Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes flaking and inflammation. Skin cells grow back in about 28 days normally, but this drops to 4 days in psoriasis. This can lead to the accumulation of skin cells, resulting in thick, dark red patches with silvery scales and itching around the infection. The patches generally occur around the elbows, knees, legs, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet.
There is no specific cure for psoriasis, but the focus is on managing it to keep symptoms to a minimum. Treatment is based on the severity and type of psoriasis.
Treatment of psoriasis
Treatments for psoriasis are aimed at preventing skin cells from growing rapidly and removing scales.
Treatment options include-
Topical agents– They are ointments / creams that are applied directly to the skin to reduce inflammation and itching.
Systemic treatment– This generally includes immunosuppressants that reduce the immune response.
Light therapy– Combined with drugs, natural / artificial UV light is used to slow the growth of cells.
Living with psoriasis
Most psoriasis patients feel it as a day-to-day problem and may become depressed, self-conscious, and fear rejection from society. This can lead to psychological problems and mental stress.
The following are the points to manage psoriasis effectively:
- Do not delay treatment when symptoms are mild, as they may get worse without it.
- Outbreaks of psoriasis are often caused by external factors. Keeping a journal can help identify triggers.
- Inform your dermatologist if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Pregnancy can aggravate symptoms and treatment options must be optimized.
- Take medications as directed to ensure maximum benefit. Never stop taking your medicine without your dermatologist’s approval.
- After receiving phototherapy, your symptoms may get worse before they get better.
- Avoid self-treatment.
- As psoriasis begins to heal, the skin tends to peel and peel and may feel itchy. When itching is a problem, skin moisturizers can help.
- Being overweight increases the severity of psoriasis and reduces the effectiveness of treatment, so weight loss has a positive impact on the treatment of psoriasis.
- Smoking and alcohol influence the appearance of psoriasis and future outbreaks. Therefore, stop smoking and limit your alcohol intake.
- Follow a healthy lifestyle. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and lack of exercise increase the risk of psoriasis.
Learn all you can about psoriasis. This will improve your understanding of the disease, its triggers, and help you manage and live with psoriasis more easily.
By, Dr. Prerna Gaur
Recognition:
https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/default.htm
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-psoriasis-in-adults
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