Psoriasis can affect any part of the body, including the elbows. As the elbows can easily become dry and cracked, people may need to use particularly strong topical treatments.
Psoriasis is a skin condition. It causes skin patches with silvery scales that may be itchy and inflamed.
Elbow psoriasis can develop on one elbow or both elbows. Topical products and other treatments may help.
Read on to learn about elbow psoriasis, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
Elbow psoriasis is a form of psoriasis that is present on one elbow or both elbows.
There are several different types of psoriasis. They include:
Although elbow psoriasis can be any type, it is usually plaque psoriasis. This is the most common form, making up about 80% of psoriasis cases.
According to research, psoriasis typically affects both sides of the body in a symmetrical pattern. This means a person with elbow psoriasis will likely have it on both the right and left elbow. However, it may only develop on one elbow for some people.
Some of the
- raised, inflamed, and discolored patches of skin
- silvery scales
- itchy and painful skin patches
- smaller plaques joining together to form larger ones
- nail discoloration, pitting, or separation from the nail bed
In individuals with light skin, the lesions may appear red. In those with dark skin, the skin patches may appear purple or dark brown.
Individuals with the condition may also experience depression, isolation, and social withdrawal due to their condition.
Scientists do not know the exact cause of psoriasis. However, they know it occurs due to a problem within the immune system. The immune system causes skin cells to develop more rapidly than usual, resulting in a buildup of underdeveloped cells that sit on the surface of the skin.
Certain things may trigger a person’s psoriasis to become worse. This is called a flare-up.
Some possible triggers include:
To assist with reaching an accurate diagnosis, a doctor may begin by performing a physical examination and asking questions about symptoms.
The doctor may be able to diagnose the condition based on the appearance of the skin. However, they
There are
Topicals
Topicals are creams that a person can apply directly to the affected parts of the skin. While some are available over the counter, others require a prescription from a doctor.
These creams can reduce or slow cell reproduction and help target psoriasis symptoms.
Sometimes, a doctor may prescribe a topical steroid for psoriasis. These are strong formulas that can reduce inflammation and manage the psoriasis plaques. However, they are usually only suitable for use for a short period due to the risk of side effects.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy is light therapy that involves exposing the affected skin to ultraviolet light. As with topicals, this can reduce the reproduction of skin cells and decrease inflammation, pain, and the urge to itch.
A healthcare professional will usually supervise phototherapy.
Systemics
Systemics are drugs a person will receive either orally as a pill or liquid, via an injection, or through an intravenous (IV) infusion. Systemics can target the immune cells and reduce the reproduction of cells.
One common type of systemic treatment for psoriasis is a biologic. These target specific areas of the immune system and block the cells responsible for overactive skin cell reproduction.
A healthcare professional may prescribe systemic drugs alongside topical and phototherapy treatment.
People should contact a doctor as soon as they experience any psoriasis symptoms on their elbows. A primary care doctor may refer them to a dermatologist.
Individuals may also wish to seek a doctor’s advice when experiencing a psoriasis flare-up, particularly if current treatments do not help manage symptoms. The doctor may recommend changes to an existing treatment plan.
Elbow psoriasis can cause dry, itchy, scaly skin on one elbow or both elbows. Different types of psoriasis can affect the elbows, but the most common type is plaque psoriasis.
The exact cause of elbow psoriasis is unclear, but it usually happens when something triggers an immune response. Some common psoriasis triggers include stress, injury to the skin, cold weather, hormone changes, and certain foods.
People should contact a doctor as soon as they notice psoriasis symptoms on their elbows or any other part of their body. The doctor can confirm the diagnosis and recommend suitable treatments, which can include topicals, systemic, and phototherapy.