August is Psoriasis Action Month: A closer look at the skin disorder

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated skin disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite being relatively common, it remains widely misunderstood. This blog aims to shed light on this condition, exploring its causes, symptoms, and available treatments. 

Understanding Psoriasis 

Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin condition characterized by the rapid buildup of skin cells, resulting in thick, silvery-white scales and red, inflamed patches on the skin's surface. This happens due to an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. Although the exact cause of psoriasis is still not fully understood, genetic factors and environmental triggers are believed to play significant roles. 

Types of Psoriasis 

Several types of psoriasis exist, each with distinct characteristics: 

• Plaque Psoriasis: The most common form, characterized by raised, red patches covered with silver-white scales. 
• Guttate Psoriasis: Often triggered by bacterial infections, this type appears as small, drop-like lesions on the skin. 
• Inverse Psoriasis: Occurs in skin folds such as the armpits, groin, and under the breasts, presenting as smooth, red patches. 
• Pustular Psoriasis: This rare and severe type causes pus-filled blisters to form on the skin's surface. 
• Erythrodermic Psoriasis: The most severe form, causing widespread redness and shedding of the skin. 

Symptoms and Triggers 

The symptoms of psoriasis can vary from mild to severe, with individuals experiencing periods of flare-ups and remission. Common triggers for flare-ups include stress, infections, certain medications, smoking, alcohol consumption, and cold weather. 

Treatment Options 

Although there is no cure for psoriasis, various treatments aim to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected. The treatment approach depends on the severity of the condition and may include: 

• Topical Medications: Creams, ointments, and shampoos containing corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and other ingredients help reduce inflammation and scaling. 
• Phototherapy: Exposure to ultraviolet light can slow the growth of affected skin cells and reduce inflammation. 
• Systemic Medications: For moderate to severe cases, oral or injectable medications that target the immune system are prescribed. 
• Biologics: These advanced medications specifically target certain immune system proteins involved in psoriasis. 
• Lifestyle Changes: Managing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding triggers, and adopting gentle skincare routines can help reduce flare-ups. 

Conclusion 

Psoriasis is a life-long disease, it helps to learn about it and see a board-certified dermatologist. Help from your dermatologist can give you some control over the psoriasis. Gaining control can also help you to feel better, improve your overall health, and prevent the psoriasis from worsening. 

Source:  

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/what/overview 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840