Dermatology

Psoriasis

What is Psoriasis?

It is a chronic skin cell regeneration condition with the rapid growth of skin cells on the surface of the skin. It forms scales and red patches on the skin causing pain, itching, and discomfort. Due to its chronic nature and ability to build up quickly, early treatment is the best solution to stop it from ravaging the affected skin areas.
 

Who is at risk of Psoriasis?

Psoriasis can affect anyone; however, the following people are at a higher risk of infection:

• Stress
• Smokers
• The Obese
• Family history
• Viral and bacterial infections

 

Diagnosing Psoriasis

Detecting the presence of Psoriasis is through a physical test and the patient’s medical past. Tests are conducted on the skin, scalp, and nails to establish traces or presence of the condition.
 
The examiner may conduct skin biopsy in rare cases by collecting a sample of the patient’s skin for study. Usually, a patient is administered the anesthetic to lessen discomfort. A fact-finding examination is carried out using a microscope to establish the type and ensure no other conditions are present.
 

Treatment of Psoriasis

The condition is treated upon the following objectives:

• To stop or reduce the rate of growth, plaque buildup, and inflammation.
• To smooth the skin by removing the scales.

 

Types of Psoriasis treatment

The treatments of Psoriasis are in the following categories:

Topical treatments

• It’s the effective use of creams and ointments applied to the skin for treating mild to moderate conditions.
• Treating severe Psoriasis takes a combination of systemic medications or the use of light therapy.

Light Therapy a.k.a. phototherapy

• Treatment takes use of natural or artificial ultraviolet (UV) rays; it is done through controlled exposure of the affected skin to the right amounts of sunlight.

Systemic medications with Oral/Injected Medications

• Oral or injected medications are used for patients with severe psoriasis cases. The option becomes necessary in the event of a grave or resistant response to treatment. However, either of these treatments is used for a short period because of the adverse effects on the patient. They are not the primary treatment, but as an alternative when it becomes necessary.

Biologics using immune system altering drugs

• It is a treatment of last resort for patients on whom other therapies are ineffective or diagnosed to have psoriatic arthritis. The treatment involves different methods, including intramuscular or subcutaneous injections, or intravenous infusion.
• This treatment (biologics) helps to block specific immune system cells as well as certain inflammatory pathways. Although these treatments are from natural sources, they have a substantial impact on the immune system and sometimes could cause life-threatening conditions. Biologic therapy is not appropriate for the patient with tuberculosis, and proper screening is done before application.