Psoriasis is a common skin condition that changes the life cycle of skin cells. This disorder can be persistent and longlasting. Some of the symptoms can be very embarrassing for the individual, and some people might avoid such individuals despite the fact that is not a contagious or infective condition.
What is psoriasis?
This skin condition causes a thick, patchy, red rash with silvery, white scales. Psoriasis causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. The extra skin cells form thick, silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that are sometimes painful. The most common type is called plaque psoriasis.
You can get it anywhere, but it shows up most often on your scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. You cannot catch it by touching the skin of someone who has got it.
Children can get psoriasis, but it is more common in adults.
Nail psoriasis
Up to half of people with skin plaques have psoriasis of the nails as well. This makes your nails look yellowish-red.
Your nails may also crumble, become pitted, or get grooved lines. Nearly everyone with psoriasis of the nails also has psoriasis somewhere on the skin.
Psoriatic arthritis
Some people with psoriasis may get psoriatic arthritis. It causes swelling and pain in your joints and can make it hard to use them for everyday tasks.
You can get psoriatic arthritis at any age, but it is most common between 30 and 50.
Symptoms of psoriasis
Psoriasis signs and symptoms can vary from person to person but may include one or more of the following:
• Red patches of skin covered with silvery scales
• Small scaling spots (commonly seen in children)
• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
• Itching, burning or soreness
• Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
• Swollen and stiff joints
What causes psoriasis?
Medical experts are not sure exactly what causes psoriasis, but it is linked to a problem with the immune system, the body’s defense against germs.
If you have psoriasis, your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells as if it were fighting an infection. Your body responds by making new skin cells every few days instead of the usual 4 weeks. Those new skin cells build up on your body’s surface and form a rash.
Triggers for psoriasis
Psoriasis can develop at any time but some individuals find that their psoriasis flares up at certain times Common triggers include:
• Skin injury or infection
• Emotional stress
• Certain medications
• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
How is psoriasis diagnosed?
Your doctor can usually diagnose psoriasis by checking your skin, scalp, and nails. He might need to take a sample of your skin cells and look at them under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.
If you have swelling and pain in your joints, your doctor may also order blood tests and X-rays to check for arthritis.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options. The primary goal of treatment is to stop the skin cells from growing so quickly. While there is not a cure, psoriasis treatments may offer significant relief.
If you have mild to moderate psoriasis, you may get some relief from skin creams. They can reduce inflammation, itching, and cut the rate of skin cell growth. Phototherapy is often used as well. If you have moderate to severe psoriasis, UVB phototherapy may help. This treats the skin with exposure to ultraviolet light. It’s done at your doctor’s office or at home using a light device.
PUVA is a form of phototherapy that combines a medicine called psoralen with UVA light. PUVA and UVB phototherapy can help clear up psoriasis. Side effects include headache, nausea, and fatigue. Either treatment may lead to skin cancer.
Lasers are a new twist on phototherapy. They send out highly focused beams of light. They let doctors aim the treatment directly at your rash without hitting healthy skin.
Laser therapy may have fewer side effects and a smaller risk of skin cancer compared to traditional phototherapy.
Drug treatments
Your doctor may also suggest medicine that you take as a pill that targets your immune system.
Natural remedies
Getting some sunshine on your skin rash can improve symptoms for some people. But it’s important not to overdo it. Sunburn makes your psoriasis worse, and too much sun raises your risk of skin cancer.
Other natural options include aloe, tea tree oil and oatmeal baths to soothe itchy skin. Experts are skeptical about diets that claim to treat psoriasis. There’s no convincing evidence that they work.
Relieve stress
Stress can make your psoriasis worse, so try relaxation techniques to control your flare-ups. Anything that helps you relax, whether it is yoga, deep breathing, meditation and prayers or a long walk, may help ease your symptoms.
Conclusion
Psoriasis is a common chronic skin disorder. Coping with it can be a challenge, especially if the disease covers large areas of your body or is in places readily seen by other people, such as your face or hands. Various treatment options are available. Various lifestyle changes, such as avoiding excessive alcohol and high stress levels, can prove helpful. If you have questions about this persistent skin disorder talk to your doctor.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty two years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
