Psoriasis

Psoriasis is believed to be caused by an immune system dysfunction that accelerates skin cell growth. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks the skin, resulting in inflammation and the overproduction of skin cells. The exact cause of this immune system malfunction is unclear, but genetic and environmental factors play a role. Several factors can trigger psoriasis flare-ups, including stress, bacterial infections, certain medications, smoking, and skin injuries.

The hallmark symptom of psoriasis is the development of plaques—thick, red/pink, and with silver scales. These plaques commonly appear on the knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp and can be itchy or uncomfortable.

Sometimes, psoriasis manifests as guttate psoriasis, which appears as small, scaly, drop-shaped lesions scattered across the body. Guttate psoriasis often follows infections like strep throat. Psoriasis can also affect the nails, causing discoloration, thickening, or irregular growth. Other forms of psoriasis may affect the skin on the hands and feet or skin folds (armpits, groin/genitals, and underneath the breasts).

A lesser-known but significant aspect of psoriasis is psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint inflammation and pain. Most individuals develop skin symptoms before experiencing arthritis, but psoriatic arthritis can sometimes appear before skin plaques. Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include swollen or tender joints, joint pain, and stiffness that gets worse in the morning but typically eases as the day progresses.

Psoriasis-related inflammation affects more than just the skin and joints. It can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke, which should be considered when managing psoriasis.

Although psoriasis is a lifelong condition, numerous treatment options are available to help manage symptoms and reduce inflammation. Managing psoriasis involves treating both the visible plaques and the underlying inflammation. Avoiding triggers is also essential for managing the disease.

• Topical Therapies: Corticosteroids are the primary topical treatment for reducing inflammation and relieving itchiness. While corticosteroids can be effective, they should be used cautiously to avoid potential side effects from overuse. Creams and lotions containing salicylic or lactic acid can help soften and reduce the thickness of plaques.
• Phototherapy: Phototherapy involves using controlled ultraviolet light to reduce skin inflammation. It is often used in conjunction with other treatments and can be beneficial in managing psoriasis flare-ups.
• Systemic Therapies: Systemic therapies target the entire body, not just the skin, and are reserved for more severe cases of psoriasis, those resistant to other therapies, or those that affect the joints. These therapies work by modulating the immune system to reduce inflammation. Biologic agents target specific inflammatory pathways in the body that are the primary drivers of the inflammation that causes psoriasis. Research has continually improved these biological treatments over the past decades, making them safer and more effective.