Understanding Psoriasis and Its Most Effective Treatments

Understanding Psoriasis and Its Most Effective Treatments

If you’ve observed a chronic skin condition that worsens over time and reappears every now and then, it could be more than a general sensitivity issue. If there is chronic redness, patches, and itching, it means there is a deeper, underlying problem: psoriasis. Knowing what you are dealing with is the first step to finding relief. In this blog, we seek to provide clear and helpful information on psoriasis, so you can learn about its different forms, symptoms, and how to manage psoriasis with medical treatment.

A] What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, accelerating the cells’ production cycle. Under normal circumstances, skin cells mature and shed within a month, but in the case of psoriasis, the process takes a few days. The extra cells accumulate on the skin’s surface, creating thick, red patches covered with silvery scales.

This condition is not contagious, i.e., you cannot catch it from the other person. Psoriasis can occur in any body part, but the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back are more common. Stress, infections, or environmental factors might cause flare-ups. Understanding the common causes of psoriasis outbreaks is essential for effective management.

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B] Types of Psoriasis

There are different types of psoriasis, and they appear on the skin with distinctive features. Here are the main types:

  • Plaque Psoriasis: Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. They occur in the form of raised red patches covered with silvery-white scales. These plaques are usually formed on the elbows, knees, and head.
  • Guttate Psoriasis: Affected by bacterial infections such as strep throat, this type occurs in the form of little red bumps (like drops), on the torso, arms, and legs.
  • Inverse Psoriasis: Seen in areas of skin folds such as armpits, groin, and underneath breasts. They are shiny and smooth, and red plaques are made worse due to friction and sweating.
  • Pustular Psoriasis: White pus-filled blisters surrounded by red skin; this rare form can affect only a part of the body or the entire body.
  • Erythrodermic Psoriasis: The rarest and worst type that leads to generalised redness, severe itching, and peeling of the skin. This requires immediate medical attention.

The identification of the different types of psoriasis, as well as how they appear on the skin, assists in diagnosis and treatment at an early stage. If you are looking for psoriasis treatment in Mumbai, our experts are here to help!

C] What Are The Common Symptoms Of Psoriasis On The Skin?

The psoriasis symptoms may widely differ from patient to patient, but the common symptoms include:

  • Red Patches With Silvery Scales: These signs of psoriasis may occur in any area of the body.
  • Itching or Burning Sensations: Countless people suffer discomfort that may be from a mild to severe nature.
  • Cracked, Dry Skin: It may cause bleeding and even lead to other complications if not taken care of.
  • Thickened Nails or Pitting: Psoriasis can also attack the nails and cause changes in texture and appearance.

It is important to identify these symptoms early to look for appropriate treatment and manage the condition effectively.

D] How Psoriasis is Diagnosed?

Testing for psoriasis always includes a physical test conducted by a dermatologist, who will carefully inspect your skin and scalp, including your nails. Usually, the diagnosis can only be made when you consult a dermatologist. However, if the symptoms are unclear or similar to some other disease, a skin biopsy can be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Getting the right diagnosis is very important. It allows for an ideal treatment strategy and excludes other skin diseases such as eczema or fungal infections. If you are unsure of your condition or your symptoms worsen, it is ideal to consult an expert. At Auro Skin Clinic, we have expert skin specialists in Mumbai who help evaluate your skin and provide customised treatment plans for your concerns.

E] Psoriasis Treatment Options

1. Topical Treatments

Topical treatments are usually the first choice in treatment recommended for mild to moderate psoriasis. They act directly on affected areas to reduce inflammation, slow the skin cell growth, and ease symptoms. Some of the common topical treatments are:

  • Corticosteroids: These anti-inflammatory creams and ointments have an anti-swelling effect, an anti-redness effect, and an anti-itching effect. There are many strengths and forms, so your dermatologist will prescribe the right products and duration of treatment to prevent side effects such as skin thinning.
  • Vitamin D Analogues: Calcipotriene-like medications reduce the production of skin cells, which contributes to psoriasis. When administered along with corticosteroids, they help achieve longer symptom control.
  • Coal Tar and Salicylic Acid: Coal tar reduces scaling, itching, and inflammation while salicylic acid helps remove thickened scales and soften the skin. These are often used in combination to treat psoriasis. 
  • Moisturisers: Hydrating the skin is essential for controlling the psoriasis flare-up. Emollients can help reduce the dryness and scaling of the skin and increase comfort and appearance.

