What Causes Psoriasis And How Is It Diagnosed?

August 31, 2020     

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which cells proliferate on the skin. This overgrowth can cause thick, scaly plaques that are itchy and cause discomfort. There are different types of psoriasis, and they vary depending on: the appearance of the scales and their location on the body. 

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that affects 1 in 50 people. It is the same in men and women. It can happen at any age. Psoriasis is a long-term condition that can occur throughout your life. It’s not contagious; Hence, you cannot get psoriasis from other people. It does not mark the skin, although it can sometimes cause a temporary increase or decrease in skin colour. Although psoriasis is a disease in the long term, there are many effective treatments available to control it.

Psoriasis can affect nails and joints, as well as the skin. Psoriatic arthritis causes swelling and stiffness in the joints or stiffness in the lower back and should be treated by a rheumatologist who works closely with your dermatologist.

Moderate to severe psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of anxiety, depression and harmful alcohol use. Moderate to severe psoriasis increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, and psoriasis treatment can reduce that risk. Psoriasis can also be associated with obesity, high cholesterol, venous thromboembolism, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Psoriasis is also associated with inflammatory bowel disease and has a slightly increased risk of skin cancer.

Environmental triggers often cause psoriasis symptoms. While there is no cure for these symptoms, recent developments in psoriasis treatment mean that they can reduce the number of flares and their severity.

In this article, Cosmosure Clinic Doctors describes the causes of psoriasis, their symptoms, and how to diagnose them.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which the rapid multiplication of skin cells results in raised, red, scaly patches on the skin. It most commonly affects the skin of the elbows, knees, and scalp, although it can appear anywhere on the body.

What causes psoriasis?

Psoriasis runs in families: If a parent, grandparent, brother, or sister has psoriasis, there is a higher risk of developing psoriasis.

Also, you CANNOT get psoriasis from:

• Swimming in a pool with someone who has psoriasis
• Touching someone who has psoriasis
• Having sex with someone with psoriasis

Even though we know psoriasis isn’t contagious, scientists are still trying to pinpoint

how psoriasis develops. Scientists have learned that the human immune system and genes play a role in the development of psoriasis.

Immune system: White blood cells, also called T cells, are part of the immune system. These cells prevent us from getting sick by attacking the things that can harm us, such as bacteria and viruses.

When someone has psoriasis, something is wrong with their immune system, so the T cells also attack the body’s skin cells. This attack causes the body to produce new skin cells more frequently. Extra skin cells will pile up on the surface of the skin, and you will see psoriasis.

Once T cells start attacking skin cells, they usually last for the rest of a person’s life. There is one exception. Some children who develop a type of psoriasis called Guttate (psoriasis) never get it again.

Genes: We know that psoriasis runs in families. Researchers have found that people with specific genes are more likely to develop psoriasis.

Many everyday things can trigger and cause psoriasis for the first time. Common psoriasis triggers are:

• Stress
• Skin injuries such as cuts or severe sunburn
• Infections such as sore throat
• Several medications, including lithium, prednisone, and hydroxychloroquine
• Weather, unusually cold and dry weather
• Tobacco
• Alcohol (liquor)

These triggers can also cause psoriasis. Different people have different triggers. For example, a period of high stress can trigger your psoriasis, but cold weather may not.

Psoriasis signs and symptoms

Psoriatic plaques can range from multiple points that range from flaky scales to significant eruptions covering large areas. Symptoms and the onset of the disease vary depending on the type and severity of psoriasis. Some common signs and symptoms are:

• Red spots or plaques on the skin covered with silver scales
• Dry or cracked skin that bleeds
• Burning, itching, or pain near the affected area
• Toenails are thickened or dense
• Swollen joints

If you think you have psoriasis, it’s essential to understand. Treatments can help relieve your discomfort and result in clearer on skin. To learn how dermatologists diagnose and treat patients with psoriasis.

How to diagnose psoriasis?

Your doctor can often diagnose psoriasis based on the appearance of your skin.
In rare cases, a small sample of skin called a biopsy is sent to a laboratory to be examined under a microscope.

This determines the right type of psoriasis and excludes other skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, lichen planus, herpes simplex and pityriasis rosea. You may be referred to a dermatologist if your doctor is unsure of your diagnosis or if your condition is severe.

If your doctor suspects psoriatic arthritis, a complication of psoriasis, they may be referred to a rheumatologist who specializes in arthritis.

Blood tests can be done to rule out other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and the affected joints x-rays image.

Treatment:

There are a wide variety of treatments available to treat inflammation associated with all types and degrees of psoriasis. The goal of treatment is to prevent new lesions from forming by changing the immune mechanism. Some medications are remission, and others are depressing. Relief from symptoms that persist after treatment is stopped is called remission. This means people living with psoriasis can take a break from treatment. With other treatments for psoriasis, symptoms can return after the drug is stopped. When medication is used continuously to maintain symptoms, it is called suppression.

• Moisturizers are vital for psoriasis
• There are dozens of creams and lotions people can apply.
• Topical medications.
• Sunlight or phototherapy can help people with psoriasis
• Vitamin D analogues
• Retinoids
• Calcineurin inhibitors
• Salicylic acid
• Coal tar
• Biologics that target the immune system
• Anthralin
• Light therapy includes UVB treatment: UVB narrowband, UVB narrowband
• PUVA, Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA)
• Lasers.

With all treatments, it is important to follow the directions for use and the treatment regimen for your medicines.

Conclusion:

Even though psoriasis cannot be cured, it can be controlled. Working with a doctor to find a treatment that will relieve itching and discomfort can help relieve psoriasis symptoms. Taking steps to identify trigger symptoms and limit exposure to those triggers can also prevent future lightning strikes.

Although psoriasis may be a mild irritation for some people, psoriasis can have a significant impact on the quality of life for people who are more severely affected.
Severe psoriasis can be a terrible condition that can seriously interfere with a person’s life. Treatment options are available for people with severe psoriasis that can help manage symptoms. In some cases, hospitalization may be required to treat severe bouts of psoriasis.

Talk to a doctor at Cosmosure Clinic if you have psoriasis and have concerns about your physical and mental health. They can offer further advice and treatment if necessary. Please book your appointment by contacting us at 8331040404.