What is psoriasis?
From the Greek word for "an itching," psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that is characterized by red, scaly patches of skin with clearly defined borders. It affects approximately 1% to 2% of the general population, although about one third of sufferers have a family history of the disease.
Most of those diagnosed, however, find the plaques in a few common spots: at the hairline and on the ears, at the lower back and down onto the buttocks, around the bellybutton, and at the elbows and knees.
What is it caused by?
There is no known cause of psoriasis, although there are known triggers such as infections, cold weather, stress, and some drugs. The symptoms typically develop at as early of ten years of age and as late as 40.
The plaques come and go, but may sometimes continue for months or even years at a time. For a small minority of patients, the condition is accompanied by other inflammatory diseases like inflammatory arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
How is it treated?
Topical corticosteroids: These drugs are used to treat a wide variety of inflammatory conditions. Long-term use can cause thinning and bruising of the skin and may even lead to altered sleep cycles and osteoporosis.
Coal tar products: These are one of the oldest treatments for psoriasis. As new medications have been created, coal tar ointments have decreased in popularity. Although they are very effective, they are very smelly and stain fabrics easily. Coal tar products do soften and loosen psoriasis plaques, though, and are widely available as over-the-counter preparations. They may cause sensitivity to sunlight.
Calcipotriene: Calcipotriene is a form of topical vitamin D that is available only as a prescription. It works by changing the way skin cells are produced at the site of psoriasis plaques. It may irritate surrounding skin and can also cause sensitivity to sunlight.
Read More: The Ten Most Common Psoriasis Triggers
Ultraviolet light: Also known as phototherapy, this is essentially a tanning bed and can be used at home to effectively treat psoriasis. UVB rays work the best, but like any UV light, they increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
Balneotherapy: There have been some interesting studies on the positive effects of saltwater and/or mineral water immersion therapy for psoriasis sufferers, especially those involving immersion in the Dead Sea or in Dead Sea salt solutions. It has been proposed that trace elements present in the water are absorbed through the skin and contribute to a systemic effect on the body, resulting in a decrease of psoriasis plaques. The hot, mineral-rich waters also work locally to soften and exfoliate the skin.
Now That You've Been Diagnosed With Psoriasis
As one can see, these treatments are all palliative in nature. There is no cure for psoriasis, so medications and therapies are focused on treating and minimizing the symptoms of the condition.
Learn about the therapies prescribed by your doctor
There are many effective methods for softening psoriasis plaques and gently removing them from the skin, including those listed here. These same medications and therapies will help to relieve the itching associated with psoriasis, as well decrease the pain and discomfort the condition often brings.
Determine your triggers
While no one knows what exactly causes psoriasis, many people are able over time to determine certain triggers or stressors that cause a flare-up in symptoms.
Emotional stress: Anxiety. Fear. Worry. These can all wear down your body's immune system and make you more susceptible to a psoriasis relapse. Learning calming and relaxation techniques can have a positive effect on both your chronic condition and life in general.
Skin injury: Psoriasis sufferers need to baby their skin. A simple scratch or scrape, even a needed vaccination can create trauma that induces a reaction known as a Koebner phenomenon that can appear anywhere from 3 to eighteen days after the time of the initial injury. Those with psoriasis should take care to examine their skin carefully each day and also to make note of the time, date, and location of any injuries to the skin, no matter how slight.
Cold weather: When you look at the treatments for psoriasis, you see that warmth, moisture, and sunlight all improve the condition. In the winter, psoriasis patients deal with cold, dry air and decreased daylight hours. For many, this results in an increase in psoriasis symptoms in the winter months. Increasing the frequency and duration of prescribed therapies (with your doctor's direction, of course) may help lessen the impact.
Infections: Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease, so your body's normal inflammatory response to infections can exacerbate the chronic condition.
Future infections can cause flare-ups or relapses, so those with psoriasis should avoid those with active, contagious illnesses. Overall regimens aimed at increasing one's general health, such as healthy diet and exercise, may also be employed.
Medications: Some prescription drugs can worsen psoriasis symptoms. Lithium, commonly prescribed to those with manic depression or bipolar disease, can cause increased psoriasis severity in about half of those with both conditions. Interestingly, one of the Dead Sea balneotherapy studies saw a decrease in serum lithium in those study participants who reacted positively to the immersion therapy. Inderal is a blood pressure medication that is used to treat angina, high blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmia. It worsens psoriasis symptoms in a quarter of users. Derivatives of quinine, used as both antimalarial treatments and cardiac medications, also exacerbate psoriasis plaques in many users.
Read More: Natural Treatments for Psoriasis
Acknowledge the changes to your body
It is a highly-visible, chronic condition that can be tricky to keep under control. Talk to your doctor and health care providers about the impact psoriasis has on your body image and psyche. If needed, request a referral for counseling or for help in determining different methods of cosmetic concealment.
Psoriasis can be managed with careful, consistent treatment. Keep your skin clean and moisturized. Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers to avoid further irritation. Apply moisturizer regularly, especially after bathing, to lock in moisture. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can positively impact psoriasis. Aim to eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Engage in regular physical activity, as exercise can help reduce stress and inflammation. Quit smoking if you smoke, and limit alcohol consumption.
Stress can aggravate psoriasis symptoms. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as practicing relaxation techniques (e.g., deep breathing, meditation), engaging in hobbies, exercising, or seeking support from friends, family, or support groups. Avoid picking, scratching, or traumatizing your skin, as it can worsen psoriasis lesions and potentially lead to infection. Use gentle motions when applying topical treatments.
By taking an active role in analyzing your body's response to both triggers and therapies, you can work with your doctor to increase the duration of remission and decrease the frequency of relapses.
Sources & Links
- Psoriasis. (2001). In Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary (pp.1707-1708, Edition 19). Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis Company.
- Mindmap by steadyhealth.com
- Photo courtesy of Kara Harms by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/kara_allyson/4342249534/