From the Guidelines
Yes, psoriasis is considered an autoimmune disease, and it can be itchy for many patients. In psoriasis, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing them to multiply too quickly, which leads to the characteristic red, scaly patches [ 1 ]. The itchiness varies among individuals - some experience severe itching while others have minimal discomfort. According to the most recent guidelines, psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that classically presents with well-demarcated, red plaques with silvery scale, commonly involving the scalp, elbows, knees, and presacral region [ 1 ].
Symptoms and Treatment
The symptoms of psoriasis can be severe and include disfiguring, scaling, and erythematous plaques that may be painful or often severely pruritic, causing significant quality of life issues [ 1 ]. Common treatments for psoriasis-related itching include topical corticosteroids like betamethasone or triamcinolone, which reduce inflammation and itching when applied directly to affected areas. Moisturizers containing ingredients like salicylic acid, coal tar, or calcipotriene can also help manage symptoms [ 1 ]. For more severe cases, oral antihistamines such as cetirizine or diphenhydramine may provide relief, especially at night. Cold compresses and lukewarm (not hot) baths with colloidal oatmeal can temporarily soothe itchy skin.
Management and Prevention
The itching occurs because inflammation triggers nerve endings in the skin, and scratching can worsen psoriasis through the Koebner phenomenon, where skin trauma leads to new psoriatic lesions [ 1 ]. It's essential to manage the underlying autoimmune condition to effectively control the itching. Treatment should be tailored to meet individual patients’ needs, considering factors such as body location, characteristics of the psoriasis being treated, and patient preferences [ 1 ]. By understanding the causes and symptoms of psoriasis and using appropriate treatments, patients can effectively manage their condition and improve their quality of life.
From the Research
Definition and Characteristics of Psoriasis
- Psoriasis is an autoimmune inflammatory skin disease 2, 3, 4
- It is characterized by an excessively aberrant hyperproliferation of keratinocytes 4
- The pathogenesis of psoriasis is complex and involves a combination of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental influences 4
Symptoms and Effects of Psoriasis
- Psoriasis can have a significant effect on quality of life 5
- It is associated with several comorbidities, including depression, increased cardiovascular risk, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease 5
- However, the provided studies do not specifically mention whether psoriasis is itchy or not
Treatment Options for Psoriasis
- Various phototherapies, including ultraviolet B (UVB), psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA), and pulsed dye laser (PDL), are used to treat psoriasis 2
- Systemic medications, such as methotrexate and etanercept, are effective in treating moderate and severe psoriasis 3
- Biologics combined with conventional systemic agents or phototherapy can also be used to optimize outcomes 6
- Lifestyle modification and topical therapies, such as emollients and topical corticosteroids, are used for limited disease 5