Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that affects 2-3% of the population globally. It is caused when the white blood cells attack the skin and speed up the life cycle of skin cells, causing them to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. It involves a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. As a result skin becomes thick, scaly. These patches can be itchy, painful, and sometimes unsightly.
It is a long-term condition that keeps fluctuating between periods of remission and flare-ups.

Key Features of Psoriasis:

Red, irritated skin areas covered in silvery-white scales, is known as a common form of chronic plaque psoriasis. Scalp, elbows, knees, lower back, and nails, but it can appear anywhere on the body.

Dry, cracked skin that may bleed especially when it affects the hands and feet. Itching or burning sensations are usually complained about by patients. Thickened or ridged nails and pitting of nails are seen. Joint pain occurs if associated with psoriatic arthritis. It is said that psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease and multiple systems get affected. Psoriasis is known to increase the risk of heart problems.

Types of Psoriasis:

Plaque Psoriasis: Most common; raised, red patches covered with silvery scales.
Guttate Psoriasis: Small, drop-shaped lesions, often triggered by infections. This type is sudden onset, usually triggered by a streptococcal sore throat.
Inverse Psoriasis: Red, shiny lesions that appear in skin folds, such as under the breasts or around the groin.
Pustular Psoriasis: White bumps with red skin around them, which can appear in one area or spread across the body.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis: Rare, severe form that covers large areas of the body with a red, peeling rash.
Psoriatic Arthritis: Psoriasis can affect joints and lead to painful swelling of various joints in the body. one or more joints can be affected.

Causes and Triggers:

Immune System Dysfunction: The body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells.
Genetics: A positive family history increases risk of acquiring psoriasis.
External Triggers: Stress, skin injury, infections, medications, smoking, and alcohol consumption are well known triggers of psoriasis. Recent studies show that dysregulated sex hormones, dysbiosis of skin and gut microbiota, abnormalities of lipid metabolism can be triggers and aggravating factors.

Treatment Options:

Topical Treatments: Topical applications of corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and salicylic acid to reduce inflammation and slow skin cell growth. However they should be adequately supported by moisturisers.
Phototherapy: NB -UVB light exposure to slow cell turnover and reduce scaling. We, at Subodha skin and cosmetic clinic use phototherapy in patients to get faster clearance of lesions as well as in patients not fit or are unwilling to take oral medications. Patients staying nearby to the clinic visit twice or thrice a week to receive NB-UVB/ targeted phototherapy as per their convenient time.
Systemic Medications: Oral or injectable medications, such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, or biologics like adalimumab, secukinumab and ixekizumab that target specific immune responses are of great value in improving patients quality of life.
Lifestyle Changes: Moisturizing regularly, reducing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding known triggers.

Psoriasis can significantly impact quality of life, and while there is no cure, effective treatment and management strategies can help control symptoms and improve well-being. We at Subodha skin and cosmetic clinic believe in managing psoriasis holistically by helping patients to improve their lifestyle and using appropriate systemic therapies with cautious monitoring. We believe in working together with the patient and give a plan which suits the patient's needs. The ultimate aim is to reduce the morbidities associated with psoriasis and attain a near normal life expectancy.