Psoriasis is one of the most persistent and baffling of all dermatological disorders, it is irritating and unpredictable by its nature. This illness is characterized by over-multiplication of skin cells up to 10 times faster than normal growth. As dead underlying cells reach the skin’s surface, their voluminous accumulation causes raised, red plaques that gets covered with white scales. If someone is suffering from this disease, immediately consult a dermatologist for the treatment.
• It is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease.
• It is related to inherited genes and the immune system.
• It is not contagious.
• It gets better and worse spontaneously and can have periodic remissions (clear skin).
• Psoriasis is controllable with medication prescribed by an experienced Dermatologist.
• This includes red, scaling plaques of itchy, elevated skin affecting the elbows, knees and scalp.
• Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis.
Psoriasis is fundamentally an immune system problem. This disease typically happens on the elbows, knees and scalp. Although psoriasis can be seen in people of any age, from babies to seniors, most commonly patients are first diagnosed in their early adult years. Psoriasis, can also affect the palms, torso and soles of the feet. Psoriasis can also at time be found associated with psoriatic arthritis, which leads to swelling and pain in the joints.
Symptoms:-
• Red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales
• Small scaling spots (commonly seen in children)
• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
• Itching, burning or soreness
• Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
• Swollen and stiff joints
Fall and winter may bring shorter days, colder temperatures, and dry air. These can all lead to worsening psoriasis symptoms. The sun’s ultraviolet light hinders the rapid growth of skin cells that is characteristic of psoriasis. Therefore, spending less time in the sun may cause psoriasis symptoms to flare. The dry weather may remove moisture in your skin so it is important to use moisturizers prescribed by Dermatologist.
Type of Psoriasis:-
Psoriasis Vulgaris
The most common form of psoriasis that affects about 80% of all sufferers is psoriasis vulgaris (“vulgaris” means common). It is also referred to as plaque psoriasis because of the well-defined areas of raised red skin that characterize this form. These raised red plaques have a flaky, silver-white buildup on top called scale, made up of dead skin cells. The scale loosens and sheds frequently. Consult a dermatologist ones you got this type of symptoms.
Psoriasis of the Scalp
Psoriasis commonly occurs on the scalp, which may cause fine, scaly skin or heavily crusted plaque areas. This plaque may flake or peel off in clumps. Scalp psoriasis may resemble seborrhea dermatitis, but in that condition the scales are greasy.
Psoriasis of the Nails
In some cases, psoriasis may involve only the fingernails and toenails, though more commonly nail symptoms will accompany psoriasis and arthritis symptoms. The appearance of the nails may be altered and affected nails may have small pinpoint pits or large yellow-colored separations on the nail plate called “oil spots.”
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s defenses attack the joints of the body causing inflammation and pain. Psoriatic arthritis usually develops about 5 to 12 years after psoriasis begins and about 5-10% of people with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriasis Treatment:-
Dr. Sahil Mrigpuri (M.D Dermatology) an experienced Skin Specialist in Himachal who will guide you with most appropriate treatments for your psoriasis. First time in Himachal he has introduce the latest technology for Hair Transplantation & Skin Treatment with Lasers. He has specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases of the skin, mouth, hair and nails including acne, skin cancers, melanomas, moles, dermatitis, allergic disorders and infectious diseases. Else there are number of treatments to cure this disease, some of them are following.
Topicals
One of the most common treatment options, topicals, is usually the first medication dermatologist will prescribe after you’ve been diagnosed with psoriasis. They come in different forms, like creams, ointments, gels, or foam. Topicals work on top of the skin, where the symptoms appear – not under the skin, where symptoms start. Applying topicals directly on plaques can help slow the growth of skin cells.
Light therapy for psoriasis
Light therapy is also called phototherapy. There are several types of medical light therapies that include PUVA (an acronym for psoralen + UVA), UVB, and narrow-band UVB. These artificial light sources have been used for decades and generally are available in only certain physician’s offices. There are a few companies who may sell light boxes or light bulbs for prescribed home light therapy.
Phototherapy, also known as light therapy, also works on the surface of your skin. Using special lamps that shine UV rays directly onto your plaques can slow down the growth of affected skin cells. At Neelkanth Hospital we have Narrow-band UVB phototherapy, which is an artificial light treatment using very limited wavelengths of light. It is frequently given daily or two to three times per week. Consult Dr. Sahil Mrigpuri to know the proper treatment procedure & prevention.
Tips to Prevent Psoriasis:-
• Use moisturizing lotions prescribed by a Dermatologist.
• Take care of your skin and scalp- never pick at patched or scales
• Avoid dry, cold weather
• Use a humidifier
• Avoid medications that cause flare-ups
• Avoid scrapes, cuts, bumps, and infections
• Get some sun, but not too much- use sunscreen and soak up the sun in 20 minute increments
• Reduce stress with meditation
• Reduce alcohol consumption
• Exercise and maintain a healthy weight
