All About Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease of scaling and inflammation that affecting about 2% of the population. It occurs equally in men and women, at any age (primarily affects adults), and tends to come and go unpredictably. It is not infectious, and does not scar the skin.

What cause Psoriasis?

The skin is a complex organ made up of several different layers. Psoriasis is a skin disorder driven by the immune system, especially involving a type of white blood cell called a T cell. Normally, T cells help protect the body against infection and disease. In the case of psoriasis, T cells are put into action by mistake and become so active that they trigger other immune responses, which lead to inflammation and to rapid turnover of skin cells.

In practice, People with psoriasis may notice that there are times when their skin worsens, called flares, then improves, no obvious cause can be detected. Usually, sunlight improves psoriasis, though occasionally it makes it worse (especially if the skin gets burned). A high alcohol intake and smoking can worsen psoriasis too. Also, certain medicines, including beta-blockers, which are prescribed for high blood pressure, and lithium may trigger an outbreak or worsen the disease.

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

The main problem with psoriasis for many people lies in the way it looks, This can affect their quality of life. Psoriasis can itch and the affected skin can split, which may be painful. Some people with psoriasis may develop stiff and painful joints, which can be due to a form of arthritis associated with psoriasis called psoriatic arthritis. The joints most commonly affected are the fingers, toes, wrists, knees and ankles.

Types Of Psoriasis

• Plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris) appears as dry, scaly patches of skin and is the most common form of the disease
• Guttate psoriasis emerges as pink to red drop-like plaques which may form a scale
• Inverse psoriasis appears as smooth, red plaques and is found primarily in the armpits, groin, and skin folds
• Pustular psoriasis appears as white, pus-filled blisters
• Erythrodermic psoriasis develops over large areas of the body; skin is red with excess shedding of fine scales

Psoriasis Treatment

Treatment for Psoriasis based on the severity of the disease, size of the areas involved, type of psoriasis, and the patient’s response to initial treatments. This is sometimes called the “1-2-3” approach. In step 1, Topical treatment (Corticosteroids, Calcipotriene, Retinoid, Anthralin, Clobetasol propionate). Step 2 phototherapy (Psoralen and ultraviolet A phototherapy (PUVA), Ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy). Step 3 called systemic therapy (Antibiotics, Retinoids, Biologic response modifiers).