Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Overview

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterised by the rapid buildup of skin cells, leading to thick, red, scaly patches on the skin's surface. It is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing inflammation and excessive skin cell production. Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body and may be associated with itching, discomfort, and joint pain. While it is not contagious, it can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.

Usually, skin cells grow, shed, and replace themselves gradually. But with psoriasis, this process goes haywire. While there's no cure, treatments can help control it and ease the symptoms. Psoriasis can be bothersome, but people can still lead a normal life with the proper care.

Causes of Psoriasis

Some key factors contributing to the development of psoriasis include:

• • Genetic Predisposition: A family history of psoriasis significantly increases an individual's risk of developing the condition. Certain genetic variations are associated with increased susceptibility to psoriasis.
  • Immune System Dysfunction: Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly targets healthy skin cells. T cells, white blood cells, play a central role in this immune response.
  • Environmental Triggers: Various environmental factors can trigger or exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. These triggers may include infections (such as streptococcal throat infections), stress, injury to the skin (the Koebner phenomenon), smoking, and certain medications.
  • Lifestyle and diet: While not direct causes, lifestyle factors such as obesity and excessive alcohol consumption may worsen psoriasis symptoms. Some individuals also find that dietary changes can impact their condition, though this can vary from person to person.
  • Inflammatory Cytokines: Elevated levels of specific immune system proteins called cytokines, particularly tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukins, are associated with psoriasis.
  • Skin Microbiome: Disruptions in the skin's microbiome, the community of microorganisms on the skin's surface, may play a role in psoriasis development.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

Psoriasis can manifest in different ways, with varying degrees of severity. Common symptoms and characteristics of psoriasis include:

• • Red, Raised Patches: Plaque psoriasis, the most common form, presents as raised, red patches covered with silvery-white scales. These patches often appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
  • Itching and discomfort: Many individuals with psoriasis experience itching, burning, or soreness in affected areas, which can be emotionally distressing.
  • Nail Changes: Psoriasis can affect the nails, causing pitting, thickening, discolouration, or separation from the nail bed.
  • Joint Pain: In some cases, psoriasis can lead to psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
  • Variations in Severity: Psoriasis can range from mild, with only a few small patches, to severe, covering a large portion of the body. Periods of remission and flare-ups are common.

[caption id="attachment_22365" align="alignleft" width="733"] Symptoms of Psoriasis[/caption]

Treatment of Psoriasis

Treatment plans are tailored to each person's unique needs and the severity of their condition. Common treatments include:

• • Topical Treatments: Creams, ointments, and lotions containing corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, coal tar, or calcineurin inhibitors can help reduce inflammation and slow down skin cell growth.
  • Phototherapy: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light through natural sunlight or artificial sources such as UVB lamps can be an effective psoriasis treatment. This therapy can help slow the growth of skin cells and reduce inflammation.

[caption id="attachment_22366" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Treatment of Psoriasis[/caption]

• • Systemic Medications: Oral or injectable medications may be prescribed for moderate to severe psoriasis. These include biologics, methotrexate, and cyclosporine, which suppress the immune system's overactivity.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can help improve psoriasis symptoms.
  • Biologic and Targeted Therapies: In cases of severe psoriasis or other ineffective treatments, biologic drugs and targeted therapies can relieve the immune response.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Dermatology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

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Conclusion

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can significantly impact a person's physical and emotional well-being. While there is no cure, understanding its causes, recognising its symptoms, and exploring various treatment options can help individuals effectively manage their condition and lead fulfilling lives. A healthcare provider can work with individuals to develop a personalised treatment plan that best suits their needs and the severity of psoriasis.

FAQs

Q. What causes psoriasis? A. The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, immune, and environmental factors.

Q. What are the common symptoms of psoriasis? A. Common symptoms include red, inflamed skin with silvery-white scales, itching or burning sensations, and dry, cracked skin that may bleed. Psoriasis can affect any part of the body.

Q. How is psoriasis diagnosed? A. A dermatologist typically diagnoses psoriasis through a physical examination of the affected skin. Sometimes, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Q. What are the treatment options for psoriasis? A. Treatment options include topical creams and ointments, phototherapy (light therapy), oral medications, biologics (injections or infusions), and lifestyle changes. The choice of treatment depends on the type and severity of psoriasis.

Q. Are there any lifestyle changes that can help manage psoriasis? A. Yes, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, avoiding triggers such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and practising good skin care can all help manage psoriasis symptoms.

References

• • https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/psoriasis-causes-treatment-prevention/
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355845
  • https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6866-psoriasis