PSORIASIS

WHAT IS PSORIASIS?

Psoriasis is a disease related to skin that causes red, itchy scalpy patches, most commonly on the areas like knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. It is tagged to be a very common, long-term chronic disease which has no cure. It is an autoimmune condition that causes cells to develop rapidly on the skin. This overgrowth can further lead to thick, scalpy plaques that may create itchiness and cause discomfort.

TYPES OF PSORIASIS

There are several types which range from mild condition to moderate. However, some types of psoriasis can be severe. Listed below are types of psoriasis:-

•  Plaque
  
• Psoriasis of the scalp
  
• Guttate
  
• Inverse
  
• Pustular
  
• Erythrodermic
  

Causes

It is studied to be an immune system problem. Your immune response overreacts, causing inflammation, which leads to new skin cells growing fast. Typically, new skin cells swapping old cells create the silvery scales of psoriasis. It runs in families. There may be a genetic component. Parents may pass it down to their children.

Symptoms

There are a list of symptoms traced out from Psoriasis are as follows:-

•  Itchiness
  
• Cracked or Dry skin
  
• Scaly scalp
  
• Skin pain
  
• Nails that are pitted, cracked, or crumbly.
  
• Joint pains
  

Diagnosis

Your personal healthcare provider or dermatologist may need to take a skin sample to view under the microscope. There are lots of treatments that could ail psoriasis which include:-

•  Steroid Creams
  
• Moisturizers for Dry Skin
  
• Anthralin, a medication to slow skin cell production
  
• Medicated lotions, shampoos, and bath solutions to improve scalp psoriasis (In case if you are in severe condition, then your healthcare provider may combine it with ultraviolet (UV) light therapy)
  
• Vitamin D3 ointment
  
• Vitamin A or retinoid creams.
  

Besides all these, the most important thing to acknowledge is that if a doctor confirms that a person has psoriasis, treatment will depend on the type and severity of the condition. The main options include medications and phototherapy. Many topical, oral, and injected medications (which are also termed as OTC Medications) are available for people with suffering from it. A few medications are:

• Coal Tar – This can help soothe plaque psoriasis, itching, and lesions on the scalp, palms, and soles. People can use coal tar on its own or alongside another treatment.
  
• Hydrocortisone creams: These reduce inflammation and soothe itching.
  
• Salicylic acid: This can help reduce swelling and remove scales.
  
• Anti-itch agents: These include products containing calamine, hydrocortisone, camphor, or menthol.
  

Conclusion

Psoriasis, which is an itchy skin condition, can come and go throughout your life. It’s related to an overactive immune response and is not contagious. If you have skin changes that aren’t going away, talk to your healthcare provider. There is no cure for it, but treatments can improve symptoms. Your provider may prescribe a special cream or moisturizer or medications. Other therapies are available in creams or medicines don’t work. Maintaining your overall health will also help improve symptoms.

Author

Dr. Mrunalini Valasani , MD

Dermatology (Skin specialist)