All about Psoriasis: an uncommon skin disease

Psoriasis is a skin disease wherein the body produces new skin cells at a faster rate than usual, i.e., in days rather than weeks. As a result, these cells accumulate on the skin’s surface, creating noticeably thick, scaly areas.

The most prevalent kind of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis which presents as thick, scaly areas on the skin. Plaque psoriasis affects around 80% to 90% of patients with psoriasis.

The most prevalent kind of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis which presents as thick, scaly areas on the skin. Plaque psoriasis affects around 80% to 90% of patients with psoriasis.

Causes of Psoriasis

Psoriasis affects people of all ethnicities and age groups. Although the exact cause of psoriasis is not understood, it is caused by a complex interplay of multiple factors that include-

  • Genetics: It has been observed that if a parent, grandmother, brother, or sister has it, you are more likely to develop it. Psoriasis is known to run in families. Scientists discovered that people with specific genes are more likely to get psoriasis.
  • Immune system dysregulation: Scientists have discovered that psoriasis is caused by immune system dysfunction. White blood cells, commonly known as T-cells, are part of the body’s immune system. These cells help keep us healthy by combating potentially harmful organisms such as bacteria and viruses.
  • When a person develops psoriasis, the immune system malfunctions, causing T-cells to assault the body’s skin cells. This onslaught leads the body to produce additional skin cells. Psoriasis is caused by an accumulation of excess skin cells on the skin’s surface.

Apart from these, the following factors are considered as psoriasis triggers which can lead to disease flare ups:

  • Stress
  • Infections such as streptococcal sore throat
  • Some substances, such as lithium, prednisone, and hydroxychloroquine
  • Weather, particularly cold, dry weather
  • Tobacco
  • Heavy consumption of alcohol

That is why it is critical for people with psoriasis to identify what triggers their psoriasis in order to reduce flare ups of the disease.

Types of Psoriasis

Types of psoriasis can affect different parts on your skin, nails, and joints. If allowed to progress, psoriasis can cause a major concern for your life and must be addressed by a qualified skin specialist.

Who can get Psoriasis?

Psoriasis can affect individuals of any age, gender, or race. It is a common condition that can develop in both children and adults. While psoriasis can occur at any stage of life, it most commonly begins in early adulthood.

It is important to note that having a family history of psoriasis increases the risk of developing the condition, but it does not guarantee its occurrence. Psoriasis can affect people with varying backgrounds and lifestyles, and it is not limited to a specific demographic.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

Psoriasis plaques can occur anywhere on the skin, although they are most commonly found on the:

  • Knees
  • Elbows
  • The lower back
  • Scalp

The size of the plaques varies. They might occur as a single patch on the skin or combine together to cover a significant region of skin. Plaques, regardless of size, cause irritation to the skin. The irritation might become unbearable if not treated. Some people experience stinging, burning, or unpleasant, tight skin.

Because psoriasis is a chronic illness, it is beneficial to educate yourself about it and consult with top skin specialists in South Delhi. With the requisite treatment and knowledge, you can lessen your symptoms of psoriasis and achieve disease control. Taking care of your psoriasis can also help you feel better, enhance your overall health, and keep it from deteriorating.

How to keep Psoriasis under control: Precautions

    Psoriasis is a bothersome disease and its symptoms accompany itching and discomfort. To pacify these symptoms, you may follow these precautions –

    • Limit your showers to 5 minutes and baths to 15 minutes or less, as spending too much time in the water can dry your skin, thus worsening the itch.
    • Apply a moisturising cream or ointment after every hand washing, bath, and shower as it helps to seal much-needed moisture into your skin. Using moisturiser helps reduce the redness and the itch.
    • Consider using an itch-relieving product. Many of these are available without a prescription. Those containing menthol or camphor help best for itching psoriasis.
    • Some of these products can irritate your skin or make it drier. Using a moisturiser helps reduce the dryness.
    • Use warm water for baths and showers.

Psoriasis Treatment in Delhi: Best Skin Care Doctor in Delhi

A diagnosis of psoriasis can be made on the basis of patient history and clinical examination.

Psoriasis symptoms tend to come and go periodically and keeping it under control is an ongoing process. It is advised to seek skin treatment in Delhi from a dermatologist who can help placate the symptoms and provide relief from psoriasis.

At DermaSure, we suggest medication and treatment for psoriasis depending on the severity of the disease. It can include certain creams/ointments to apply, oral medications, biological agents and light therapy (phototherapy).

Schedule an appointment with the top Dermatologist in Delhi to get the best psoriasis treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the rapid buildup of skin cells, leading to the formation of thick, scaly patches on the skin. It is not contagious.

The most common symptoms of psoriasis include red, inflamed skin covered with silvery scales, itching or burning sensations, dry and cracked skin, and sometimes, swollen and stiff joints.

There is a genetic component to psoriasis, and it tends to run in families. However, not everyone with a family history of psoriasis will develop the condition, and some individuals may develop psoriasis without any family history.

Psoriasis is a chronic condition with no known cure. However, various treatments can help manage the symptoms and reduce flare-ups, providing relief and improving the quality of life.

Psoriasis flare-ups can be triggered by certain factors such as stress, infections, injury to the skin, certain medications, hormonal changes, weather changes, and smoking.

The duration of psoriasis flare-ups varies from weeks to months, while the remission intervals between them might extend for months or even years. Finding and avoiding your unique triggers as much as possible is the key to prolonging remission and preventing flare-ups.

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