Psoriasis: Understanding The Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the skin. It is characterized by patches of abnormal skin that may be red scaly or itchy. While there are multiple forms of psoriasis plaque psoriasis is the most widely experienced. Although there is no cure for psoriasis the symptoms can be managed with treatments to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a condition in which skin cells proliferate at a much faster rate than normal. Under normal circumstances human skin cells take about 28 to 30 days to replicate; however with psoriasis this process may only take about 3 to 4 days. This rapid proliferation of skin cells leads to patches of thick scaly skin that may sometimes be itchy or painful.

Causes of Psoriasis

The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown but researchers believe that it may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetics appears to be the primary factor as the condition often runs in families. Environmental triggers may include stress infection medications and certain environmental conditions such as cold or sunlight exposure. People with a weakened immune system are also more likely to develop psoriasis.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

The most common symptom of psoriasis is red scaly patches of skin known as plaques. They are usually found on the elbows knees scalp and lower back but can time occur almost anywhere on the body. Other symptoms may include itching burning cracking of the skin and pain. In rare cases psoriasis can also affect the nails leading to splitting crumbling and discoloration.

Treatments for Psoriasis

Treatments for psoriasis may vary from person to person depending on the severity of the condition. Treatment typically includes topical products such as creams ointments and shampoos. These are applied directly to the affected area to combat the symptoms. Systemic medications may also be prescribed such as methotrexate cyclosporin and systemic corticosteroids. Phototherapy is a form of therapy that exposes the affected area to controlled amounts of ultraviolet (UV) light in order to reduce inflammation and scaling. Some alternative treatments include lifestyle modifications such as stress management avoidance of certain triggers and dietary changes. For some people natural remedies such as aloe vera oatmeal and apple cider vinegar may be beneficial

Living with Psoriasis

Living with psoriasis can be difficult at times as the condition can often be visible to others. It is important to speak to a healthcare professional to develop a management plan and treatment plan that works best for your individual needs. It can also be beneficial to connect with other people living with psoriasis to provide support and understanding. Psoriasis can be managed and there are treatments available to help reduce the symptoms and improve quality of life.