Psoriasis: symptoms, causes and treatment

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. It is a skin condition that usually appears in early adulthood. It affects the skin, whose cells reproduce at least ten times faster than others. In principle, skin regeneration depends on the balance between new and dead cells, but in the case of psoriasis, the duplication of skin cells is disrupted. Psoriasis can affect a small number of parts of the body in an outbreak⁽¹⁾In more severe cases, it can affect large areas. Skin manifestations of psoriasis appear mainly on the elbows, knees, lower back, toes, palms and scalp.

Current statistics reveal that two to three percent of the world's population suffers from psoriasis. This disease is not contagious, but can be transmitted from generation to generation. The World Health Organization says men and women are affected equally. People with white skin are affected to a greater extent, while people with dark skin are less affected.

What are the main causes of psoriasis?

Psoriasis is caused by a malfunction of the immune system that causes rapid degeneration of skin cells and a series of other skin infections that cause dry and itchy skin.

This disorder is often autoimmune, meaning the body attacks itself. In other words, the body's white blood cells start attacking our skin cells. Here are some causes of psoriasis:

• Surgery, cuts or scratches.
• emotional stress;
• Side effects of medications used to treat blood pressure, especially beta blockers.
• Bacterial infections in the throat.
• cold climate;
• The effect of some medications such as antimalarials, lithium, and others. ;
• Abrupt cessation of steroids;
• Tobacco and alcohol consumption habits;
• Severe sunburn
• Hormonal imbalance.

Types of psoriasis

Cortical psoriasis

It is a skin condition that causes red patches and white scales due to dehydration. It can sometimes cause severe itching.

Nail psoriasis

This type causes small holes on the nails, commonly called nail pitting. Nails tend to separate or slowly come off the finger. Change in nail color and rapid nail growth may also occur sometimes.

Guttate psoriasis

This type of psoriasis is very common in children and young adults and is mainly caused by bacterial infections such as strep throat. It appears in the form of drops on the trunk, hands and legs.

Reverse psoriasis

This type of psoriasis is mainly caused by excessive sweating and constant friction of the skin. Sweating leads to a fungal infection in that particular area. This psoriasis causes smooth, red patches and, if left untreated, develops into a severe rash on the skin. The most affected areas are the buttocks, breasts and groin folds.

Pustular psoriasis

This is a rare form of psoriasis, in which pus-filled pockets appear in existing red patches. It appears in the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

Erythromelal psoriasis

This is again a rare form of psoriasis. It is a red rash that develops all over the body and tends to itch and burn frequently.

Psoriatic arthritis

This particular psoriasis causes a disorder in the body similar to arthritis. It initially affects the joints, causing pain and swelling. The body's joints tend to become stiff and difficult to move. If not treated timely, it can lead to permanent joint damage. One-third of people with psoriasis are at risk of developing psoriatic arthritis.

Symptoms and early signs of psoriasis

Here are some examples of psoriasis symptoms that help detect it early. See a dermatologist as soon as possible if you seem to have any of the following psoriasis symptoms:

• Dermatitis. Red spots or rashes appear on the skin.
• Dry skin that accumulates in the form of white and silvery scales. There may be a risk of cracks followed by bleeding in the skin;
• A burning sensation on the surface of the skin, accompanied by itching and pain.
• You have swelling and stiffness in your joints.
• The appearance of sores and dandruff in various parts of the body is one of the first signs and symptoms of psoriasis.
• Thick, pitted, and discolored nails;
• Dandruff and itching can also be a symptom of scalp psoriasis.

Side effects of psoriasis

People with psoriasis are more likely to be affected by the following diseases:

How to treat psoriasis?

The causes and symptoms of psoriasis are difficult to treat, but can be controlled to some extent with drug therapy. Here are some tips you can follow to get better results

Eat sensibly

Know your body and what causes the itchy sensation. It is possible that certain fruits, vegetables, or fish promote inflammation. Furthermore, it is preferable to limit dairy products and fatty meats.

Avoid anything that causes inflammation

Determine the cause of your seizures. These could be allergies, alcohol, stress, tobacco, hormones, or dry weather conditions.

Nourish your skin

Use a good moisturizer or lotion to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day. Avoid soaps that are too harsh on the skin. Scalp psoriasis causes excessive dandruff in the form of flakes and hair loss. You can try the shampoo recommended by your doctor if you notice symptoms of psoriasis on the scalp.

Work with your dermatologist

Treatment and medications must be followed systematically. Tell your doctor about any side effects or improved treatment results so he knows what is best for your skin.

Treatment of Psoriasis

Psoriasis has no specific treatment yet. Treatments can only reduce inflammation and plaques. The different types of treatments are:

Topical treatments

It concerns mild psoriasis. This involves the direct application of creams and ointments to the skin to reduce plaques. Some examples of topical treatments for psoriasis are anthralin, vitamin D analogues, salicylic acid, marine lecithin, and moisturizers.

Systemic medications

These are oral or injectable medications to treat moderate or severe psoriasis: for example, biologics, retinoids, cyclosporine, and methotrexate.

Phototherapy

In this treatment, ultraviolet rays are shined on the affected areas of the skin. It kills white blood cells that attack healthy skin.

Most psoriasis treatments have side effects, so doctors prescribe them for a short period. Treating psoriasis can be very difficult. However, keep a positive mindset and keep looking for the right approach to control this disease. A healthy lifestyle and diet can reduce inflammation. Also work on your emotional health. Stay away from stress. Don't be discouraged when new marks appear on your skin. Find a treatment and solution to control it because no one can help you better than you.