Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects millions of people all over the world. There’s no cure for psoriasis. But treatment can help you feel better. It can be very frustrating to deal with, but there are ways to manage it.
Do you have psoriasis? If you are not sure, keep reading. We’ll talk about the symptoms of psoriasis as well as the different treatment options that are available.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease caused by an immune-mediated disease (a disease with an unknown cause that is defined by inflammation produced by immune system dysfunction). Raised plaques (plaques may look different for different skin types) and scales on the skin may be apparent symptoms of inflammation. Psoriasis inflammation can affect various organs and tissues in the body. Other health problems can occur in those who have psoriasis. Symptoms usually appear between the ages of 15 and 25, but they can appear at any age. Psoriasis can affect men, women, and children of all skin hues. (National Psoriasis Foundation)
Causes of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is not spreadable. Psoriasis, unlike chickenpox or the common cold, is not contagious. Scientists are still attempting to figure out how psoriasis develops, despite the fact that it isn’t communicable. According to scientists, psoriasis is caused by a person’s immune system and DNA. Here’s what research has found out about each of these:
Immune system: T-cells are white blood cells that are part of the body’s immune system. These cells protect us against illness by combating bacteria and viruses that can damage us. When a person develops psoriasis, the immune system malfunctions, and T-cells attack the body’s skin cells. This onslaught causes the body to produce more new skin cells. Psoriasis is caused by an accumulation of excess skin cells on the skin’s surface. T-cells normally assault skin cells for the remainder of a person’s life once they begin to do so. One exception exists. Guttate (gut-tate) psoriasis is a kind of psoriasis that some children get once and never experience again. (American Academy of Dermatology)
Genes: Psoriasis runs in families, therefore we know about genes. According to research, psoriasis is more common in people who have specific genes. What makes things even more complicated is what scientists have discovered thus far. Some people with psoriasis don’t appear to have genes that make them more susceptible to the disease. It’s also possible to have psoriasis-causing genes but never get the disease. This finding prompted experts to think that psoriasis must be caused by exposure to a trigger. (American Academy of Dermatology)
Treatment of Psoriasis
It’s possible that you’ll need topical, oral, or systemic medications. There are effective strategies to manage psoriasis flare-ups even if you have severe psoriasis. You might be able to fully eliminate your symptoms.
Topical Treatments: These are medications that you apply straight to your skin. They’re usually the first thing your doctor would recommend, along with a decent moisturizer, especially if you have mild to moderate psoriasis. Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications are available. Topical psoriasis therapies can be in the form of ointments, creams, or foams and include steroid creams, salicylic acid, calcipotriol, prescription retinoid, and Tazorac. (Wiginton)
Immunosuppressants: These aren’t steroids, but they do alter the function of your immune cells. Pimecrolimus and tacrolimus are two options. These may be prescribed by your doctor for use on sensitive areas such as your face, groin, or skin folds. (Wiginton)
Phototherapy: For thousands of years, sunlight has been used to cure skin diseases. Doctors now employ equipment to directly shine ultraviolet (UV) radiation on your skin. In people with psoriasis, light therapy can help slow down the growth of fast-growing skin cells. It’s normally something a dermatologist does a few times a week in their clinic. You can, however, use various at-home kits. Inquire with your doctor about them. (Wiginton)
Talk to Your Doctor
If you have any of the symptoms described above, it is important to see a doctor. They can confirm whether or not you have psoriasis and talk to you about different treatment options. There are many different ways to treat psoriasis, so there is no need to feel discouraged. With the right treatment plan, you can manage your psoriasis and live a happy, healthy life.
Works Cited
“Psoriasis: Causes, Triggers and Treatments.” The National Psoriasis Foundation: National Psoriasis Foundation, National Psoriasis Foundation, www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/.
“Psoriasis: Causes.” American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/what/causes.
Wiginton, Keri. “Psoriasis Treatments: How to Get Rid of Psoriasis.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/understanding-psoriasis-treatment