It is important to know that these topical treatments are prescribed by dermatologists based on your specific conditions and your responsiveness to the medicine. Do not experiment and try medicines on your own. 

2. Light Therapy (Phototherapy)

Phototherapies may be suggested for moderate to severe psoriasis or when topical medications are not sufficient. This treatment uses controlled ultraviolet light exposure to slow down the skin cell growth and reduce the inflammation.

  • UVB Phototherapy: This requires the application of the narrowband UVB light, which is effective and safe for most patients. Treatments are administered through medical supervision and several times a week.
  • PUVA (Psoralen+UVA): In this method, patients undergo an oral medication called psoralen, which makes the skin more sensitised to UVA light, hence increasing treatment effects. PUVA is usually the treatment of choice in more severe cases, but it may have side effects and requires close monitoring.
  • Laser Therapy: Targeted excimer lasers treat moderate to severe psoriasis, which affects less than 10% of the body surface. This treatment is beneficial over conventional phototherapy as it also helps treat hard-to-reach areas such as the nose, ears, and palpebral region. 
3. Other Treatments

Systemic therapies may be required if psoriasis is severe, extensive, or refractory to other forms of treatment. These affect the whole body and aim to control the immune response driving psoriasis.

  • Oral Medications: Drugs like Methotrexate, Cyclosporine, and Acitretin control the body’s immune system’s oversensitivity and prevent rapid skin cell generation. Although efficient, these need some monitoring because of possible side effects such as liver toxicity and the risk of infections.
  • Biologics: This new class of medications blocks specific immune system pathways. Some of these include Adalimumab and Secukinumab, which have proven highly effective in managing moderate to severe psoriasis. Biologics are given by injection or infusion and must be monitored regularly for effectiveness and adverse effects.

The treatment option is based on the severity of the condition, the patient’s response to previous treatments, and individual health factors. It is very important to consult a dermatologist to decide the best way to deal with psoriasis.

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F] When to See a Dermatologist?

Knowing when to seek professional help is essential for psoriasis management. Below are some warning signs that call for a visit to a dermatologist.

  • If over-the-counter medications are not effective in controlling your symptoms, then it is time to seek expert advice from someone who can offer customised treatment options.
  • Worsening or spreading symptoms (e.g., more reddening, scaling, or discomfort) may mean your current management plan is unsatisfactory.
  • Symptoms of infection, like swelling, pain, and the presence of pus, necessitate prompt medical assistance to avoid complications.
  • Professional consultation can improve your quality of life if your symptoms affect your daily activities, like your work, social life, or mental peace.

Consulting a dermatologist can offer access to advanced treatments and individualised care plans so that you get the most suitable treatment for your psoriasis. If you need specialised care, feel free to contact our skin clinic, where you will get professional suggestions and treatment.

FAQ's

1. What is psoriasis, and how does it affect the skin?
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that increases the growth cycle of the skin cells, thereby causing them to form thick, scaly patches in the skin. It may be uncomfortable and majorly affect a person’s quality of life.
2. What are some of the first signs and symptoms of psoriasis?
Initial symptoms of psoriasis are red patches with silvery scales, itching, burning, and dry, cracked skin. Thickened nails or pitting is also possible.
3. Is psoriasis contagious?
No, psoriasis is not contagious. It is an autoimmune disorder that cannot be transferred from one person to another.
4. What are the treatment options for psoriasis?
There are topical options, light therapy, oral options, and biologics when treating psoriasis. However, treatment is dependent on the severity of the condition as well as on the individual patient.