About Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition in which skin cells multiply 10 times faster than normal giving reddish-silvery white raised areas on skin that are sometimes painful.

 

Causes:

• Altered immune system

• Drugs

 

Triggering/aggravating factors:

• Genetic tendency

• Trauma

• Stress

• Infections such as streptococcus throat or skin infection

• Cold weather

• Smoking/alcohol consumption

• Medications -   including lithium; high blood pressure medications such as beta blockers; antimalarial drugs; and iodides

 

Presentation:

• Males affected more than females

• Most common age group: 20-30 years

• Typical presentation is reddish-silvery white scaly raised areas on skin mostly on elbows and knees. Itching may or may not be present

• Most types of psoriasis go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a time or even going into complete remission.

 

Other types of Psoriasis:

• Scalp psoriasis: White-red, dry, itchy scaly skin on scalp

• Nail psoriasis: Thick, deformed, discoloured nails.

• Guttate psoriasis: It's marked by small, water-drop-shaped sores on your trunk, arms, legs and scalp which are covered by a fine scale and aren't as thick as typical plaques.

• Inverse psoriasis: affecting body folds

• Palmoplantar psoriasis: Dry, scaly, itchy palms and soles. Swelling and increased thickness can be seen.

• Pustular psoriasis: Small pus filled blisters either on full body or only over hands, feet and fingertips

• Psoriatic arthritis: Red, swollen, painful joints

• Erythrodermic psoriasis: A red, peeling rash that can itch or burn intensely which covers entire body.

 

Complications:

If you have psoriasis, you're at greater risk of developing certain diseases. These include:

 

• Psoriatic arthritis

• Eye conditions such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis and uveitis Obesity.

• Type 2 diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Cardiovascular disease such as heart attack ans irregular heartbeats. Abnormal cholesterol levels and increases the risk of hardened arteries.

• Metabolic syndrome

• Autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease, sclerosis and crohn's disease

• Parkinson's disease

• Kidney disease

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PSORIASIS: Tips for Managing

• Always take good care of yourself. Have a healthy diet and avoid smoking, drinking, and being overweight as it makes psoriasis worse and treatment less effective. There is an increased risk for developing heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases, so taking good care of yourself is essential.

• Be aware of your joints. If your joints feel stiff and sore, especially when you wake up, see a dermatologist. Stiff or sore joints can be the first sign of psoriatic (sore-EE-at-ic) arthritis. 
  Treatment is essential. This type of arthritis can eat away the joints. Treatment can prevent deformed joints and disability.

• Notice your nails. If your nails begin to pull away from the nail bed or develop pitting, ridges, or a yellowish-orange color, see a dermatologist. These are signs of psoriatic arthritis.

• Pay attention to your mood. Depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior are more common in people who have psoriasis. Getting help is not a sign of weakness.

 

Myths v/s reality

• Psoriasis is not contagious, doesn’t spread by touching

• Psoriasis is certainly treatable

• Psoriasis is not a disorder of adults, children can get it too.