Psoriasis: Factors, Symptoms and Treatment
Treatment Duration
30
Suggested Sessions
2-4 times/year
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition, which is caused by a malfunction of the immune system. Psoriasis is characterized by periods of flare-ups and recessions, while the specificity and intense nature of its symptoms often create anxiety and intense emotional burden. However, with the available treatment options and in collaboration with the dermatologist, the management of psoriasis contributes to maintaining the patient's quality of life.
«Psoriasis affects 2 to 3% of the population»
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition, which is caused by a malfunction of the immune system.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, which manifests itself with skin lesions but sometimes also affects the joints.
Psoriasis is a disease caused by the immune system itself when it "gives the order" to speed up the skin cells. So instead of the cycle of cell growth and shedding taking about a month, the process is completed in a few days, causing dead cells to accumulate on the surface of the skin to form the scaly accumulations that are characteristic manifestations of psoriasis.
The skin lesions appear as pinkish plaques with white scales on them.
Although psoriasis is not contagious, the condition is hereditary and appears to "run" from family to family.
It is generally accepted that genetic predisposition, however, does not mean that the descendants of the person suffering from psoriasis will manifest the disease for sure.
It is not an allergic reaction, nor is it due to eating habits.
It occurs at all ages, although to a much lesser extent in the elderly. It has been observed that the appearance of psoriasis is more intense in people with limited exposure to the sun and usually appears in parts of the body that the sun does not see often.
«Psoriasis can worsen during the winter season, when exposure to the sun is limited»
Who does Psoriasis affect?
Psoriasis affects men and women regardless of nationality. Symptoms may first start from 15 to 25 years of age but this does not mean that they cannot appear at any age. Men and women seem to have the same chances of getting psoriasis, which also affects children.
Psoriasis Symptoms & Types
Psoriasis can "come" and "go away", each time bringing stronger or lighter symptoms. The five main types of psoriasis depending on the symptoms it causes are as follows:
Plaque Psoriasis
The most common type of psoriasis affecting approximately 80% of patients. It produces scaly patches, erythematous plaques with silvery scales, and mainly occurs:
- on the elbows
- on the knees
- in the lower back
- on the scalp
Symptoms can also appear on the face, hands, feet and genitals.
Guttate Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis appears as tiny red teardrop-shaped bumps, mostly covering much of the hands and feet. Guttate psoriasis tends to appear in children and young adults who have had an upper respiratory infection (strep throat) and may progress and never appear.
Inverse Psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis occurs on sensitive areas of skin that rub together, such as:
- the armpits
- the buttocks
- the genitals
It appears as bright red, smooth spots. Inverse psoriasis does not show scaly plaques like other types of psoriasis, apparently, because it develops in moist areas of the body.
Pustular Psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis manifests as pustular, white pus-filled painful, non-infectious bumps, which may be surrounded by red, inflamed skin. This form of psoriasis can be local, affecting the palms of the hands and soles, or generalized, in which case immediate medical attention is needed.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
A rarer, more severe form of psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis can cause intense redness or peeling of the skin, as well as more serious symptoms such as dehydration, fever and irregular heart rhythm, requiring hospitalization.
«A patient with psoriasis may experience more than one form of the disease»
Psoriasis: Manifestation Points
Psoriasis on the head
Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the skin and scalp. Scalp psoriasis occurs on the hairline and forehead, going down to the ears and the back of the neck. The dermatologist may recommend topical treatment with medicated shampoos, creams, etc., oral medication, or phototherapy. Because each patient responds differently to psoriasis treatments, it may take time to find the perfect treatment for each case.
Psoriasis on the Face
About half of psoriasis patients also experience symptoms on the face. Facial psoriasis occurs mainly between the eyebrows, on the skin between the nose and upper lip on the forehead and along the hairline. Psoriasis can also appear in and around the ear and ear canal, the mouth (internally and externally), and rarely around the eyes.
Psoriasis on the face must be treated carefully as the skin is particularly vulnerable.
Psoriasis on Hands & Feet
More than 1 in 10 psoriasis patients experience manifestations on the hands and feet. In fact, the symptoms are sometimes so intense that they affect their quality of life, mobility, work, as well as various daily tasks.
Topical treatments are a common option for psoriasis on the hands or feet, and there are photo treatments specifically designed for the hands and feet. Oral treatment is given when the condition is more serious or there is no response to other treatments.
Nail Psoriasis
In many patients with psoriasis, the disease can also affect their fingernails or toenails. Most patients with plaque psoriasis are expected to develop nail psoriasis as well. In this particular form of psoriasis, the nails acquire small dents on their surface, crumble, have a white, yellow or brown tint or lift from the skin. If you notice any of the above symptoms, you should contact your dermatologist. Nail psoriasis does not go away without treatment, instead it can get worse.
