Managing the Condition for Better Quality of Life
What it is: Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that causes red, scaly patches; it often affects the elbows, knees, and scalp, but it can occur anywhere on the body.
What causes it: While doctors aren’t sure exactly what triggers psoriasis outbreaks, nearly all doctors agree that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, which means it’s caused by an overactive immune system. What it does: Psoriasis causes skin cells to build up rapidly—this leads to the itchy and often painful red patches, bumps, and blisters psoriasis can cause, depending on type.
There are several types of psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form. It causes dry, red skin lesions with silvery scales, often on the knees and elbows. Less common forms include: • Inverse psoriasis: occurs in skin folds (e.g. underarms, under breasts) • Guttate psoriasis: causes small, teardrop-shaped spots in kids and young adults; often appears after strep throat infection • Nail psoriasis: causes pitting, discoloration, and abnormal growth of fingernails and toenails • Pustular psoriasis: much less common form; causes fluid-filled patches on hands, feet, and fingertips
People with psoriasis are twice as likely to develop one or more additional autoimmune diseases,1 such as: • Rheumatoid arthritis (very strongly linked to psoriasis) • Celiac disease • Lupus • Scleroderma
Researchers think autoimmune diseases may share a common genetic or environmental cause, which could explain why people who have psoriasis are more likely to develop another autoimmune condition.1
• Psoriasis is often confused with eczema, another common skin condition with similarities to psoriasis. • Both conditions can cause red, patchy, inflamed skin and blisters, and both can cause itching.
• Eczema is often intensely itchy, however, while psoriasis tends to cause stinging and burning; the skin is also usually thicker and more inflamed with psoriasis. • To determine whether you have psoriasis or eczema, your doctor will perform a physical exam and (rarely) may take a small sample of skin, called a biopsy, which he or she will examine under a microscope.
• People with psoriasis are twice as likely to be depressed as those who don’t have it.2 • It’s not just the embarrassment and discomfort of psoriasis that can lead to depression—the condition also triggers the immune system to release brain chemicals called cytokines, which can alter a person’s mood and lead to depression. • If you’re experiencing signs of depression, such as hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, and changes in appetite, don’t wait—see your primary care doctor right away.
Doctors don’t know exactly what causes psoriasis outbreaks, but they may be triggered by:
• Stress • Smoking • Heavy alcohol use • Vitamin D deficiency • Certain medications, including lithium (used to treat bipolar disorder), and high blood pressure drugs • Infections (esp. strep throat), which can temporarily weaken the immune system
Avoiding common psoriasis triggers whenever possible may help prevent flare-ups.
Depending on the type and severity of your psoriasis, your doctor may recommend any of the following treatments: • Topical treatments (topical corticosteroids or retinoids, synthetic Vitamin D, salicylic acid, or others) • Light therapy (natural sunlight, laser therapy, UVB phototherapy, or others) • Oral or injected medications (retinoids, methotrexate, cyclosporine, biologics, or others)
• Natural treatments (aloe vera, fish oil, or others) You may need to try several treatments until you find one or a combination that works best for you.
There are things you can do every day to help reduce flareups and ease the discomfort of psoriasis. These include:
• Taking daily baths: Baths help soothe skin and shed psoriasis scales; add colloidal oatmeal or Epsom salts to your bath, and avoid hot water and harsh soaps. • Moisturizing daily: An ointment-based moisturizer after a bath can help; unscented oils can help for very dry skin. • Exposing skin to the sun: Your doctor can advise you about how much sun exposure is best for your condition. Avoid overexposure, which can worsen outbreaks and increase skin cancer risk. • Avoiding alcohol and other triggers: You can’t control all triggers, but you can control some (like avoiding alcohol and minimizing stress).
Psoriasis symptoms can range from mild to severe. The good news is that the condition can be managed with the right treatment and lifestyle changes. The expert physicians at Crystal Run Healthcare are committed to helping patients of every age find relief from psoriasis. Our New York-area facilities offer first-class preventative medicine, diagnostics, and treatment for dermatology patients of all ages. Visit us online to learn more about the expert dermatoloKgists at Crystal Run Healthcare and easily book an appointment with many of our physicians, or contact us if you need additional assistance. Our methods are evidence-based. Our treatment is patient-centered. Our doctors are here to help. Visit www.crystalrunhealthcare.com for more information. Dr. Allan Izikson – Board Certified Dermatologist
1.
https://www.jaad.org/article/S01909622(12)00462-8/fulltext
2.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama dermatology/fullarticle/210088