Psoriasis

Key features

Plaques

The most common sign of psoriasis is the formation of thick, raised, and inflamed skin patches. Additionally, these plaques often appear red or pink and are covered with silver or white scales. Furthermore, they can be itchy, painful, and, in severe cases, may crack or bleed.

Nail changes

Psoriasis can affect the nails, causing pitting (small dents), discoloration, thickening, and separation of the nail from the nail bed. In some cases, nails may become crumbly or develop ridges.

Scalp involvement

Psoriasis frequently affects the scalp, leading to the formation of scaly patches or dandruff-like flakes. It can cause itching and discomfort and may extend to the forehead, neck, or behind the ears.

Joint inflammation

Some individuals with psoriasis may develop a related condition called psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint in the body and may lead to significant joint damage if left untreated.

Triggers

Certain factors can trigger or worsen psoriasis flare-ups. These triggers can vary among individuals and may include stress, infections, injury to the skin, certain medications (such as beta-blockers or lithium), cold and dry weather, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

Emotional impact

Psoriasis can have a significant impact on an individual’s emotional well-being. It may cause feelings of self-consciousness, embarrassment, frustration, or low self-esteem. Psychological support and counseling can be helpful in managing the emotional aspects of living with psoriasis.

Types

Managing

Topical
treatments

These medications directly target the affected skin and include topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, retinoids, coal tar preparations, moisturizers, and new topical immunomodulators. Furthermore, they effectively reduce inflammation, itching, and scaling associated with psoriasis.

Combination
therapy

In some cases, a combination of topical treatments, phototherapy, and systemic medications may be used to effectively manage psoriasis symptoms and achieve better control of the condition.

Systemic
medications

For more advanced cases of psoriasis that do not improve with topical treatments or light therapy, doctors may recommend oral or injectable systemic medications. These drugs act throughout the body to regulate the immune system and decrease inflammation. Common options include methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin, apremilast, JAK and TIK inhibitors, as well as biologic therapies like TNF-alpha inhibitors, interleukin-17 inhibitors, and interleukin-23 inhibitors.

Phototherapy

This treatment involves exposing the skin to specific wavelengths of ultraviolet light, either from natural sunlight or artificial light sources. Phototherapy can help slow down the excessive skin cell growth and reduce inflammation. Different types of phototherapy include narrowband UVB, broadband UVB, and psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy.

XTRAC
laser

This device is a type of laser therapy used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis and vitiligo. It delivers focused ultraviolet B (UVB) light to target affected areas, reducing symptoms such as redness, scaling, and depigmentation. It is a non-invasive procedure performed in short sessions, typically scheduled over several weeks. The laser is precise, targeting specific areas while minimizing exposure to healthy skin.

Recommendations

Here are some recommendations to manage and alleviate symptoms of psoriasis:

Follow your prescribed
treatment plan

Work closely with your dermatologist to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include topical medications, phototherapy, or systemic medications. Adhere to the prescribed treatment regimen and follow up with your healthcare provider regularly.

Practice good
skin care

Gently cleanse your skin with mild, fragrance-free soaps or cleansers. Avoid harsh or abrasive scrubbing, which can irritate your skin and worsen symptoms. Pat your skin dry after bathing instead of rubbing.

Keep your skin
moisturized

Apply moisturizers often to reduce dryness and itching. Choose products made for sensitive or psoriasis-prone skin, and pick fragrance-free, gentle options.

Use prescribed
medications as directed

If your healthcare provider has prescribed topical medications or other treatments, it is essential to use them as instructed. Additionally, follow the recommended frequency and application techniques to ensure optimal results.

Avoid
triggers

Recognize and eliminate triggers that may aggravate your psoriasis symptoms. For instance, stress, specific foods, alcohol, smoking, cold and dry weather, and skin injuries can all contribute to flare-ups. Moreover, maintaining a journal can help you identify patterns and manage your condition effectively.

Protect
your skin

Protect your skin from damage and irritation. Additionally, refrain from scratching or picking at psoriasis plaques, as this may aggravate symptoms and increase the risk of infection. Instead, wear soft, breathable fabrics and avoid tight clothing that could cause friction on your skin.

Manage
stress

Since stress can worsen psoriasis symptoms for many individuals, it is essential to incorporate stress management techniques into your daily routine. Moreover, practicing exercise, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress levels. Additionally, engaging in activities that you enjoy promotes relaxation and overall well-being.

Maintain a
healthy lifestyle

Adopting a healthy lifestyle not only improves your overall well-being but also helps manage psoriasis symptoms. Furthermore, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains supports skin health. Additionally, staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce inflammation and improve your quality of life.