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The fast overproduction of skin cells that causes thick, red, scaly patches to grow on the skin's surface is the hallmark of psoriasis, a persistent autoimmune skin disorder. Although these so-called plaques can appear anywhere on the body, the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, and nails are the most typical places to find them.
Common Presentation: The typical presentation of psoriasis includes:
- Red patches of skin: These spots can hurt or itch and are frequently covered in silvery scales.
- Thickened or pitted nails: Psoriasis can cause pitting, which is characterized by tiny dents or holes the size of pinpricks, discolouration, or detachment from the nail bed.
- Joint pain and swelling: Psoriatic arthritis, a disorder that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, can sometimes result from psoriasis that also affects the joints.
Treatment Options:
- Topical treatments: These are applied directly to the skin and include corticosteroids, retinoids, vitamin D analogs, and calcineurin inhibitors. Their goals are to reduce inflammation, slow down the proliferation of skin cells, and relieve symptoms.
- Phototherapy: Often known as light therapy, is a medically supervised process that exposes the skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation with the goal of reducing inflammation, slowing down skin cell proliferation, and improving psoriasis symptoms.
- Systemic drugs: Oral or injectable drugs such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, retinoids, or biologics may be recommended to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation in moderate-to-severe instances of psoriasis that do not respond to topical therapies or light therapy.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Psoriasis symptoms can be managed and flare-ups lessened by adopting specific lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding triggers (such as stress, certain drugs, infections, or skin injuries), eating a nutritious diet, managing stress, and abstaining from smoking and excessive alcohol use.
- Moisturizers and Emollients: Frequent hydration of the skin can help relieve psoriasis-related dryness, itching, and irritation while also enhancing the general comfort and health of the skin.
It’s important for individuals with psoriasis to work closely with a dermatologist to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and symptoms. While there is no cure for psoriasis, various treatment options can help control symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and improve overall quality of life.
