The treatment options available for Psoriasis Treatment at Auro Skin Clinic are:
General examination with detailed history and lifestyle and other comorbid conditions is first done for all Psoriasis patients.
Generally a medical line of treatment is prescribed. Sometimes blood tests and then medication accordingly is given according to the Psoriasis severity.
Biopsy is rarely required but if needed can be added to diagnosis.
For localized Psoriasis Auro skin clinic provides Excimer light treatment.
For nail Psoriasis intralesional injections can be given.
Rheumatology reference is guided when joint involvement is present.
What is Psoriasis?
The exact cause of Psoriasis is not known. It is a complex interplay between genetics and immunology.
Genetic susceptibility and environmental factors are responsible for disease.
Normally the outer layer of skin is continuously replaced and it takes place in four weeks. There is increased turnover of skin cells in Psoriasis so that the skin cells are formed and shed in 5 days.
Are there any tests to confirm Psoriasis?
A dermatologist can easily confirm the diagnosis based on the appearance of skin lesions. No laboratory tests are usually needed for diagnosis.
A skin biopsy or a small sample of the skin tissue may be needed to confirm the diagnosis in doubtful cases.
Blood tests may be recommended to check out for co-existing diseases or when systemic medications are indicated.
Which diseases can be associated with Psoriasis?
Psoriasis, particularly moderate to severe Psoriasis, is associated with an increased risk of anxiety, depression and harmful use of alcohol.
Moderate to severe Psoriasis increases the risk of heart disease and stroke and treatment of Psoriasis may reduce this risk.
Psoriasis can also be associated with diabetes, obesity, venous,thromboembolism inflammatory bowel disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
How can Psoriasis be treated?
Psoriasis can be treated by topical medicines, phototherapy and/or systemic drugs depending upon the severity of the disease.
Most people need to try different treatments or combinations of treatments before they figure out what works best.
Regular use of moisturizers and managing the aggravating factors play an important role.
Topical moisturizers, steroids, keratolytic agents, vitamin D analogues and immunomodulators are the chief treatment options in limited diseases. Tar based and keratolytic based shampoos are helpful in scalp involvement.
Phototherapy with PUVA, narrow band UVB or targeted therapies with excimer light are effective options. A course of treatment usually takes about 8-10 weeks and will require treatment sessions two to three times a week. This usually means attending a phototherapy unit in a hospital.
Systemic drugs such as methotrexate, acitretin, cyclosporin, apremilast are recommended in severe cases and extensive disease.
Biological agents such as etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab, ustekinumab and secukinumab can be used in cases that are unresponsive or difficult to treat.
All medications should be taken under the supervision of a dermatologist and proper follow up with maintenance treatment is mandatory.
Can Psoriasis be cured? Can Psoriasis recur?
No. Psoriasis is treatable but not curable.
Yes, Psoriasis can recur.
Can a person with Psoriasis marry?
Yes. Psoriasis affected people can marry and have children.
Psoriasis is not a contagious disease.
What are the lifestyle modifications to be adopted by patients with Psoriasis?
Weight reduction to ideal body weight.
Physical exercise
Limited alcohol intake.
Quit smoking
Biofeedback and cognitive behavior therapy for reduction of stress level
Disclaimer
The above clinical content is published by The Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) for circulation amongst patients for their education purposes.
