Pikkelysömörre

Pikkelysömörre is the Hungarian term for psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the skin. It is characterized by the rapid buildup of skin cells, leading to scaling on the skin's surface. This rapid cell turnover causes the characteristic red, itchy, and scaly patches.

The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, accelerating their growth cycle. Triggers can include stress, infections, certain medications, and skin injuries.

Psoriasis can manifest in various forms, with plaque psoriasis being the most common. Other types include guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, and erythrodermic psoriasis. The severity can range from mild to severe, impacting quality of life. Psoriasis is not contagious.

While there is no cure for psoriasis, treatments aim to manage symptoms and reduce inflammation. These treatments can include topical medications like corticosteroids and vitamin D analogs, phototherapy, and systemic medications such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, or biologics. Lifestyle adjustments, including stress management and avoiding triggers, can also be beneficial. Psoriasis can affect any part of the body, but commonly appears on the elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk.