Psoriasis - Causes and Treatment
Psoriasis is an immunologically-mediated illness that produces inflammation in the body brought on by immune system failure. Consequently, the skin turns red and becomes rough, scale-covered, and coated with white scales. Although they can grow anywhere, they mostly occur on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. It is not contagious, so that nobody can contract psoriasis from another individual. Members of the same lineage can experience it occasionally.
In the UK, psoriasis affects about 2 in 100 people. Although it can begin at any age, it most frequently strikes adults between the ages of 20 to 60. Both men and women are equally impacted. The severity of the disease varies from person to person. While for some people, it only causes a small annoyance, for others, it can significantly lower their quality of life.
Causes of Psoriasis
The causes of Psoriasis are unknown, but according to the experts, several contributing factors exist. An immune system issue leads to inflammation, which in turn causes an excessive number of new skin cells to grow. Skin cells are normally replaced every 10 to 30 days. In psoriasis, new skin cells develop every three to four days. These silver scales are the consequence of the replacement of old cells with new ones over time.
Psoriasis flare-ups may result from a variety of factors, including:
● Surgeries, cuts, or scrapes
● Emotional Stress
● Strep infections
● Medications, such as NSAIDs, antibiotics, blood pressure medications, anti-malarial treatments, lithium, and other mood stabilizers
What are the Symptoms of Psoriasis?
The degree of symptoms might vary greatly from person to person. Still, they typically come and go in waves, worsening and creating issues for a few weeks or months before getting better or going away completely for a while. Because of the severity of the irritation, the difficulties that can arise in severe cases, and shame over the look of the skin, psoriasis can be a minor annoyance for some people while being a major condition that profoundly affects their lives for others. Skin infections, as well as skin cracking and bleeding, are examples of such consequences. A third of those with psoriasis will eventually develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes swollen, painful, and stiff joints.
So, book your consultation with our expert UK-registered GPs and save yourself from getting embarrassed.
Are There Any Additional Diseases Connected To Psoriasis?
Scientists believe persons with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis may be more prone to develop other significant diseases, although research is still ongoing. Psoriasis can appear in different ways, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, an increased risk of obesity, and a natural risk of diabetes. It might affect your life in ways that are even currently difficult to predict fully.
Psoriasis has also been associated with cancer, Crohn's disease, depression, and liver disease, in addition to cardiovascular disorders and obesity. That gives you even more justification to consult your physician frequently and to have a plan in place.
How Can Psoriasis Be Managed?
First, if you are aware of your triggers, you might be able to avoid them, which can help you manage your psoriasis by preventing flare-ups. Even after employing this practical strategy, you probably still require medication unless your psoriasis is relatively minor.
Which Medications Are Used To Treat Psoriasis?
There are several over-the-counter medications, such as moisturizing lotions, ointments (emollients), and oils. They can be added to bathwater to treat mild to moderate psoriasis. These moisturize the skin While reducing psoriasis irritation and scale. Since they are inappropriate for everyone, it is important to read the product warnings before use.
Coal tar-containing products applied to the skin have been around for a while and are available without a prescription. They are believed to work by lowering the amount of skin cell production and treating inflammation. Many people with fewer symptoms will only require these to control their condition.
More powerful solutions are available with a prescription, including calcipotriol-containing products like Dovonex and steroids like Betnovate, Eumovate, and Diprosone. Vitamin D-related calcipotriol decreases the underlying mechanism of fast skin cell turnover. It may be used alone or with steroid anti-inflammatory drugs to lessen skin inflammation and irritation. Many people with psoriasis choose Dovobet as their preferred form of treatment because it contains both a steroid and calcipotriol.