Introduction
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the overproduction of skin cells, which leads to red, scaly patches on the skin. While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are treatments available that can help to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for those who suffer from it. In this blog post, we will explore the causes, triggers and treatments for psoriasis.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales. The most common type of psoriasis is called plaque psoriasis. It usually appears as patches on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet. But it can appear anywhere on the body.
If you think you may have psoriasis, it is important to see best skin specialist in Jaipur so that you can get the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Psoriasis is not contagious. You can’t catch it from someone else.
Most people with psoriasis have what’s called plaque psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis comes in patches of raised skin with a silvery sheen. It can be itchy but doesn’t usually hurt.
If you have plaque psoriasis, you’ll likely see one or more of the following:
-Red areas of skin covered with thick, silvery scales
-Small scale spots
-Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
-Itching, burning or stinging sensation
-Thickened or pitted nails
-Swollen and stiff joints
Types of psoriasis
There are several types of psoriasis, each with its own set of symptoms and triggers. The most common type is plaque psoriasis, which causes raised, red patches of skin covered with white or silver scales. Plaque psoriasis can occur on any part of the body, but is most often found on the scalp, knees, elbows and lower back.
Guttate psoriasis is another common type, characterized by small, drop-shaped lesions on the trunk, arms and legs. This form of psoriasis often appears in children or young adults following a strep throat infection.
Inverse psoriasis appears as red patches in areas where skin rubs together, such as the armpits or groin. It is often exacerbated by sweating and friction.
Pustular psoriasis is a rarer form of the disease that causes white pustules surrounded by red skin. It can occur on any part of the body but is most commonly found on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Pustular psoriasis can be accompanied by fever and chills.
Erythrodermic psoriasis is the least common type of psoriasis but also the most severe. It causes wide-spread inflammation and shedding of the top layer of skin. Erythrodermic psoriasis can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
Causes of psoriasis
There are many different possible causes of psoriasis, but the exact cause is unknown. It is thought to be related to a problem with the immune system. Normally, the immune system helps protect the body from infection and disease. In people with psoriasis, it is thought that the immune system mistakes healthy skin cells for harmful substances. This causes the body to produce new skin cells more quickly than usual. The excess skin cells build up on the surface of the skin and form scales and patches.
Psoriasis may also be caused by genetics. If you have a family member with psoriasis, you are more likely to develop the condition yourself. Other possible triggers include:
-Stress
-Injury to the skin
-Certain medications
-Cold weather
-Dry skin
Triggers for psoriasis
There are several potential triggers for psoriasis, and what may trigger an outbreak in one person may not have the same effect on another. Some common triggers include:
- Stress: Mental or emotional stress can worsen psoriasis or even cause it to develop.
- Injury to the skin: Sunburn, cuts, scratches, insect bites, and other skin injuries can trigger an outbreak of psoriasis.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as beta-blockers and lithium, can worsen psoriasis or cause it to develop.
- Infections: Throat infections, such as strep throat, and viral infections, such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C, can trigger an outbreak of psoriasis.
- Weather: Cold weather or dry conditions can worsen psoriasis or cause it to develop.
Treatments for psoriasis
There is no cure for psoriasis, but there are many treatment options available. The goal of treatment is to reduce the inflammation and itching, and to prevent the formation of new plaques.
Topical treatments include corticosteroids, calcipotriene, tazarotene, anthralin, and coal tar. These treatments are applied directly to the skin. Corticosteroids are the most common type of topical treatment. They can be either prescription or over-the-counter (OTC). Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analogue that helps slow down the growth of skin cells.
Tazarotene is a retinoid that also slows down cell growth. Anthralin helps to reduce inflammation and has been used to treat psoriasis for over 100 years. Coal tar can help reduce itching, scaling, and redness. It is available as an OTC product or by prescription.
Systemic treatments are taken by mouth or injected and travel throughout the body. Common systemic treatments include methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin, apremilast, ustekinumab, secukinumab, ixekizumab, and biologics. Methotrexate helps to decrease the production of skin cells and can be taken as a pill or injection. Cyclosporine suppresses the immune system and can be taken as a pill or injection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can be painful and embarrassing for those who suffer from it. While there is no cure, there are treatments available that can help to control the symptoms. If you think you may have psoriasis, it is important to see best dermatologist in Jaipur so that you can get the proper diagnosis and treatment.
