Psoriasis: symptoms, causes & treatment in Nigeria
Also known as scaly skin disease.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
Psoriasis is a long-term immune-driven skin condition in which skin cells multiply too fast, building up as thick, scaly patches — commonly on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. It is not contagious and not caused by poor hygiene. Treatment controls it well, though it tends to flare and settle over years.
Symptoms
Thick, well-defined scaly patches
Silvery-white or greyish scale over darker or reddened skin
Itching or soreness
Scalp scaling resembling severe dandruff
Pitted or thickened nails
Joint pain or stiffness in some people
Causes & risk factors
Immune system over-activity (inherited tendency)
Triggers: stress, skin injury, some infections
Certain medicines
Smoking and heavy alcohol worsening disease
Treatment & self-care
Regular moisturising plus prescribed creams that slow skin build-up control most cases; widespread or stubborn disease may need light therapy or specialist tablets. Avoid scratching and picking the scale, manage stress, and limit alcohol and smoking. Joint pains alongside psoriasis should be reported, as they can be a related arthritis.
See a doctor urgently if
Patches covering large areas or rapidly spreading
Joint pain, stiffness or swelling
Psoriasis affecting daily life or self-esteem
Skin becoming red, hot and weeping all over — emergency
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Psoriasis?
Early signs often include thick, well-defined scaly patches, silvery-white or greyish scale over darker or reddened skin, itching or soreness. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Psoriasis be treated?
Regular moisturising plus prescribed creams that slow skin build-up control most cases; widespread or stubborn disease may need light therapy or specialist tablets. Avoid scratching and picking the scale, manage stress, and limit alcohol and smoking. Joint pains alongside psoriasis should be reported, as they can be a related arthritis.
When should I see a doctor about Psoriasis?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: patches covering large areas or rapidly spreading; joint pain, stiffness or swelling; psoriasis affecting daily life or self-esteem; skin becoming red, hot and weeping all over — emergency.