KNOW PSORIASIS? AND GET CORRECT TREATMENT

PSORIASIS is a chronic skin disease prevalent in nearly 2.5- 5% of general population in India. The disease is associated with considerable anxiety and depression in the affected persons as well as their relatives. Ultimately affected patients may be discriminated by family members and result in social withdrawal of such individuals. Hence an awareness about the disease and treatment options is not only desirable but mandatory to all people in our society.

What Are The Causes And Symptoms Of Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflamed, scaly plaques, commonly on the elbows, knees, and scalp. It’s an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks skin cells, causing them to multiply rapidly and build up. This leads to the characteristic thick, red, and scaly plaques. While there’s no cure, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. 

The first thing to know about Psoriasis is that it is not a contagious disease. Anyone can live with patients living with Psoriasis, it will not spread to you as it is caused by immune abnormalities in the affected person only. Another concern that many patients and relatives express is that if it will be transmitted to next generation; though it is an autosomal dominant disease with a high degree of penetrance and many family members of multiple generations are affected it won’t necessarily be transmitted to your child. If both  parents are affected with Psoriasis, the chance for an offspring to get affected is >50%; however if  one parent only is affected the chance for inheritance is less and in practice we are not encountering too much of children of affected patients with psoriasis also having same disease.

There are many environmental factors which are contributory to cause Psoriasis;

Some external factors that may increase the chances of developing psoriasis include:

• Infections, especially streptococcal and HIV infections.
• Certain medicines, such as drugs for treating heart disease, malaria, or mental health problems.
• Smoking.
• Obesity.

There are different types of psoriasis, including:

• Plaque psoriasis. This is the most common kind, and it appears as raised, red patches of skin that are covered by silvery-white scales. The patches usually develop in a symmetrical pattern on the body and tend to appear on the scalp, trunk, and limbs, especially the elbows and knees.
• Guttate psoriasis. This type usually appears in children or young adults, and looks like small, red dots, typically on the torso or limbs. Outbreaks are often triggered by an upper respiratory tract infection, such as strep throat.
• Pustular psoriasis. In this type, pus-filled bumps called pustules surrounded by red skin appear. It usually affects the hands and feet, but there is a form that covers most of the body. Symptoms can be triggered by medications, infections, stress, or certain chemicals.
• Inverse psoriasis. This form appears as smooth, red patches in folds of skin, such as beneath the breasts or in the groin or armpits. Rubbing and sweating can make it worse.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis. This is a rare but severe form of psoriasis characterized by red, scaly skin over most of the body. It can be triggered by a bad sunburn or taking certain medications, such as corticosteroids. Erythrodermic psoriasis often develops in people who have a different type of psoriasis that is not well controlled, and it can be very serious.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

Symptoms of psoriasis vary from person to person, but some common ones are:

• Patches of thick, red skin with silvery-white scales that itch or burn, typically on the elbows, knees, scalp, trunk, palms, and soles of the feet.
• Dry, cracked skin that itches or bleeds.
• Thick, ridged, pitted nails.
• Poor sleep quality.

Some patients have a related condition called psoriatic arthritis, which can be characterized by stiff, swollen, or painful joints; neck or back pain; or Achilles heel pain. If you have symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, it is important to see your doctor soon because untreated psoriatic arthritis can lead to irreversible damage.

The symptoms of psoriasis can come and go. You may find that there are times when your symptoms get worse, called flares, followed by times when you feel better.

What Are The Treatment Options For Psoriasis

Psoriasis treatment options range from topical creams and ointments to phototherapy and systemic medications. The best approach depends on the severity of the psoriasis, the patient’s overall health, and the effectiveness of previous treatments. It is always better to consult a qualified Dermatologist at the outset of the disease who can decide the best treatment options for a particular patient based on the extent and severity of the disease.

Beware of false advertisements and unscientific treatment offers by unqualified persons and quacks who may boast complete cure of Psoriais.

Treatments fall into 3 categories:

• topical – creams and ointments applied to your skin
• phototherapy – your skin is exposed to certain types of ultraviolet light
• systemic – oral and injected medications that work throughout the entire body

Topical treatments are usually the first treatments used for mild to moderate psoriasis. These are creams and ointments you apply to affected areas. 

Emollients are moisturising treatments applied directly to the skin to reduce water loss and cover it with a protective film. If you have mild psoriasis, an emollient is probably the first treatment.

Steroid creams or ointments (topical corticosteroids) are commonly used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis in most areas of the body. The treatment works by reducing inflammation. This slows the production of skin cells and reduces itching.

Topical corticosteroids range in strength from mild to very strong. Only use them when recommended by your doctor.

Vitamin D analogue creams are commonly used along with or instead of steroid creams for mild to moderate psoriasis affecting areas such as the limbs, trunk or scalp. They work by slowing the production of skin cells. They also have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, are ointments or creams that reduce the activity of the immune system and help to reduce inflammation. They’re sometimes used to treat psoriasis affecting sensitive areas, such as the face, the genitals and folds in the skin, if steroid creams are not effective.

Ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy & Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA)

These 2 are very effective modes of treatment in selected patients. Patients have to undergo this treatment for many weeks to get a satisfactory remission

Systemic Medications– Main agents in this category include non-biologic agents like Methotrexate, Acitretin Cyclosporine & Apremilast. These are supplemented with various other systemic medications.

Biologic Agents: main drugs in this category used nowadays are Infliximab, Etanercept, Adalimumab, Ustekinumab & Secukinumab. Though these drugs are quite expensive they are capable of inducing lasting remission in most of the patients treated. Patients can discuss with their treating Dermatologists regarding the correct choice of drug in a particular patient.

For more expert advice, personalized treatment options, and the latest advancements in skin and hair care, we invite you to visit or contact Dr. Samad’s Cutis Care. Whether you’re dealing with hair loss, skin concerns, or simply want to maintain healthy skin and hair, Dr. Samad’s Cutis Care is your trusted destination for compassionate, effective dermatological care