A Detailed Guide on Psoriasis and Its Treatment

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin problem that occurs when the immune system is unable to recognize its own cells and targets healthy skin cells. It is associated with the red, scaly patches that cause itching and pain sometimes. It occurs on any part of the body, particularly on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Despite age and gender, it affects everyone. It causes physical, mental, and emotional discomfort. Here is a detailed guide on Psoriasis Treatment in Delhi, shared by a dermatologist at Mehektagul Dermaclinic:

Understanding Psoriasis

It is a long-term skin condition that occurs due to immune system dysfunction. The immune system becomes overactive and disrupts its own healthy skin cells mistakenly. As a result, skin cells regenerate at a very fast rate. It regenerates every few days instead of a month. When these cells accumulate, then they form scaly patches or plaques. Psoriasis can be mild and cause only irritation or may be complex. It is found anywhere on the body, especially on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. It also appears on the nails and joints.

Common Types of Psoriasis

There are various types of psoriasis based on its unique features. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis that affects most people. Here are the various types of psoriasis:

1. Plaque Psoriasis: Plaque psoriasis is the most common autoimmune skin condition that affects almost 80-90% of people. It appears as red, inflamed patches of skin that are enclosed with silvery-white scales. Mostly seen on the scalp, elbows, knees, lower back, and buttocks. It is itchy, and painful and leads to bleeding. It occurs in various sizes that accumulate to cover larger areas.

2. Guttate Psoriasis: It is a small, drop-shaped, pink, or red patch that occurs due to bacterial infections, especially streptococcal throat infections. It mostly begins in childhood or young adulthood and is found in the trunk, arms, legs, and scalp. The lesions of guttate psoriasis are less thick and scaly in contrast to plague psoriasis.
3. Inverse Psoriasis: It is known for bright red, inflamed, and smooth patches of skin that affect the skin folds, particularly under the breasts, in the groin, around the genitals, and under the arms. It causes sores due to excessive sweating and friction in the unfounded area.

4. Pustular Psoriasis: It is characterized by white pustules known as blisters of noninfectious pus on red and inflamed skin. It is painful and is found on the hands and feet. It causes dehydration and increases the risk of complications.

5. Erythrodermic Psoriasis: It is rarely found but causes severe itching and pain. It is characterized by extensive redness and shedding of the skin over larger areas.

6. Nail Psoriasis: It is linked to the pitting, thickening, and discoloration of the nails. It affects fingernails as well as toenails. It causes brittle nails that can easily damage and sometimes detach from the nail bed.

Causes and Risk Factors

Psoriasis is quite distressing and can be bothersome. As per the Skin Specialist in Delhi at Mehektagul Dermaclinic, this skin condition occurs due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Psoriasis can be transferred from parents to their children and increases the risk for children. It is considered an autoimmune disorder where the immune system is unable to recognize the cells and attack its own healthy skin cells, allowing it to accelerate its turnover rate. The reason for chronic psoriasis is due to environmental factors. It occurs due to stress, infections like strep throat, skin injuries, medication, alcohol consumption, and smoking.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

The symptoms of psoriasis vary based on the mild to severe skin condition. Mostly, psoriasis is characterized by red patches of skin enclosed with thick, silvery patches, itching, burning, soreness, dry, cracked skin, thickened, pitted (found in nails), and stiff and swollen joints.

Diagnosis of Psoriasis

A dermatologist assesses the patient’s psoriasis condition by performing a biopsy test where affected skin cells are observed under the microscope and identifies the cellular changes associated with psoriasis. A skin specialist also reviews the patient’s medical and family history. The severity of the psoriasis condition is measured by the percentage of the body surface area affected.

Psoriasis Treatment in Delhi   

1. Topical treatment: Topical treatment is the first line of defense. It includes corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, coal tar, and salicylic acids. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory creams or ointments that help to reduce swelling and itching. Vitamin D analogs like calcipotriene cause slower skin cell growth. Salicylic acid removes the scales by softening the skin. These medications are applied directly to the skin.

2. Phototherapy: It is also known as light therapy, used to target affected skin through ultraviolet (UV) light under controlled conditions. This therapy is recommended for moderate to severe skin conditions that slow down the excessive growth of skin cells. It includes UVB therapy and PUVA therapy. UVB targets the affected skin cells and penetrates into them. The other PUVA therapy involves UVB light with a photosensitizing drug called psoralen, making the skin more receptive to UVA light and slowing down the skin cells.

Several treatments for psoriasis management are offered at Mehektagul Dermaclinic. Learn more by consulting a dermatologist at Mehektagul Dermaclinic to learn more!