Psoriasis

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales. These patches normally appear on your elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, but can appear anywhere on your body. Most people are only affected with small patches. In some cases, the patches can be itchy or sore. It can start at any age but most often develops in adults under 35 years old, and affects men and women equally.

The severity of psoriasis varies person to person. For some it's just a minor irritation but, for others, it can affect for their quality of life. Psoriasis is a long-lasting (chronic) disease that usually involves periods when you have no symptoms or mild symptoms, followed by periods when symptoms are more severe.

People with psoriasis have an increased production of skin cells. Skin cells are normally made and replaced every 3 to 4 weeks, but in psoriasis this process only takes about 3 to 7 days.

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It's  related to a problem with the immune system. The immune system is your body's defense against disease and infection, but for people with psoriasis, it attacks healthy skin cells by mistake. Psoriasis can run in families, although the exact role genetics plays in causing psoriasis is unclear.

Many people's psoriasis symptoms start or become worse because of a certain event, known as a "trigger". Possible triggers of psoriasis include an injury to your skin, throat infections and using certain medicines. The condition isn't contagious, so it can't be spread from person to person.

In most cases, the first treatment used will be a topical treatment, such as vitamin D analogues or topical corticosteroids. Topical treatments are creams and ointments applied to the skin.If these aren't effective, or your condition is more severe, a treatment called phototherapy may be used. Phototherapy involves exposing your skin to certain types of ultraviolet light(Photo Therapy).In severe cases, where the above treatments are ineffective, systemic treatments may be used. These are oral or injected medicines that work throughout the whole body.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes skin cells to grow rapidly producing thick white silvery or red patches of skin which is inflamed and itchy.
What causes Psoriasis?
Cause is unknown and tends to run in families. New skin cells develop very fast. Normally skin cells are replaced every 28 to 30 days. But in psoriasis the rate of growth so fast that the cells surface every 3 to 4 days. This build up of old cells being replaced by new cells creates silvery scales. Inflammation causes them to become pink or red.
What causes outbreaks ( Exacerbations )?
The cause is unknown. Cause and severity varies from person to person. Sometimes triggered by skin injury, emotional stress, streptococcal and other infections, cold weather and certain drugs.
Psoriasis be cured?
Cannot be cured. Symptoms come and go, periodically improving (remissions) and worsening (exacerbations) Sometimes symptoms clear and stay in remission for years. There are many methods of treatment. Your dermatologist will determine the treatment depending on the severity of the condition. Medical treatment and Ultraviolet therapy are some of them.
Is psoriasis contagious?
It is not, it does not spread from person to person
What plays a major role in psoriasis?
The immune system plays a major role in by overacting. Certain blood cells are put into action and stimulate an immune response. The attack of one’s own tissues by one’s own immune system is characteristic, known as an autoimmune disorder.
Is there a gender bias?
Men and women get psoriasis at about the same rate.
Are there other associated conditions?
A certain percentage of people develop psoriatic arthritis, ranging from mild to severe Causing pain, stiffness, swelling, deformity and destruction of joints. Hair and nails also get affected. Early diagnosis and continued treatment may prevent these.
Are there many types of psoriasis?
Plaque psoriasis - The most common type, with silver plaques Guttate type - Appears as small salmon pink or red drops on the skin Pustular psoriasis - Appears as raised bumps filled with pus Inverse psoriasis - Appears as bright red smooth patches on the skin Erythrodermic psoriasis - Bright red, itchy, peeling inflamed rash affecting most of the body

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