It also seems to be linked to psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriasis: Photos
The symptoms of psoriasis manifest as psoriatic plaques with white scales and are the result of an overgrowth of skin cells.
Psoriatic Arthritis
A percentage of patients with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the joints of the upper and lower extremities and/or the spine. If psoriasis is not diagnosed in time and appropriate treatment is not applied, the patient is at risk of joint deformities and serious irreversible changes.
Angolitic Psoriasis
Psoriasis flare-ups are "triggered" by various factors. One of the most common is stress, as confirmed by scientific studies, as well as testimonials from patients in the dermatologist's office. Learning to manage your stress and being consistent with your treatment can help reduce psoriasis flare-ups.
Psoriasis: Aggravating Factors
Other factors that may be associated with psoriasis flare-ups are:
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Certain medicines
- Infections
- Wounding
- Intense stress
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Alcohol
- Dry cold weather
«Talk to your dermatologist if you want to get a tattoo or body piercing, as these are considered injuries and can trigger a flare-up of psoriasis»
Psoriasis & Diagnosis
A dermatologist's diagnosis of psoriasis is based on clinical examination, as well as a complete patient history, and a skin biopsy may be needed to confirm a diagnosis. A visit to the dermatologist is essential as sometimes the initial stages of the condition can resemble inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema.
«Cooperation with the dermatologist is essential if you suffer from psoriasis, as the disease is chronic, which is controlled by treatment»
Psoriasis & Treatment
How does Psoriasis go away?
We should note that psoriasis is currently not permanently cured. However, with the help of your dermatologist you can achieve a satisfactory management that provides long periods of time without recurrences, with clear skin.
The therapeutic approach, which is individualized to each patient, includes two main options, local treatment and systemic treatment (pills), which can be applied in combination with each other.
Medicinal Topical Preparations
Vitamin D analogs, topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, with moisturizing and keratolytic action.Systematic Education
Antimetabolites, retinoids, immunosuppressive-immunomodulatory and biological agents.
«The sooner you talk to your dermatologist about your psoriasis symptoms, the better for managing and controlling it»
Psoriasis: Myths & Truths
Myth #1
Psoriasis only affects the skin.
Truth: Psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of other diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and depression.
Myth #2
Psoriasis is caused by poor hygiene.
Truth: Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory disease that is affected by immune dysfunction, not how often you shower.
Myth #3
Psoriasis is contagious.
Truth: Psoriasis is not contagious. You won't get psoriasis from shaking hands, hugging, swimming in the same pool or having sex.
Myth #4
Psoriasis does not affect children.
Truth: Psoriasis is no exception and can affect children too.
«The combination of medication to treat psoriasis, with the help of a specialist psychologist, can improve the symptoms of the disease, since stress is an important aggravating factor»
Seek expert help.
Mental health is just as important as physical health and they are directly linked.
The appearance of psoriasis can cause psychological disorders in the people who manifest it, so the provision of psychological help by a specialist is essential.
Never mind the skin lesions.
This habit, in addition to causing a desire for constant itching, aggravates the lesions even more, thus delaying their remission.
Enjoy the sun!
The sun can help to treat the disease, so you should try to be in the sun, of course always with the necessary protection by using sun cream.
Frequent Questions
Is psoriasis contagious?
No, it is an autoimmune disease, which not broadcast, but it mainly manifests itself in people who have genetic predisposition, that is due to heredity.
Are there foods that are prohibited in psoriasis?
Certain foods such as dairy, citrus fruits, products containing gluten, vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers, and alcohol may contribute to plaque psoriasis flare-ups. In any case it is good to discuss with your dermatologist the changes you decide on in your diet.
I feel tired. Could psoriasis be to blame?
Yes, psoriasis can be the culprit for the fatigue you feel. Talk to your doctor, who can modify the medication you're taking and give you advice on a healthy lifestyle to help manage fatigue.
How does psoriasis go away?
With the treatment recommended by the doctor, the symptoms of psoriasis will "go away", but they may return. By knowing and avoiding what triggers a psoriasis flare, you can achieve long periods of remission.
Are psoriasis and scabies the same?
Psoriasis and scabies are two completely different diseases, while they manifest from different causes.
Scabies is a parasitic contagious disease, while psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that is not contagious and has a hereditary basis.
Does psoriasis affect the sufferer's sex life?
Directly no, indirectly yes. It is an autoimmune disease, so it does not affect the body's functions, so neither does sexual performance.
The only way psoriasis affects the sex life is the negative impact it has on the sufferer's psychology. (low self-esteem, reduced desire for sexual activity, etc.)
Bibliography
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448194/#article-27961.s7
- https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/what
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/psoriasis
- https://www.cdc.gov/psoriasis/index.htm
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22852-inverse-psoriasis
- https://www.psoriasis.org/psoriasis-statistics/