Do you suffer from patchy, scaly skin with rashes and it’s getting worse? Chances are you’re getting psoriasis. Here’s a clearer and indepth understanding of what it is, its causes and possible treatments.
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease, where there is a rapid, excessive growth of skin cells, leading to a scaly, rough skin texture. This can happen anywhere and at anytime, but is mostly common during adulthood. Common areas affected are scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. In more severe cases, it can be for longer periods of time and can spread very quickly too. The skin condition cannot be passed from person to person, however, if it runs in the family, then one should be aware and on the look out too.
What Are Its Multiple Types
There are multiple types and stages of psoriasis, which are as follow:
1. Pustular Psoriasis
This type causes white bumps filled with pus inside or close to the red skin blotches.
2. Guttate Psoriasis
This usually occurs during childhood or young adulthood, affecting mostly the torso and limbs with small, red spots. Triggers can be allergy, infection, tonsillitis, stress and even an injury affecting the skin.
3. Inverse psoriasis
This usually occurs where the skin folds. This type causes bright red, shiny lesions on the skin.
4.. Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis is more chronic and severe. Mostly a result of sunburns, infections, allergies and even a side effect of a few medications. Due to its extreme side effects and the pain that comes with, it needs to be treated ASAP.
What Are The Symptoms You Need To Be On The Lookout For?
Due to its variety of multiple types and the severity, the symptoms may vary. But some common signs include:
- Plaques of red skin, which in time might cause bleeding after the skin cracks
- Discoloration and pitting of the nails
- Sore patches
- Swollen joints
- Inflammation of the skin
Is There A Cure Or Possible Treatment?
As for now, medical research is non conclusive in finding a proper treatment and cure for psoriasis. But there are ways to manage it and keep it at bay at max.
1. Medical Aid
Retinoids – This reduces cell production, hence will help reduce your psoriasis. But once you stop, psoriasis is likely to return. However, side effects include hair loss and lip inflammation
Cyclosporine – This strengthens your immune system, meaning it will help ease the pain and symptoms that come with psoriasis. However, it can affect your kidneys and lead to high blood pressure too.
2. Adapt To Healthy Eating
Eating clean, avoiding junk and fried food and losing weight can help strengthen your immunity. Reduce the intake of saturated fats and start including omega 3, vitamins and other healthy nutrients in your diet. Avoid taking ‘psoriasis trigger foods’, These might include:
- red meat
- refined sugar
- processed foods
- dairy products
3. Manage Your Stress
Stress Is a trigger as well. Managing it through meditation, yoga, breathing exercises & lifestyle changes can help alleviate symptoms and flare ups.
4. Manage Dry Skin
Psoriasis tends to flare up in winter, mainly due to dry skin. You can retain the moisture in your skin by using a home humidifier, available at most electronic stores. This can be particularly useful in winter when the air inside your home is likely to be cold and dry.
Psoriasis might not have a complete cure yet, but with time and conscious effort, its symptoms can be managed and triggers avoided to keep the condition at bay. Tell us how you manage it if you or anyone you know has psoriasis.
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Disclaimer: This article serves as a mere guideline and is for informational purposes. For more information and professional help, get in touch with your doctor.
(Sources: WebMD, Healthline, MayoClinic)
