Psoriasis is a non-contagious chronic inflammatory skin condition that creates red, itchy, scaly areas on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp.
Psoriasis is a widespread, long-lasting (chronic) skin condition that has no cure. It may flare for a few weeks or months before decreasing or going into remission. There are treatments available to assist you in managing your symptoms. Additionally, you may adopt lifestyle changes and coping mechanisms to improve your quality of life while living with psoriasis.
This disease occurs when the body produces skin cells at an abnormal rate, resulting in the accumulation of skin cells and noticeable patches or spots on the skin. New cells at the epidermis’s base continually migrate upward and replace the older cells above them.
Usually, cells take roughly a month to complete this voyage. In psoriasis, new cells reach the epidermal layer of the skin in as little as six to eight days.
Immune system fail
White blood cells, commonly known as T-cells, are a part of the body’s immune system. These cells help keep us healthy by fighting pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.
When a person develops psoriasis, something goes wrong with the immune system, and T cells begin attacking the body’s skin cells. This assault stimulates the body’s production of new skin cells. Psoriasis occurs when excess skin cells accumulate on the skin’s surface. Once T-cells begin attacking skin cells, they often continue to do so for the remainder of a person’s life.
We know that psoriasis is hereditary. Scientists have discovered that some genes increase a person’s risk of developing psoriasis. Additionally, it is possible to have genes associated with an increased risk of developing psoriasis yet never acquire the disease. This discovery prompted experts to assume that psoriasis must be triggered.
What factors can contribute to the development of psoriasis?
Numerous factors might function as a trigger, producing the initial appearance of psoriasis. Common psoriasis triggers include the following:
- Alcohol (heavy drinking)
- Infection, such as strep throat
- Skin damage, such as a cut or severe sunburn
- Certain medicines, such as lithium, prednisone, and hydroxychloroquine
- Stress
- Tobacco
These factors can also result in flare-ups of psoriasis. Individuals have unique triggers. For instance, excessive stress may exacerbate your psoriasis, but cool temperatures may not.
That is why it is critical for persons with psoriasis to understand what causes their psoriasis. By avoiding triggers, psoriasis outbreaks can be minimized.
Psoriasis Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Your Buckeye Dermatologist will inquire about your health and do a physical examination of your skin, scalp, and nails. We may take a biopsy of your skin to examine under a microscope. A biopsy assists us in determining the kind of psoriasis you may have and exclude other conditions.
Treatment
Psoriasis therapies attempt to slow the growth of skin cells and eliminate scales. Creams and ointments (topical treatment), light therapy, and oral or intravenous medicines are all options.
Which treatments used are determined by the severity of psoriasis and its response to previous treatment. Your doctor may need to experiment with different medications or a combination of therapies before finding one that works for you. However, psoriasis frequently reappears.
Make an appointment at Buckeye Dermatology.
Regardless of the severity of the disease, you should consult a Buckeye dermatologist who specializes in psoriasis treatment. Contact us and schedule an appointment and find out how we can improve the condition of your skin!
