Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder with no cure. It is caused by a combination of immune, genetic and environmental factors, and commonly affects more than one family member.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder with no cure. It is caused by a combination of immune, genetic and environmental factors, and commonly affects more than one family member. There are various types of psoriasis but the Plaque Psoriasis is the most common. It is the accumulation of dead cells on the skin which results in thickened, red or salmon pink itchy plaques, often covered with silvery scales. The lesions are symmetrically distributed and often involve the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.
What causes Psoriasis?
The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown. If you have psoriasis, your skin cells grow faster than normal due to cytokines released by T-cells. The body naturally develops new skin cells every month to replace skin that sheds or flakes off. With psoriasis, new skin cells form within days rather than weeks. This rapid growth causes dead skin cells to accumulate on the skin’s surface. The redness is from the increased blood supply required for the increased growth of cells.
How do I know if I will be affected by Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is not contagious. However, the condition may run in families. Risk factors for psoriasis include a family history of the condition and the presence of a bacterial infection, especially in children. It can also be triggered or worsened by uncontrolled stress, smoking, obesity and use of certain medications, such as those used to treat bipolar disorder and high blood pressure. If you’re unsure, consult Dr Cebi to have your skin examined.
What Can Make Psoriasis Worse?
Smoking and drinking alcohol tend to increase the severity of psoriasis as well as negatively affect response to treatment.
Emotional stress can contribute to the initial onset of psoriasis and flares of the existent condition.
Skin trauma caused by scratching, sunburn and viral infection may make exasperated psoriasis.
Certain medications like steroid injections can worsen the disease.
Treatment
There is no cure for psoriasis but with treatment, you can reduce inflammation and skin irritation. The treatment options include topical therapy, light therapy and immunotherapy, which can control the disease. You can reduce flare-ups by following your doctor’s treatment plan and recommendations as well as by avoiding common triggers like stress and smoking. Psoriasis is a lifelong condition but it doesn’t have to negatively affect your quality of life. If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, speak to Dr Cebi today.