Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a noncontagious disease that affects the skin and joints. Psoriasis causes the growth of new skin cells on the skin’s surface. These cells multiply faster than the body’s ability to eliminate them, resulting in the swelling of blood vessels beneath the skin. Psoriatic plaques are the medical word for these scaly, red areas that form on the skin and are thought to affect 1-2 percent of the general population.

Psoriasis is a chronic condition, but the severity of Psoriasis differs from person to person. Some people have mild Psoriasis with just a few small patches, while others have severe Psoriasis that affects their entire body or most of their body. Psoriasis most usually affects the scalp, but it can also occur on the elbows, the lower back, and other parts of the body.

Psoriasis is classified into several forms, which include Plague Psoriasis, Scalp Psoriasis, Guttate Psoriasis, Inverse Psoriasis, Pustular Psoriasis, Erythrodermic or Exfoliative Psoriasis, Psoriatic Nail Disease, and Psoriatic Arthritis. They can look different depending on the categories indicated above; however, they all share similar symptoms, which are plaques of red, thick skin.

Causes

The precise cause of Psoriasis is unknown. But even though no single cause is known at this time, many specialists feel that Psoriasis is caused by a mix of genetic, immunological, environmental, and skin cell variables. On the other hand, a specialist can easily determine the underlying causes of psoriasis symptoms by using results from laboratory tests.

Below is a quick overview of the possible causes.

• One of the causes of Psoriasis is a weakened immune system. Our bodies produce antibodies in reaction to microbial attacks. The white blood cells in the body create substances that aid in the fight against these microbes or germs. However, Psoriasis develops when a healthy immune system is compromised- where it begins to attack skin cells. This is the most common cause for most patients.
• Psoriasis can also be traced back to a patient’s family history. The younger generation has a higher risk of contracting this disease if their parents or grandparents have already been infected. The most prevalent cause of Psoriasis is the result of a genetic mutation.
• The disease can also be triggered and exacerbated by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. People who suffer from Psoriasis should avoid both cold and hot climates. Avoid extreme weather conditions, such as freezing temperatures or sweltering heat.
• Psoriasis can also be caused by skin injuries such as cuts on a person’s skin. Some people can develop Psoriasis as a result of abrasions, so it’s vital to be aware of this.
• Some patients with other disorders use medications, which can cause Psoriasis to flare up in such people. Psoriasis is more likely to strike a person with high blood pressure or malaria than with any other medical condition.
• If you suffer from Psoriasis, you’re going to want to avoid stress at all costs. Because stress worsens skin lesions, they become more problematic and worsen more rapidly as stress grows.

Symptoms

While the different kinds of Psoriasis have relatively similar or fundamental symptoms, they differ in specific symptoms. As a result, depending on the sort of sickness you have, you may encounter symptoms that vary slightly from those described here. We have, however, listed some of the most prevalent symptoms connected with the disease, so keep an eye out for any of them.

• Plaques of reds and inframammary skin, scattered about the body, often covered by silver-colored scales. In extreme cases, the plaques will merge into one, covering a significant body area.
• Itchy, inflamed skin that is prone to bleeding or cracking
• Bleeding spots on the skin that have been scratched.
• Those with nail problems will experience a gradual discoloration and pitting in the nails as well as crumbling or separation of the nails from the nail bed.
• Acne-like lesions on the scalp
• Psoriatic arthritis, which produces achy, swollen joints, can be linked to Psoriasis. About 10% to 30% of persons with Psoriasis also suffer from this painful and debilitating condition of the joint.

Treatment and prevention

There is currently no known cure for Psoriasis that prevents recurrence of the disease. However, people with Psoriasis can take several precautionary measures to lessen the severity of their ailment and enhance their general health. The symptoms of Psoriasis, such as discomfort, irritability, severity, and inflammation, can all be reduced by following these measures, but they will not cure your condition.

Habit change

Psoriasis flare-ups can be caused by a variety of circumstances, including stress, binge drinking, and smoking. Your Psoriasis may be better controlled if you don’t have frequent episodes of stress or anxiety. Also, it has been shown that excessive alcohol consumption worsens Psoriasis, so it is recommended that you drink in moderation or abstain from alcohol completely. Likewise, psoriasis flare-ups can be triggered by smoking, as well. Hence, smoking should be reduced or, if possible, completely eliminated.

The severity of your Psoriasis will improve if you can reduce or eliminate most of these variables.

Topical treatments

Mild and moderate Psoriasis can benefit from topical creams and ointments administered directly to the skin. Examples of treatments in this category include;

• Topical corticosteroids
• Application of Retinoids to the skin
• Anthralin
• Analogs of vitamin D
• Salicylic acid
• Moisturizer

Medications

People living with Psoriasis who haven’t reacted adequately to conventional treatment options may require oral or injectable drugs. Several of these medicines have serious adverse effects; hence, make sure you use them strictly by a doctor’s prescription or consultation. Examples of these medications include;

• Methotrexate
• Cyclosporine
• Retinoids

Light Treatment

Mild and moderate Psoriasis can be treated using natural, UVA, and UVB light. It works by destroying the harmful and rapid proliferating immune system cells that target healthy skin.

There are other additional therapy choices to consider, but these are the most successful. Also, note that patients with moderate to severe Psoriasis will usually benefit from a combination of several of the treatments listed above. Furthermore, depending on the individual, some people may need to utilize the same type of treatment throughout their therapy. Still, other people’s systems may require a change in treatment, particularly if their skin no longer responds to the existing one.