Psoriasis Treatment: An Introduction to the Disease
Wondering about the Psoriasis treatment, we will get to that but first, let us look at the disease. What is it? What are its causes and preventions? How it is spread and whom it can affect?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes redness, itching, scaling, and thickening of the skin. Psoriasis usually begins between the ages of 15 and 25 years old. However, some cases begin at any age. Psoriasis affects about 2% of people worldwide.
Psoriasis affects the skin, nails, joints, scalp, and gut. It can be mild or severe, but it always causes discomfort. The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but it may be triggered by stress, genetics, hormones, diet, infection, and certain medications. Psoriasis affects approximately 2% of people worldwide. However, it is estimated that only 10% of those affected seek medical treatment.
There are two forms of psoriasis: plaque-type psoriasis and guttate-type psoriasis.
Plaque-type psoriasis: occurs when the top layer of your skin becomes inflamed and scaly. This type of psoriasis can occur anywhere on your body, but it’s most common on your elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
Guttate-type psoriatic: lesions appear as small blisters filled with clear fluid. These blisters often form on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. Psoriasis may also affect nails, causing them to become thickened and discolored.
Scalp Psoriasis: also causes redness, scaling, and itching. It can occur anywhere on your scalp but is most common around the hairline. Scalp Psoriasis usually starts as small patches of dry, scaly skin. Over time, these patches may become larger and thicker. As they get bigger, they may cause pain and itchiness.
Quick fact: Psoriasis is not contagious and does not spread from person to person. However, it can be triggered by certain factors like stress, trauma, infection, or emotional upset.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
The following is a list of some of the common signs and symptoms of psoriatic skin disease.
- Redness
- Thickening of the skin
- Scaling
- Painful skin lesions
- Skin that feels dry
How to diagnose psoriasis?
To properly diagnose psoriasis, your doctor will perform a physical examination, including looking at your nails, palms, soles, and scalp. Your doctor may also ask about your medical history, diet, stress levels, and family history.
If your doctor suspects that you have psoriasis, he or she will likely recommend a biopsy. A biopsy involves taking a sample of skin cells from the affected area. This test can identify infections, genetic disorders, or other causes of psoriasis.
Once your diagnosis has been confirmed, your doctor will prescribe medication to treat your symptoms. Some medications used to treat psoriasis include topical creams, ointments, lotions, and pills. Other treatments include light therapy, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and phototherapy. When treating psoriasis, your physician may suggest lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers like alcohol and tobacco, limiting sun exposure, and using moisturizers.
Psoriasis can be treated successfully if you follow your treatment plan diligently. However, it’s important to understand that this disease is not curable, but rather manageable.
Is psoriasis the same as eczema?
There are many similarities between psoriasis and eczema. Both conditions can cause redness, scaling, and itching. They both have similar triggers and symptoms. However, they are not the same thing. Eczema is caused by a malfunctioning immune system. When the immune system malfunctions, it produces too many white blood cells called neutrophils. Neutrophils release chemicals that damage the outer layers of the skin.
Psoriasis is a disease where the body’s immune system attacks its cells, causing them to swell and form plaques. This happens when T-cells attack keratinocytes (the top layer of skin). These T-cells are activated by antigens from bacteria, viruses, or other sources. In some cases, these antigens come from food allergies.
Quick fact – The difference between psoriasis and Eczema is that psoriasis is a long-term condition while eczema is only temporary.
Psoriasis Treatment
There are several treatments for psoriasis, including topical creams, oral medications, light therapy, and surgery. Surgery is reserved for severe cases where topical therapies have not worked. Treatment options include topical treatments (creams, ointments, lotions), phototherapy (light therapy), systemic medications (oral drugs), and biological therapies. Topical treatments work best for mild cases of psoriasis.
Phototherapy works well for moderate to severe cases. Systemic medications are used if other treatments do not work. Biologic therapies are newer treatments that target specific immune system cells involved in causing psoriasis. They may be effective for patients who cannot tolerate traditional treatments.
Home Remedies for Psoriasis Treatment
Home remedies for psoriasis include using natural oils like olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil, and jojoba oil. These oils help moisturize your skin and prevent dryness. You can apply these oils directly to the affected areas of your skin. Another home remedy for psoriasis includes soaking cotton balls in vinegar. After soaking, place them on the affected areas of your body. This helps remove dead skin cells and reduces inflammation.
Also read: Vitamin C for Skin: Get that Glow at Home
Scalp psoriasis treatment at home
There are many treatments for scalp psoriasis including topical medications, phototherapy (light therapy), and systemic therapies. Topical medications include corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, coal tar, salicylic acid, anthralin, and retinoid creams. Phototherapy includes ultraviolet light B (UVB) and narrowband UVB (NB-UVB). Systemic therapies include methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin, etanercept, adalimumab, and ustekinumab.
The best way to treat your scalp psoriasis is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. You should avoid stress, smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. These factors can trigger flare-ups of psoriasis.
What is the psoriasis treatment diet that one can follow to manage this disorder?
The psoriasis diet plan is a natural way to treat your skin condition. Here’s what you can do to help yourself get rid of psoriasis.
1. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables: These foods contain antioxidants that fight free radicals. Free radicals cause inflammation in the body. In the body, antioxidants help reduce free radicals. Fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins and minerals that keep your immune system strong. They also provide fiber to help you feel full.
2. Drink plenty of water: Drinking water helps flush out toxins from the body. Your body needs to stay hydrated to flush out these toxins. Try drinking at least 8 glasses of water if possible. If you don’t have time to drink enough water throughout the day, then make sure you drink some before bedtime.
3. Avoid alcohol: Alcohol dehydrates the body. It makes you crave sugary treats even more. When you’re trying to lose weight, you want to avoid anything that will make you crave unhealthy food.
4. Exercise regularly: Exercise boosts endorphins, which are chemicals that give you energy. Endorphins also help relieve stress and pain. Try walking, swimming, running, dancing, biking, hiking, or any other type of exercise that you enjoy.
5. Get adequate sleep: Sleep is very important for your health. Make sure you get good sleep. If you need to nap during the day, then take a short nap. However, if you find yourself waking up frequently during the night, then you may not be getting enough sleep.
The final takeaway,
Psoriasis can have long-term effects on your health. It can increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Psoriasis can make it difficult to go to work or go to school. You may need to miss days of work or school due to flare-ups. Psoriasis can affect your joints and cause pain. Seek medical attention as soon as you see the symptoms. Stay Healthy!
