Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are linked autoimmune conditions affecting skin and joints. Learn how they develop, how they're diagnosed, and what treatments can stop joint damage before it's too late.
Read MorePsoriasis: Causes, Triggers, and What Really Works
When your skin turns red, thick, and scaly, it’s not just dryness—it’s psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing them to grow too fast. Also known as plaque psoriasis, it’s the most common form and shows up as raised, silvery patches, often on elbows, knees, or the scalp. This isn’t contagious, and it’s not caused by poor hygiene. It’s your body’s own defenses turning against itself, and it affects over 125 million people worldwide.
What makes psoriasis flare up? stress, a well-documented trigger that can worsen inflammation across the body. infections, especially strep throat, often start a flare in kids and young adults. Certain medications, like lithium, beta-blockers, and antimalarials, can make it worse too. Even cold, dry weather or skin injuries—from cuts to sunburns—can trigger new patches. The link between psoriasis and other health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis isn’t coincidence. It’s inflammation running through your whole system.
There’s no cure, but treatments have changed a lot. Topical creams still help mild cases, but for moderate to severe psoriasis, biologics—injectable drugs that target specific parts of the immune system—are game changers. They don’t just cover up the rash; they slow down the root cause. And while some people swear by sunlight or oatmeal baths, others find relief through weight loss, cutting back on alcohol, or avoiding processed foods. It’s not one-size-fits-all. What works for one person might do nothing for another, and that’s why understanding your own triggers matters more than any trend.
The posts below cover real-world advice: how certain drugs can make psoriasis worse, what blood tests might reveal about your risk, how lifestyle choices tie into flare-ups, and what alternatives exist when standard treatments fail. You’ll find practical tips from people who’ve lived with it—not just textbook definitions. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing this for years, there’s something here that speaks to your experience.