that fish oil supplements may also help eliminate pain and itching, but does not seem to reduce the appearance of psoriasis skin lesions.

Since psoriasis is chronic in nature due to its strong genetic component, the chance for suffering continuous outbreaks is high. However, those diagnosed with psoriasis can successfully treat and control outbreaks; often resulting in the condition being less debilitating when something triggers an outbreak. The response to the question does psoriasis hurt then is one that depends on the severity as well as type of psoriasis with which patients are afflicted.

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National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

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