Psoriasis Treatment in Kandivali

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes itching and pain. Plaque is the most prevalent form of psoriasis. It causes thick, scaly patches of skin. While there is no cure, psoriasis treatment can help with symptoms. For psoriasis, your doctor may prescribe special creams or ointments.

 

What is psoriasis?

  • Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the skin. Psoriasis symptoms include thick, discolored patches of skin covered in scales. Plaques are thick, scaly areas.
  • Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can flare up unexpectedly with no cure.

What are the different types of psoriasis?

Psoriasis is classified into several types, which include:

  • Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis affects between 80 and 90% of psoriasis patients.
  • Inverse psoriasis appears in the skin folds. It causes thin, scaleless plaques.
  • Guttate psoriasis can develop following a sore throat caused by a streptococcal infection. It appears as small, red, drop-shaped scaly spots and frequently affects children and young adults.

Pustular psoriasis consists of small, pus-filled bumps on top of plaques: 

  1. Erythrodermic psoriasis: This is a severe form of psoriasis that affects a large portion of your skin (more than 90%). It causes extensive skin discoloration and shedding.
  2. Sebopsoriasis is characterized by bumps and plaques covered in greasy, yellow scales on the face and scalp. This is a combination of psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
  3. Nail psoriasis results in skin discoloration, pitting, and changes to your fingernails and toenails.

What areas of my body will psoriasis affect?

  • A psoriasis rash could appear anywhere on your skin. Psoriasis is common.
  • Elbows and knees.
  • Face and inside of your mouth.
  • Scalp
  • Fingernails and toenails.
  • Lower back.
  • Palms and feet.

Psoriasis usually affects only a small portion of the skin. In severe cases, the plaques connect and cover a wide area of your body.

Plaques are one of the symptoms of psoriasis on skin. Plaques resemble the following:

  • A thick-skinned rash or raised area.
  • The skin on the plaque has discolored.
  • The plaque is scaly or flaky and sheds readily.

 

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

Small bumps are an early indicator of psoriasis. The bumps enlarge, and scales form on top. The plaque’s surface may shed, but the scales beneath it will remain solid. If you scratch your rash, the scales may tear away from the skin. This could result in bleeding. Lesions (larger areas of skin damage) may develop as the rash progresses. Psoriasis symptoms can be mild or severe.

  • In addition to skin plaques or a rash, you may experience symptoms such as:
  • Itchy skin.
  • Cracked and dry skin.
  • Skin pain.
  • Pitted, cracked, or crumbly nails.
  • Joint pain.                                                                                                                                                                        If you scratch your plaque, you risk breaking open your skin, which can lead to infection. Infections are harmful. Infection symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and fever. If you notice any of these symptoms, please contact your doctor.

What causes psoriasis?

Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system, which causes inflammation in the skin.

If you have psoriasis, your immune system is supposed to destroy foreign invaders, such as bacteria, to keep you healthy and prevent illness. Instead, your immune system may confuse healthy cells for foreign invaders. As a result, your immune system causes inflammation or swelling on the skin’s surface, which is visible as skin plaques.

It typically takes up to 30 days for new skin cells to grow and replace old ones. Your overactive immune system shortens the development time of new skin cells to three to four days. Scales and frequent skin shedding are caused by the rapid replacement of old cells on top of skin plaques.

Psoriasis runs in families. Psoriasis may have a genetic component because biological parents can pass on the condition to their children.

What triggers psoriasis outbreaks?

An outbreak of psoriasis, also known as a flare up, is caused by contact with a trigger, which could be an irritant or allergen. Individuals experience psoriasis outbreaks differently. Common triggers of psoriasis flare-ups include:

Emotional stress.

A streptococcal infection.

A skin injury such as a cut, scrape, or surgery.

Certain medications, including lithium and beta blockers.

Weather-related variations in body temperature.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

Psoriasis will be diagnosed by a healthcare provider or dermatologist after a physical exam of your skin and review of your symptoms. They will ask you questions such as:

Do you have any skin conditions in your biological family?

When did you first experience symptoms?

have you tried any at-home skin treatments?

Is this your first skin outbreak?

What soaps and shampoos do you use?

 

The appearance of a skin plaque leads to a diagnosis of psoriasis, but symptoms can also be associated with other similar skin conditions, so your provider may recommend a skin biopsy to confirm your diagnosis. During this test, your doctor will take a small piece of skin tissue from your skin plaque and examine it under a microscope.

  • Management & Treatment
  • How can psoriasis be treated?
  • Several treatment options exist to alleviate psoriasis symptoms. The most common psoriasis treatments are:
  • Steroid creams.
  • Moisturizers for dry skin.
  • Medication to slow skin cell production (anthralin).
  • Medicated lotions or shampoos.
  • Vitamin D3 ointment.
  • Vitamin A or retinoid creams.
  • Creams or ointments may be sufficient to treat a rash in small areas of your skin. If your rash is widespread or you have joint pain, you will additional treatments. Joint pain may indicate arthritis.

Where is the rash on your body?

Psoriasis is an itchy skin condition that can appear and disappear throughout your life. It is caused by an overactive immune response and is not contagious. If you have persistent skin changes, consult your healthcare provider. Although there is no cure for psoriasis, there are treatments that can help with symptoms. Your doctor may recommend a special cream, moisturizer, or medications. If creams or medications do not work, other options exist. Maintaining overall health will also help to alleviate symptoms.