PSORIASIS
- Psoriasis is a skin condition in which red, thick, scaly plaques occur
- The cause of psoriasis is not well known
- Psoriasis that responds poorly to treatment can be due to an HIV infection
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by peeling skin. It is a skin disease that affects both men and women. It can occur at any age, but often first becomes apparent around puberty.
Symptoms
The skin lesions seen in psoriasis are red, thick, scaly plaques that are sharply defined. In addition, these plaques can itch and hurt. Sometimes there may also be some pus coming out of the skin lesion.
Cause
The exact cause of psoriasis is not yet known. It is known that the immune system is involved in psoriasis. In addition, psoriasis worsens with stress, the flu and some types of medication.
Risk group
There are no risk factors for getting psoriasis. We, however, see psoriasis more often among those with an HIV infection. Often, the psoriasis is then more difficult to treat.
HIV and psoriasis
If you have psoriasis that responds poorly to treatment; an undiscovered HIV infection may be present. We only speak of a psoriasis that responds poorly to treatment if you are being treated for the psoriasis by a dermatologist. If you have any doubts about whether you have this HIV indicator condition, you can contact your doctor or dermatologist.
HIV indicator conditions are conditions or symptoms that occur more often in people with an underlying HIV infection than in people without an HIV infection. Psoriasis is one of the HIV indicator conditions. If you have or have had psoriasis and have not been tested for HIV, it is advisable to ask your doctor or general practitioner for an HIV test. Find it difficult to ask for an HIV test? You may download a call card that will help you formulate your question.