With the advent of summer, many of us want to don cooler clothing, shorter shorts, and short sleeves. For many people, a skin condition called psoriasis prevents them from feeling comfortable in their own skin.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes the rapid buildup of skin cells over certain parts of the body. This excess buildup causes itchy, painful scaling to develop.
It is not uncommon for psoriasis sufferers to develop thick, red patches of skin that can be very dry and uncomfortable. The most common parts of the body where psoriasis overgrowth of cells tends to form are:
- Elbows
- Knees
- Hands
- Feet
- Scalp
- Face
- Neck
For this reason, living with psoriasis can cause quite a bit of mental and emotional stress, as it can be difficult to cover up. Psoriasis is a partner condition, meaning it most typically manifests in combination with other conditions such as heart disease, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and Type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms of psoriasis
Although symptoms vary by individual, some of the more common ones are:
- Red, raised and inflamed patches of skin
- Dry skin that cracks and bleeds
- White or silver scales on red patches
- Soreness and irritation around patches
- Itching and burning sensations around patches
- Painful, swollen joints
- Thick, brittle nails
Psoriasis tends to cycle through periods of remission, followed by inflammation where symptoms become prevalent once more. Some of the more well-known triggers for a flare up are stress, poor eating habits, and prescription medication interactions. Anything that would wreak havoc on the immune system is a potential trigger for psoriasis, for it is known as an autoimmune disease that affects the skin.
Is it contagious?
Although the condition is not contagious, it can be quite distressing for both one who suffers from psoriasis and those loved ones around him/her that wish for better health. Looking into causes of psoriasis is now inspiring additional research into its root cause; millions are seeking relief from its devastating effects on the skin.
Causes of psoriasis
Two main factors play a role in the development of psoriasis:
Genetics
Having a certain gene expression makes you more susceptible to the development of psoriasis. If you have immediate family members who also struggle with autoimmune disorders or psoriasis, you are more likely to develop the condition.
Immune system dysfunction
An autoimmune disorder is essentially your immune system backfiring on you, mistaking a normal bodily function as something that is foreign, thus triggering an attack response. In the case of psoriasis, the immune system is triggered to attack the process of skin cell production, causing it to go haywire. Those with an increased risk of developing autoimmune issues are at risk for its development.
Treatments for psoriasis
While there is no known cure for psoriasis, there are a number of treatments and protocols you can follow to minimize flare ups and keep infection at bay. They include:
1. Topical treatments
Creams and lotions can be directly applied to the skin for ongoing relief of mild to moderate symptoms. Some options for topical use include:
- Corticosteroids
- Reinoids
- Anthralin
- Vitamin D analogues
- Salicylic acid
- Moisturizer
2. Systemic medication
Those with moderate to severe symptoms, as well as those who have not responded well to topical therapies, may try a number of systemic medications, taken internally to reduce the inflammatory response recognized in the body as a trigger. These systemic medications could be any combination of:
- Methotrexate
- Cyclosporine
- Biologics
- Retinoids
3. Light therapy
Certain light frequencies help to slow down the rate at which skin cells multiply, thus reducing inflammation and skin cell patches on the surface. Many people with moderate to severe psoriasis benefit from a combination of therapies that work to reduce inflammation while soothing irritated skin.
Which treatment is right for me?
Living with psoriasis is inconvenient, but it doesn’t have to be a life sentence. Talking to your doctor about combination therapies, making dietary changes by introducing anti-inflammatory foods into your diet, and keeping stress at bay will help to reduce and possibly eliminate future breakouts. Clearer skin is possible; talk to your doctor and design a care plan that allows you to look and feel better
