It’s a chronic skin condition that has no cure, but you can get relief by managing the symptoms with treatment.
While it is non-communicable, it is a painful and extremely uncomfortable condition. It not only affects people physically, but can also cause distress mentally and socially.
It is a commonly found disease, which can flare up and last for a few weeks or even months before it subsides for a while.
In Psoriasis, the patient develops red or pink scaly patches/rashesI. It tends to affect the skin of your –
Elbow, Knees, Face, Scalp, Fingernails, Toenails, Genitals, Lower back, Palms, feet, and also inside the mouth.
Symptoms
- Dry skin with or without bleeding.
- Multiple scaly spots that are small in size
- Flaring up of the cyclic process of psoriasis rashes for weeks or months.
- Skin rashes of red or pink color. These can be gray or white too.
Causes
The primary cause of Psoriasis remains unknown, but it is known to be an auto-immune disorder wherein the skin begins to grow at a faster rate than usual. It could also be due to Genetics.
It can also be because of environmental factors.
Risk Factors
- It can affect anyone from Children, Men or Women .
- It may start between the ages of 15 and 25.
- However, it can start at any age.
Diagnosis
- The doctor/specialist will conduct a physical exam to check the skin, scalp and nails.
- Biopsy of the skin is also done to get the clear diagnosis.
Treatment
The aim of this treatment is to stop skin cells from growing quickly and to get rid of the scaly rashes.
The treatment options include:
- Topical gels, creams and ointments
- Light or phototherapy
- Oral medications.
- Injection of steroids
- Anthralin to slow skin cell production.
- Vitamin A or retinoids
- Vitamin D3 creams
Specialist To Visit – Dermatologist
Doctors To Visit –
Dr. Rohit Garg
https://go.meddo.in/drrohitgargskinspecialist
Dr.Sachith Abraham https://go.meddo.in/drsachithabrahamdermatologistskindoctor.
FAQs
Q.1. What are the triggers of Psoriasis?
- Infections of the throat and skin.
- Cold weather and dry conditions.
- Injuries to the skin like cuts, bug bites or more.
- Serious sunburn injuries
- Smoking or getting exposed to other types of environmental smoke.
- Too much alcohol intake.
- Some medicines include high BP drugs or lithium, etc.
- Withdrawal of oral and injected corticosteroids rapidly.
Q.2. What food items should Psoriasis patients avoid?
- Rye,barley and malt
- Wheat and its derivatives
- Few processed foods
- Some sauces and condiments
- Malt and beer drinks
- Foods that contain unsaturated fats and carbs like noodles, pasta and more
Q.3. How do you stop Psoriasis from spreading?
- Always use moisturizers
- Keep your skin and scalp clean
- Avoid cold and dry weather
- Use a humidifier at home
- Avoid medicines that cause flaring up of Psoriasis
- Save yourself from cuts, infections, scrapes and bumps
- Use SPF
- Manage stress
- 4. Can touching Psoriasis rashes make them worse?
No, it won’t spread anywhere else and nor will it spread to another person by coming in contact.
- 5. Is Psoriasis a fungal infection ?
No, it is not a fungal infection, it’s an autoimmune condition.
