PSORIASIS

Psoriasis is a common, chronic autoimmune skin disease which sometimes also involves nails and joints. It affects almost 2 out of 100 people worldwide. It is not a life threatening disease, and has its crests and troughs.

Exact causes and mechanisms are not known though there has been an amazing advancement in the molecular understanding of the disease progression. There are many aggravating factors like some types of infections can trigger it. Genetic factors and heredity play a role.

Psoriasis is caused by many factors combined together, but it is not a disease transmissible by touch. Psoriasis is not an infectious disease and cannot be transmitted by contact. If both parents have psoriasis then chances of children getting it are higher, than if one parent has the disease. It is definitely not an infectious disease and not transmissible.

Many lifestyle factors, infections, sore throats, urine infections can aggravate psoriasis. Alcohol, smoking and poor dietary habits are known and proven factors too. Some nutritional deficiencies have been pointed. Obesity and decreased physical activity are well known aggravating factors for Psoriasis as well as other coexisting diseases with Psoriasis.

It can affect almost any part of the body but elbows and knees are commonly affected. Scalp and folds can also be affected. Not to forget that palms and soles sometimes show psoriasis along with nails showing changes too.

If one gets Psoriasis he/she must consult a dermatologist. Don’t self- medicate or take treatments from untrained physicians. Improper or wrong treatments may make Psoriasis unstable.

A dermatologist can easily confirm the diagnosis based on the appearance of skin lesions. No laboratory tests are usually needed for diagnosis. A skin biopsy or a small sample of the skin tissue may be needed to confirm the diagnosis in doubtful cases. Blood tests may be recommended to check out for co-existing diseases or when systemic medications are indicated.

Psoriasis is associated with other diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease and obesity.

Psoriasis can be treated by topical medicines, phototherapy and/or systemic drugs depending upon the severity of the disease. Regular use of moisturizers and managing the aggravating factors play an important role. Topical moisturizers, steroids, keratolytic agents, vitamin D analogues and immunomodulators are the chief treatment options in limited diseases. Tar based, ketoconazole and keratolytic based shampoos are helpful in scalp involvement.

Phototherapy with PUVA, narrow band UVB or targeted therapies with excimer light or phototherapy are effective options.

Systemic drugs such as methotrexate, acitretin, cyclosporin are recommended in severe cases and extensive disease.

Biological agents such as etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab and secukinumab can be used in cases which are unresponsive or difficult to treat.

All medications should be taken under the supervision of a dermatologist and proper follow up with maintenance treatment is mandatory.

No. Psoriasis is treatable but not curable. Yes, Psoriasis can recur.

Yes. Psoriasis affected people can marry and have children.
Psoriasis is not a contagious disease.

• Weight reduction to ideal body weight.
• Physical exercise.
• Limiting alcohol intake.
• Quit smoking.
• Biofeedback and cognitive behaviour therapy for reduction of stress level.