Quiz – A Rough Patch
Itchy and unsightly, the raised, scaly patches of psoriasis can be more than just a cosmetic problem for the millions of Americans who suffer from the disease. Concerned about how they appear to others, psoriasis sufferers can sometimes isolate themselves and are at a higher risk of depression. But psoriasis is not the result of poor skin care. Take our quiz to raise your understanding of this chronic condition:
1. The most common type of psoriasis is:
A. Pustular (small blisters)
B. Guttate (small spots of red, raised skin)
C. Plaque (patches of red, raised skin with silvery white buildup)
D. Inverse (smooth red lesions)
2. Psoriasis can spread to another person through skin-to-skin contact.
A. True
B. False
3. With psoriasis, raised red patches or other symptoms occur because the body’s immune system is:
A. Treating healthy skin like a foreign substance
B. Causing skin cells to grow faster than normal
C. Responding to a sunburn, scratch, or a separate infection
D. All of the above
4. In some cases, psoriasis can also cause arthritis.
A. True
B. False
5. Psoriasis is generally considered mild if it covers less than __ percent of the body.
A. 2
B. 3
C. 5
D. 10
6. A warm bath can help with symptoms of psoriasis.
A. True
B. False
Answers:
C. Plaque. It occurs most often on the torso, scalp, knees and elbows, though it can appear anywhere.
B. False. Psoriasis is not contagious, but it can be inherited. It is an autoimmune skin disease.
D. All of the above. The silvery scales are caused by the imbalance between the shedding of dead skin cells and the fast-growing new ones. The cells begin to stack and build up into thick scales.
A. True. Known as psoriatic arthritis, it can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. Recognizing this development early on can relieve symptoms and help slow joint damage.
B. 3. Mild psoriasis can typically be treated with moisturizers, over-the-counter or prescription creams and shampoos. Moderate or severe cases that cover more of your body or that significantly impact your quality of life may need phototherapy or other additional treatments as prescribed by your doctor.
A. True. Baths can help soften scales and keep your skin clean and moist. Patients should use warm water, not hot, and mild soaps with oils or moisturizers. Limit baths to about 15 minutes to prevent drying out your skin.
Sources: The Health Library and psoriasis.org.