Psoriasis Dictionary: The Ins and Outs of what Doctors are Saying

Below are terms and definitions related skin conditions, skin diseases,
and specifically types of psoriasis, and irritating symptoms.

Bacteria: A class of microorganisms that cause infections.

Biologics: Man-made proteins similar to those found in the body. They are designed to target specific cells or proteins

Chronic: Long-lasting, ongoing.

Corticosteroids: A class of substances related to a natural hormone that can diminish an inflammatory response such as itching or irritation of the skin.

Dermatitis: Inflammation of the skin.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis: Psoriasis characterized by severe redness and shedding of skin cells.

Exfoliation: Peeling and sloughing off of the skin's cells. 

Flare-ups: A sudden outbreak.

Guttate Psoriasis: Psoriasis characterized by red, drop-like spots on the skin.

Immunosuppressant: An agent that suppresses or prevents the body’s immune response.

Inverse Psoriasis: Psoriasis characterized by smooth, inflamed lesions within the folds of the skin.

Koebner’s Phenomenon: The development of a psoriatic lesion at the site of a skin trauma.

Lesions: A wound or injury to the skin.

Parakeratosis: The process of psoriatic skin that continuously forms and scales off.

Phototherapy: Treatment with ultraviolet light.

Plaque Psoriasis: Psoriasis characterized by red skin lesions that are silvery and scaly. \

Plaques: Patches of red, rough skin covered with silvery scales that is caused by psoriasis.

Psoriatic Arthritis: An immune system disorder that includes both psoriatic skin lesions and joint inflammation, although they may not necessarily occur at the same time.

Pustular Psoriasis: Psoriasis characterized by pus-like blisters on the skin and is typically found on the hands or feet.

PUVA: Stands for Psoralen + ultraviolet light A and is a type of phototherapy used in treatment of psoriasis. A medication called psoralen is ingested, topically applied, or used in a bath prior to the patient being exposed to UVA rays.

Retinoids: Compounds related to Vitamin A. They affect how fast cells grow and are used to treat Plaque, Erythrodermic and Pustular Psoriasis, especially if other treatments don’t work.

Salicylic Acid: A chemical that removes scales, allowing topical treatments to better penetrate the skin.

Scaling: Abnormal shedding or accumulation of an upper layer of skin

Steroids: Drugs that slow the growth of excess skin cells and reduce inflammation.

Systemic Treatment: Medication that affects the entire body (system).

Topical: On the surface of the body.

Trigger: An environmental factor that reacts with a genetic predisposition causing the onset or worsening of psoriasis. Common triggers include injuries and infections.

Ultraviolet light: The wavelengths that are used to treat psoriasis. It is the short wavelength found naturally in sunlight that also causes sunburn

If you or someone you know are suffering from psoriasis, be sure to familiarize yourself with the terms and means of the words associated with psoriasis.