PSORIASIS

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic, incurable skin disease that manifests as severe flaking of the skin and red, inflamed areas.

Psoriasis can affect different parts of the body and its manifestation is very individual. The most commonly affected parts of the body are:

1. Joints
2. Scalp
3. Back and chest
4. Nails
5. Legs and hands

In some people, psoriasis can severely affect the joints, causing inflammation and pain called psoriatic arthritis . Psoriatic arthritis usually affects the joints of the fingers and toes, but it can also affect others.

Psoriasis affects people regardless of their age, gender and race, but some factors increase the risk of this disease :

Genetics

Psoriasis can run in the family, and if your loved ones have the disease, your risk of developing psoriasis is higher.

Age

Psoriasis can occur at any age, but is most common in adults. There are two main age groups for psoriasis to appear: the first is usually between the ages of 15 and 35, and the second is between the ages of 50 and 60.

Immune system disorders

People with autoimmune diseases or a weakened immune system (for example, those with HIV or taking immunosuppressants) are prone to developing psoriasis.

Infections

Some infections, especially strep throat infections, can cause or worsen psoriasis.

It should be emphasized that psoriasis is a non-infectious disease, so it is not contagious.

Genetic causes of psoriasis

Genetics is one of the main factors involved in the development of psoriasis. Although the direct link between a specific gene and psoriasis is not yet clear, research suggests that several genes may increase the risk of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is now known to be a polygenic disease, which means that not one, but many genes affect the onset and development of the disease.

A genetic predisposition to psoriasis means that if you have a family member with the disease, your risk of developing it also increases. However, it should be emphasized that genetics is not a decisive factor in developing psoriasis. Environmental factors such as stress, infections, skin trauma or certain medications can also play a role in the onset and development of psoriasis. This means that even if you have a genetic predisposition, it does not mean that you will necessarily develop the disease. Genetics is only one of the factors that influence the development of psoriasis.

What causes psoriasis?

Scientists often identify the immune system as one of the triggers for psoriasis. That includes:

• Metabolic disorders
• Infections caused by viruses and bacteria (for example, ear infections, tonsillitis, gastrointestinal infections, HIV)
• Skin irritation (sunburn, tattoos and injuries)
• Long-term emotional tension (stress, mobbing)
• Psoriasis diet
• Climate influence
• Overweight
• Smoking

Smokers with psoriasis are much more common than non-smokers. Smoking ten cigarettes a day can triple the risk of the disease.

Diagnosis

In order to correctly diagnose psoriasis, a dermatologist may ask several questions, such as:

1. Are you taking any medication?
2. What symptoms are you experiencing?
3. How long do they last?
4. Does the itching also occur at night?
5. Do other family members have psoriasis?

This is usually followed by a thorough examination and assessment of the patient's skin. In most cases, a dermatologist will be able to visually diagnose psoriasis based on the typical skin changes present.

If there is a family member with psoriasis, the symptoms may indicate that it is a manifestation of the same disease. However, if there is no genetic predisposition and the visual diagnosis is unclear, a biopsy should be performed. During this examination, the doctor determines whether the upper layer of the skin is suffering from inflammation.

In the case of mild symptoms of psoriasis, additional tests should be performed. This is necessary to rule out other possible skin conditions, including:

• Fungal skin diseases
• Ichthyosis
  
• Eczema
• Early stages of syphilis
• Lichen planus

People with joint problems need blood tests and X-rays.

Symptoms

Psoriasis symptoms can appear individually for everyone, but here are some of the most common symptoms :

1. Red, inflamed spots;
2. Flaking;
3. Dry, cracked skin;
4. Nail damage;
5. Joint pain and swelling.

Psoriasis symptoms can be considered mild to severe, depending on the patient and the form of the disease. Also, symptoms may come and go over certain periods of time. It is important to see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment if you suspect you have psoriasis.

Psoriasis in babies

In babies, this disease occurs quite rarely. In such cases, the genetic predisposition of the parents should be considered first. However, infections, skin irritations or allergies can also be responsible for the characteristic symptoms. However, care should be taken as psoriasis in babies is often undiagnosed because the symptoms are similar to diaper rash or neurodermatitis.

Psoriasis in children

Psoriasis often occurs in children and adolescents after tonsillitis. Red skin lesions all over the body cause severe, painful itching. Medications are also known to affect the onset of psoriasis.

Treatment

Psoriasis treatment can vary depending on the severity of the disease, symptoms, age of the patient and individual responses to treatment. The main goal is to reduce inflammation, symptoms and improve quality of life. The positive effects of the treatment are felt only after a longer period, so it is very important not to stop the treatment of psoriasis without consulting a doctor.

The choice of cream or ointment for the treatment of psoriasis depends primarily on the severity of the symptoms and the active ingredients of the products. Cooling gels and lotions can also be used.

What else helps with psoriasis?

Suggested treatments:

• Skin care (regular skin hydration)
• Medicines (antihistamines)
• Diet (avoid spicy foods, alcohol, foods containing histamine such as chocolate, cheese, nuts)
• Skin cooling (compresses, breathable clothing, cool indoor air)
• Acupuncture (may reduce itching)
• Gloves while sleeping
• Nail care (shorten your nails to avoid scratching)

Ultraviolet radiation (phototherapy) is a recommended adjunctive treatment. UV rays inhibit immune processes and neutralize increased cell growth. As a result, symptoms are significantly reduced in the summer.

Prevention

Currently, it is impossible to prevent psoriasis. However, sufferers can self-identify factors that aggravate the symptoms they experience. Avoiding stress is just one way to prevent disease.

Prepared from online sources.