Psoriasis is a common, chronic relapsing immune-mediated skin disease characterized by red and scaly patches, which itch. Psoriasis commonly affected the areas like head/scalp, hands, back, elbows, knees/feet. Psoriasis is not merely a skin problem but it can also be caused because of the different organs of the body for e.g. a type of psoriasis is called psoriatic arthritis which is actually a problem related to the joints. It can also be associated with nails, Crohn’s disease, depression, or anxiety as well. In recent studies, it has been found that the reason for psoriasis can be a metabolic syndrome that involves the increased cardiovascular diseases and heart stroke, hypertension, obesity (abdominal), glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, and diabetes type 2.
Causes: The causes of Psoriasis are still unknown but genetic predisposition is seen.The
factors that trigger psoriasis are:
- Koebner’s phenomenon
- Cutaneous trauma (trauma from scratching, surgery, sunburn)
Factors that aggravate psoriasis are:
- Excessive smoking
- Consumption of alcohol
- Infections such as sore throat
- Anxiety or emotional stress
- Consumption of drugs like some antihypertensives, antifungals, and antimalarials
- Obesity.
Psoriasis Treatment: The modern-day dermatology has found many effective psoriasis treatments to enable minimizing psoriasis and prevent it. On the basis of the type of Psoriasis, its severity, age, and comorbidities, we at Dr. Sidharth Oswal’s Dermatology Clinic provide various psoriasis treatments like topical treatments, oral medications, Phototherapy, and injectable biological to help you diminish this skin problem.
Topical therapy– Topical therapy uses creams, lotions, and ointments which are recommended for smaller skin areas. These help in reducing the cell proliferation and suppress irritation to ultimately decrease the severity, redness as well as itching caused by the patches formed by psoriasis. These creams and lotions and ointments usually consist of Salicylic acid, Anthralin, Tar, Topical Vitamin D3 analog and Topical Retinoids, etc.
Oral medications- Oral medications are prescribed to patients who have large skin areas affected by psoriasis. Usually, a thorough check-up is done to understand the patient’s condition and know the medical history before suggesting any oral medications. The oral medications used for psoriasis treatment are calcineurin inhibitor, Anti Proliferative Medicines, and Retinoids. These medications shall only be taken if prescribed by an expert dermatologist.
Phototherapy– Phototherapy is also known as light therapy and it includes the exposure of psoriasis affected skin to ultraviolet light. It is done by trained medical professionals and needs regular sessions. The psoriasis treatment can be done at a clinic usually. UVB is the most effective treatment under phototherapy.
Biologicals– The biologicals, unlike traditional drugs that focus on the complete immune system; focus only on the specific parts of it. This works by blocking the specific immune system activity of cells and the proteins which play a vital role in the formation of psoriasis. These are either injected or IV infused. The commonly used biological is secukinumab. The biological are a feasible option for the patients who were not able to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis through other psoriasis treatments or may have risks of side effects from other treatment options.
Diet and psoriasis- The diets that are low energy, vegetarian, or rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acids from fish oil help in suppressing the irritation and redness to minimize the symptoms of psoriasis
