The Kamogawa Clinic near Tenjinbashisuji Rokuchome Station treats patients with redness, peeling, itching, dandruff-like symptoms on the scalp, and deformed nails caused by psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by a red, raised rash with white dandruff-like peeling.
Although it may look similar to eczema, rash, seborrheic dermatitis, etc., it is important to get a diagnosis without self-judgment because the treatment plan is different. We will propose treatment according to the symptoms, including topical treatment and, if necessary, phototherapy, mainly based on insurance.
What you will find on this page
- What kind of disease is psoriasis?
- Factors that tend to aggravate and areas prone to appear
- Basis of treatment and guidelines for consultation
- Why you should pay attention to joint symptoms
Summary of key points
- Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by a reddish rash with silvery white peeling.
- They tend to appear on areas that rub easily, such as elbows, knees, lower back area, and scalp.
- It is not a depressive disease.
- Treatment centers on topical, oral, and phototherapy, selected according to symptoms.
Table of Contents
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by silvery-white scales on the surface of a red rash with relatively well-defined borders. Psoriasis vulgaris is the most common form, accounting for the majority of all psoriasis cases. It is a long-lasting disease that often gets better and gets worse repeatedly.
The size and number of rashes vary from person to person and may be itchy. It may be accompanied by deformed nails and, in rare cases, the rash may be extensive.
Please consult us with these symptoms
- Red, raised rash around elbows, knees, shins, and hips
- Thick, dandruff-like peeling on scalp persists
- Repeated itching and peeling
- Difficult to improve when treated as eczema or rash
- Nails thicken, deform, turn cloudy white
- Pain in the joints of the fingers and toes, the soles of the feet, around the Achilles tendon, and in the lower back and neck
Possible causes/aggravating factors
The cause of psoriasis is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by various environmental factors in addition to genetic susceptibility. Known aggravating factors include upper respiratory tract infections, mechanical irritants such as rubbing, medications, and stress.
Lifestyle and weight control are also important. We will work with you to identify any habits of rubbing the skin hard and any lifestyle factors that repeatedly aggravate symptoms.
Examination and Diagnosis
Psoriasis is often diagnosed based on an interview and examination of skin symptoms, but if it is difficult to determine by appearance alone, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis with tissue pathology. It is important to distinguish psoriasis from eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and ringworm.
Depending on the spread of symptoms and treatment, additional blood tests may be performed. Nail deformities and joint pain, if present, will be checked as well.
About Treatment
The basic treatment for psoriasis is topical, oral, and phototherapy. Topical therapy involves the use of topical steroids, topical vitamin D3, or a combination of the two. Depending on the spread of symptoms and their impact on daily life, oral therapy may be considered.
Phototherapy is an option when lesions are stubborn or when topical application alone is insufficient to improve the condition. Kamogawa Clinic has an excimer light phototherapy unit, which is used to treat psoriasis vulgaris.
More specialized systemic treatment may be required if symptoms are severe, extensive, or accompanied by joint symptoms. In such cases, we will refer you to a higher-level medical institution if necessary.
Joint Symptoms
In addition to skin symptoms, psoriasis may be accompanied by arthritis, which is called psoriatic arthritis. It is found in about 1 in 10 patients with psoriasis and does not necessarily correspond to the degree of skin rash.
Not only the joints of the hands and feet, but also the soles of the feet, the base of the Achilles tendon, the hips, the back, and the neck may become painful. If left untreated, joint pain in addition to skin symptoms can lead to joint deformities, so early consultation is important.
Cases in which a medical examination is recommended
- Repeated redness and peeling.
- Prolonged dandruff-like symptoms on scalp
- Over-the-counter medications and moisturizers alone do not improve the situation.
- The same rash appears repeatedly on the elbows, knees, and lower back area.
- Concerned about deformation and thickness of nails
- Pain and swelling of joints in addition to skin symptoms
Frequently Asked Questions
Is psoriasis contagious?
Psoriasis is not a contagious disease. Although people are sometimes concerned about infection due to its appearance, it is not contagious to those around you.
Where are you most likely to appear?
It can appear anywhere on the body, but tends to appear on areas that rub easily, such as the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp.
Is there itching?
Psoriasis can cause itching. It can be aggravated by scratching, so it is important to treat the symptoms and care for the skin.
What are some of the treatment options?
Topical, oral, and phototherapy are the basic treatments. Treatment is selected based on the degree and location of symptoms and their impact on daily life.
Is there anything I should pay attention to in my daily life?
It is important not to rub the skin too hard and to consult with the doctor as soon as possible if symptoms of concern change. A review of lifestyle and weight management may be helpful.
I have joint pain, is it related?
Psoriasis can be accompanied by arthritis. Please consult with us if you are concerned about pain not only in the joints of the hands and feet, but also in the soles of the feet, the base of the Achilles tendon, the hips, neck, and back, as they may be associated with this condition.
