What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease (a disease of unclear cause characterized by inflammation caused by dysfunction of the immune system) that causes inflammation in the body. There may be visible signs of inflammation, such as spots (spots may look different for different skin types) and scales on the skin. This happens because the overactive immune system accelerates the growth of skin cells. Normal skin cells completely grow and fall off within a month. In the case of psoriasis, skin cells do so in just three or four days. Instead of falling off, the skin cells accumulate on the surface of the skin. Some people report that the spots on the body caused by psoriasis are itchy and burning. The spots and scales can appear on any part of the body, although they often occur on the elbows, knees and scalp. The inflammation caused by psoriasis can affect other organs and tissues in the body. People with psoriasis may also experience other conditions. One in three people with psoriasis may also develop psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms include swelling, stiffness and pain in the joints and areas surrounding the joints. Psoriatic arthritis often goes undiagnosed, especially in milder forms. However, early treatment is important to avoid permanent joint damage. Symptoms often begin between the ages of 15 and 25, but can occur at any age. Men, women and children of all skin colors can develop psoriasis.
Where can psoriasis appear and what are the types of psoriasis?
Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, even on the eyelids, ears, lips, hands, feet and nails. Mo there may be several small spots or one extensive spot. Psoriasis spots and scales can be located in more than one place on the body at the same time. There are five types of psoriasis. It is possible to have more than one type of psoriasis at one time and more than one type in a lifetime. Treatments may vary depending on the type and location of psoriasis.
- Pustular psoriasis, which causes red and flaky skin with small pimples on the hands and feet.
- Droplet psoriasis, which often begins in childhood or young adulthood, results in the formation of small red spots, mainly on the torso and limbs.
- Inverted psoriasis, which causes bright red lesions to appear in skin folds such as the armpits, groin and under the breasts.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis, which causes fiery redness of the skin and peeling of the skin. It is caused by severe sunburn, infections and some medications. It must be treated immediately because it can lead to severe disease.
- Plaque psoriasis causes red, raised, scaly patches that are painful and itchy. These spots, which usually appear on the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp, often crack and bleed.
What causes psoriasis?
No one knows the exact cause of psoriasis, but experts believe it is a combination of things. Problems with the immune system cause inflammation, causing new skin cells to form too quickly. Normally, skin cells replace themselves every 10 to 30 days. In the case of psoriasis, new cells are formed every 3 to 4 days. The accumulation of old cells being replaced by new ones creates these patches and scales. Psoriasis tends to be hereditary, but can skip generations. For example, it can affect a grandparent and their grandchild, but not the child's mother. Although scientists don't know exactly what causes psoriasis, we do know that the immune system and genetics play a major role in its development. Psoriasis is not contagious. You can't contract psoriasis from another person. Usually something triggers psoriasis, causing symptoms to appear or worsen.
What is the treatment of psoriasis?
There is no cure for psoriasis, but treatment significantly reduces symptoms, even in severe cases. Recent studies suggest that when you better control psoriasis inflammation, the risk of heart disease, stroke, metabolic syndrome and other inflammation-related diseases is then reduced. Fortunately, there are many treatments. Some slow the formation of new skin cells, while others relieve itching and dry skin. Your doctor will choose a treatment plan that's right for you based on the size of your rash, where it occurs on your body, your age, your overall health and other things. Treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis includes:
- Light therapy
At the therapy, the doctor illuminates the skin with ultraviolet light to slow the growth of skin cells. Such irradiation, is a treatment that combines a drug called psoralen with a special form of ultraviolet light.
- Methotrexate
This drug can cause bone marrow and liver disease, as well as lung problems, so it is only used in serious cases. Doctors watch patients closely, and you would also need to have lab tests, perhaps a chest x-ray and possibly a liver biopsy.
- Retinoids
These pills, creams, foams, lotions and gels are a class of medications related to vitamin A. Retinoids can cause serious side effects, including birth defects, so they are not recommended for women who are pregnant or planning to have children.
- Cyclosporine
This drug, designed to suppress the immune system, can be used for serious cases that do not respond to other therapies. It can damage the kidneys and raise blood pressure, so your doctor would have to carefully monitor your health while taking it.
- Biological treatments
They work by blocking the part of the body's immune system that is overactive in psoriasis.
- Enzyme inhibitor
The drug apremilast is a new type of medication for chronic inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It's a pill that blocks a specific enzyme, which helps slow down other reactions that lead to inflammation.
