Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes itching, redness, and scaly patches, usually on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. Psoriasis is a common long-term (persistent) disease that cannot be cured.
There are many types of psoriasis, and many types can occur at the same time in life. Treatment options vary depending on the type and location of psoriasis. Psoriasis plaques and scales can be found on different locations on the body.
Treatment may include a lifestyle habits and coping strategies to help people better manage psoriasis.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic non-infectious skin disease that causes flaky thickening of the skin. The dry silver-white flakes on the skin are the result of excessive growth of skin cells. Psoriasis is mainly an abnormal inflammatory response.
These cells are called T cells. Psoriasis usually affects the skin on the elbows, knees, and scalp. These conditions range from small, soft skin patches to severe psoriasis with large, thick patches and red, puffy skin that affects the entire body surface.
Psoriasis is a chronic, incurable inflammatory skin disease. Psoriasis usually goes away on its own and stays in remission after many years.
Although psoriasis occurs in people of all ages, from infants to the elderly, it is most common in patients in early adulthood. Skin appearance usually affects the self-esteem and quality of life of patients with psoriasis.
Recently, it has become clear that patients with psoriasis are more likely to suffer from diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease and many other diseases.
Signs and symptoms of psoriasis
The signs and symptoms of psoriasis vary from person to person. General signs and symptoms are:
- The skin turns red and is protected by thick silver scales.
- Small flakes (usually seen in children)
- Dry, cracked skin, which may bleed or itch.
- Itching or burning
- Thick, sunken or wrinkled nails
- Swollen and stiff joints
People with psoriasis also develop a type of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. This can cause joint pain and swelling. The National Psoriasis Foundation estimates that 10% to 30% of psoriasis patients also have psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriasis is a disease of the immune system that causes pores and develop skin regenerate faster than usual. In the most common form of psoriasis, plaque psoriasis, this rapid turnover of cells affects scales and purple spots.
Environmental factors will play a role. Moreover, this condition is not contagious.
Causes of psoriasis
Many people who are prone to psoriasis may have no signs or symptoms for many years until certain environmental factors cause the disease. Common causes of psoriasis:
- Infection of the throat or skin and pores
- Weather, especially bleeding and dryness
- Skin trauma, including cuts or scratches, worms or severe sunburn
- Stress
- Smoking and secondhand Tobacco advertisement
- Excessive use of alcohol
- Certain drugs, such as lithium, high blood pressure, and antimalarial
- Rapid withdrawal from oral or systemic corticosteroids (1,2)
Risk factors of psoriasis
Anyone can spread psoriasis. In about one-third of cases, it begins in childhood. These factors increase your risk:
Family records: It can be genetic and passed on from parents to offsprings.
Stress and pressure: Since stress also affects your immune system, high stress can increase your risk of psoriasis.
Smoking: Smoking increases the chance of psoriasis, but it can also make the condition worse. Smoking can also play a role in the initial recovery of the disease.
Complications
Having psoriasis puts you at additional risk of various diseases, in addition:
- Psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling
- Conjunctivitis, blepharitis and uveitis Eye diseases such as inflammation
- Obesity (Fatty body)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Other autoimmune diseases, including sclerosis, celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease called Crohn’s disease
- Mental illness, including minor illnesses. And depression.
Treatment of psoriasis
Fortunately, there are many remedies. Some gradually support the growth of fresh skin cells, while others relieve itching and dry skin. Doctor will choose a treatment plan that suits the person, based on the size of the rash, age, usual health and other factors. Common remedies are:
- Steroid cream
- Dry skin moisturizer
- Charcoal tar (a common medicine used to treat scalp psoriasis, used in creams, lotions, foams, shampoos and body washes)
- Milk Ointment or ointment (stronger type, more than the doctor ordered (vitamin D in food and medicine has no effect).
- Retinoid cream
The treatment of moderate to excessive psoriasis includes:
Phototherapy. The doctor uses ultraviolet light Irradiate the skin to slow down the growth of skin cells. PUVA is a treatment that combines a drug called psoralen with a special form of soft ultraviolet light.
Methotrexate. This drug causes bone marrow and Liver disease, as well as lung problems, make it more effective in critical situations. The doctor monitors the patient closely. You need laboratory tests. You may need a chest X-ray, or you may need a liver biopsy.
Retinoic acid. These tablets, lotions, foams, lotions and gels belong to Diet a drugs. In addition to the initial shortcomings, retinoid can also cause extreme side effects, so it is not recommended for pregnant women or those planning to have kids.
Drugs. Drugs designed to suppress the immune system can be used in severe cases that do not respond to other treatments. It can damage your kidneys and increase blood pressure, so your doctor will pay close attention to your health while taking it.
Biotherapy: Blocking the immune system (overactive psoriasis) to further control the stimulation of psoriasis is known as biotherapy.
Biological agents include adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab pelog (Cimzia), brodalumab (Silik), and etanercept (Enbrel). Infliximab (Remicade), ustekinumab (Stelara), iskekizumab (Taltz), tildrakizumab (Ilumya), risankizumabrza (SKYRIZI), secukinumab (Cosentyx).
Enzyme inhibitor. Apremilast (Otezla) is a new medicine used to treat chronic inflammations such as psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. This is a pill that blocks specific enzymes that slow down other reactions that cause inflammation. (1,2)
