Found itchy red scales on your skin? It might be psoriasis

Do you find yourself scratching at red scaly patches of skin?

According to an episode of Pinoy MD, it might be psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a skin disease that is caused by a rapid buildup of cells. They manifest in the form of patches found commonly on the head, hands, and thighs.

"Mabilis ang pagpapalit ng kanilang balat, in a span of three to four days, tapos 'pag nagpalit 'yung balat nila, hindi ito nag-she-shed off," said dermatologist Dr. Zharlah Gulmatico-Flores.

"Instead of mag-shed off nag-pi-pile sila, kaya makakapal ang skin emissions nila," she added.

In the case of 23-year-old Cathyrine Sahagun, a TikToker popular for speaking up about her psoriasis, her struggle with the disease started in college.

She said she first noticed itchy wounds on her head.

"Parang dandruff lang siya, tapos habang tumatagal hindi siya nawawala, tapos kumakapal ang balat niya," she said.

Over time, the number of wounds began to increase and pop up in her armpits and other areas of her body.

After consulting with a dermatologist, she was diagnosed with psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition with no cure.

Dr. Gulmatico-Flores said psoriasis may be caused by genetics, as is the case with Cathyrine.

Another said cause is stress.

"Kapag ang tao daw madalas siya naiistress nag-fo-form siya ng maraming free radicals, and these free rdicals can actually cause stress and injuries sa ating mga cells, kaya nagiging hyperactive ang cells sa body," she said. —JCB, GMA News