Treatment of Psoriasis

February 18, 2020

What is Psoriasis ?

Before talking about the treatment of psoriasis, let’s start with what exactly is psoriasis? Psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes rapid multiplication of skin cells (10 times faster than normal).This makes the skin build up into itchy scaly patches / bumpy red patches covered with white scales. They can grow anywhere, but most appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.

Age groups commonly affected are 10 to 20 and 50 to 60 years. Early onset disease has a poorer prognosis. Age, gender, geography, and ethnicity are important determining factors in the prevalence.

There are five main types of psoriasis: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular, and erythrodermic. Plaque psoriasis, also known as psoriasis vulgaris, makes up about 90 percent of cases. It typically presents as red patches with white scales on top. Areas of the body most commonly affected are the back of the forearms, shins, navel area, and scalp. Guttate psoriasis has drop-shaped lesions. Pustular psoriasis presents as small non-infectious pus-filled blisters. Inverse psoriasis forms red patches in skin folds. Erythrodermic psoriasis occurs when the rash becomes very widespread, and can develop from any of the other types.

Fingernails and toenails are affect in most people with psoriasis at some point in time. This may include pits in the nails or changes in nail color.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

Red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales
Small scaling spots (commonly seen in children)
Dry, cracked skin that may bleed or itch
Itching, burning or soreness
Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
Swollen and stiff joints

What Causes Psoriasis?

What causes psoriasis can vary from person to person. Psoriasis is an immune system condition. Researchers believe it’s connected to overactive T-cells in the bloodstream. If T-cells malfunction, they begin attacking healthy skin cells. They also signal the body to create an abnormally fast turnover of skin cells. The result is a scaly rash from cell-overproduction, along with related inflammation.

Types of Psoriasis