What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a type of skin disease which manifests itself as scaly spots on the skin, in some patients, the skin symptoms are not apparent. Psoriasis occurs when the body’s immune system mistakes skin cells for harmful pathogens, and the areas affected grow more skin cells than necessary to cover up for the ‘damage’ to the skin.

Psoriasis occurs in five main forms: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular, and erythrodermic. Plaque psoriasis is the most common of the five. Despite the fact that psoriasis is not contagious, and has no known cure.

Psoriasis is associated with heightened risk of heart attack. The plaque type of psoriasis manifests itself on the knees, feet, palms, and genitals. One of the major symptoms of psoriasis is joint inflammation, also called psoriatic arthritis.

Medical experts believe that psoriasis has strong links to a person’s genetic history. Some forms of psoriasis occur in the Koebner phenomenon. Psychological problems such as stress aggravate the problem.

Psoriasis is a disease that is not very easy to treat, because of its complex nature. Many of the medications used in the treatment of psoriasis result in worsening of the disease if discontinued.

Psoriasis Treatment

Psoriasis is very unpredictable, and different kinds of medications work for different people. Some patients may have cases of psoriasis that are resistant to certain medications, and other options are available where resistance is noticed.

The treatment of psoriasis should help curb the formation of plaque and if possible stop it completely. The aim of some forms of psoriasis medication is to remove the existing plaque and make the skin look smooth and healthier.

The treatment regimen includes creams and ointments, which the patient applies to the affected areas. Psoriasis patients can also take medicines orally, but these mainly go hand in hand with the skin treatments. Sufferers of psoriasis should avoid the use of creams for areas around the eyes, as they can cause irritation to the eyes.

Use of light in treatment of psoriasis

Phototherapy is another method used to treat psoriasis. The light can be either artificial or natural ultra violet light. The light inhibits the growth of plaque by killing the skin cells. Intense exposure can result in more damage to the skin. It is always a good idea to consult your doctor before trying out any kind of phototherapy.

More recently, narrowband UVB therapy is in use. Narrowband UVB is more effective than the traditional light treatment method. Use of the method is usually about twice or thrice weeks until positive improvements are noted. The side effects are however more severe due to the higher intensity of the light used.

Injections

Use of injections is necessary in severe cases of psoriasis.

Safety and side effects

Drugs such as thioguanine and hydroxyrea cause anemia due to reduction in red blood cells. Physicians do not recommend these medications, especially for pregnant women.

Cyclosporine is suppresses the immune system, which helps in the management of psoriasis. However, they have adverse side effects such as increased risk of cancer, kidney problems, and blood pressure. Doctors recommend short-term use of cyclosporine.