PSORIASIS

Psoriasis is an auto- immune skin disease characterized by red, itchy, thickened scaly lesion on the skin.

• Psoriasis is a, chronic inflammatory skin condition.
• Psoriasis can also affect skin and joints.
• A flare up of psoriasis happens from time to time
• People with psoriasis are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and stroke.

CAUSE

• Exact cause is not known, but genetic predisposition and certain environmental factors can cause psoriasis.

FACTORS CAUSING FLARE UPS

• Trauma of skin.
• Infection
• Drugs- antimalarial, beta –blockers and lithium may worsen psoriasis.
• Emotion – Anxiety, stress.
• Season – Flare ups are more likely in winter season.
• Lifestyle – smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption.

SYMPTOMS

• Red raised patches of skin
• Thick whitish – silvery scales on red patches
• Soreness , itching  and burning around the affected area

The most commonly affected areas of body are over elbows and knees and the lower back. However it may appear anywhere on the skin including: Scalp, armpits, groin, nails.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Biopsy of skin
• Skin scraping

TREATMENT

• There is no once and for all cure for psoriasis. Treatment aims to clear the rash as much as possible. However psoriasis tends to have flare-ups from time to time. You may need treatment on and off from time to time.

​Usual treatment includes:

• Vitamin D based treatments
• Steroid ointments
• Coal tar preparations
• Dithranol
• Salicylic acid
• Tazarotene
• Moisturizers

It is important that you have a healthy and balanced diet along with regular physical activity. Avoid excessive sun exposure and triggers like: stress, excessive medications, alcohol, and smoking. Also, it is very important to consult with your doctor regularly and take medication as prescribed.