Have you seen someone with crusted skin patches? Did you know that these patches, which may seem simple, are actually a source of physical and psychological pain? These patches do not only affect the skin; they also cause psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression, due to the appearance of the skin. This is psoriasis, a mysterious disease that affects both mind and body; in this article, we will explore some of its secrets.
Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious skin disease. It causes scaled thickened discolored areas of skin, known as plaques. These may cover a small area of the skin or merge to cover larger areas. These scales develop because of a disruption in the skin’s renewal process. In normal people, it takes about a month for old skin cells to be replaced by new ones. In people with psoriasis, however, this process takes only 3–4 days, causing skin cells to build up rapidly and form the scales.
The severity of the disease ranges from mild skin irritation to severe pain. Psoriasis can occur at any age, though it mostly occurs in adults. Psoriasis can affect any part of the body, but it most commonly appears on the elbows and knees, the face and inside the mouth, the scalp, the fingernails and toenails, the genitals, the lower back, or the palms and soles.
There are several types of psoriasis:
- Plaque psoriasis: This type causes dry raised skin patches known as plaques, which are scaled; it is the most common type of psoriasis.
- Nail psoriasis: This causes abnormal nail growth and discoloration; in severe cases, the nail may break into pieces.
- Guttate psoriasis: This often affects children and young adults; it is characterised by small, drop-shaped, scaled spots.
- Inverse psoriasis: This affects the skin folds of the thighs, buttocks, and breasts, causing inflamed patches that worsen with friction and sweating.
- Pustular psoriasis: This is a rare type that causes pus-filled blisters.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis: A less common type that can cover the entire body with scaly rash, often accompanied by severe itching or burning.
The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but doctors believe it is an autoimmune disease that arises from a complex combination of factors, such as:
- Overactive immune system: As mentioned earlier, psoriasis involves a disruption in the skin cell renewal cycle. New skin cells replace old ones too quickly; the immune system mistakenly treats these rapidly produced cells as foreign and attacks them, leading to the formation of scales (plaques).
- Environmental factors, also known as triggers, which include: skin inflammation; cold and dry weather; skin injuries such as cuts, insect bites, or severe sunburn; certain medications like those containing lithium, blood pressure drugs, and antimalarial medicines; and the sudden withdrawal of corticosteroids taken orally or by injection.
- Genetic factors: Some people are more predisposed to developing this condition because of their genetic makeup.
Symptoms may appear as small scaly patches, dry and cracked skin that may bleed, itching, burning, soreness, or a recurring rash that flares up for several weeks or months before subsiding. Psoriasis typically goes through periods where symptoms are mild and others where they return with greater severity. Diagnosis can be made based on symptoms and a physical examination of the skin lesions. A skin biopsy may also be taken and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and remove the scales; it depends on the severity of the condition. There are several treatments for psoriasis, including:
- Topical treatment: used for mild to moderate cases, involving creams or ointments that contain corticosteroids or vitamins D and A.
- Phototherapy: used for moderate to severe cases, where the patient is exposed to artificial light or natural sunlight.
- Medication: some can be taken orally or through injection.
It is important to support psoriasis patients psychologically, as changes in their skin appearance can affect self-their confidence and sometimes result in introversion. In this context, the world observes World Psoriasis Day on 29 October to raise awareness of the disease and provide support for patients.
Can the world be free of psoriasis? Could a healthy lifestyle be a way to prevent it? Of course, more research is still needed to find out.
References
mayoclinic.org
my.clevelandclinic.org
nhs.uk
psoriasis.org
pacehospital.com
Banner image Designed by Magnific.