Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing, hereditary skin disease. Approximately one-third of people with psoriasis have a family history of the disease. This disease is generally considered benign and is characterized by the appearance of red, scaly lesions located on the scalp, face, arms, elbows, knees, legs, hands, feet, and nails. Dr. Carlos Sordo, a dermatologist at our clinic, gives us more information about this disease.

Main symptoms and characteristics:

• Presence of red, irritated, scaly skin plaques of different sizes, symmetrically distributed.
• Itchy plaques, which may bleed when scratched

Triggering factors:

• Stress
• Ingestion of certain medications
• Infections or associated diseases

There are different treatments, such as:

• Topical treatment: Consists of the application of moisturizing creams, keratolytic, shampoos, and topical corticosteroids to the affected area.
• Systemic treatment: It is related to immunomodulators, antibiotics, or biological therapy, as the case may be.

On the other hand, it is important to have adequate emotional support, either from a psychologist or psychiatrist and, if necessary, from other specialties.

Most frequent complications:

• Bacterial or fungal infections
• Emotional involvement of the patient
• Joint involvement, which can be severe and disabling in some cases.

Dr. Carlos Sordo
Dermatologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma