Psoriasis

• Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes the body to produce skin cells faster than normal. This leads to a buildup of thick, scaly, red patches on the skin that can be itchy, painful, and even crack or bleed.

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• It is not contagious, but it’s long-term and may come and go in cycles—flaring up for a few weeks or months and then subsiding.

The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but it's believed to be a mix of genetic and immune system factors:

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• Autoimmune Reaction:

  • The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, speeding up skin cell production.

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• Genetics:

  • Family history increases the risk.

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• Triggers (can cause flare-ups):

  • Stress

  • Cold weather

  • Skin injuries (cuts, sunburns)

  • Infections (like strep throat)

  • Certain medications (beta-blockers, lithium)

  • Smoking and alcohol

There are several types of psoriasis:

• Plaque Psoriasis (Most common):

  • Raised, red patches with white/silvery scales

  • Often on elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back

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• Guttate Psoriasis:

  • Small red spots, usually after infections

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• Inverse Psoriasis:

  • Red, shiny patches in body folds (like underarms, groin)

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• Pustular Psoriasis:

  • White pus-filled blisters surrounded by red skin

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• Erythrodermic Psoriasis (Rare, severe):

  • Widespread redness and scaling over the body

• Red patches of skin with silvery-white scales

• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed

• Itching, burning, or soreness

• Thickened or ridged nails (nail psoriasis)

• Stiff or swollen joints (in psoriatic arthritis)

• There’s no cure for psoriasis, but medications help manage symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and control immune response.

1. Topical Treatments (For Mild to Moderate Psoriasis)

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• Corticosteroids (Steroid creams):

  • Reduce inflammation and itching

  • Examples: Hydrocortisone, Clobetasol, Betamethasone

  • Use sparingly to avoid thinning the skin

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• Vitamin D Analogues:

  • Slow skin cell growth

  • Examples: Calcipotriene (Dovonex), Calcitriol

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• Coal Tar:

  • Reduces scaling, itching, and inflammation

  • Found in shampoos, creams, and bath solutions

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• Salicylic Acid:

  • Helps remove scales and smooth skin

  • Often used with other treatments

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• Topical Retinoids:

  • Vitamin A derivatives that help reduce inflammation

  • Example: Tazarotene (Tazorac)

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• Calcineurin Inhibitors:

  • For delicate areas like the face or groin

  • Examples: Tacrolimus (Protopic), Pimecrolimus (Elidel)

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2. Phototherapy (Light Therapy)

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• Exposes skin to natural or artificial ultraviolet light (UVB)

• Slows down skin cell turnover

• Often used under medical supervision in a clinic or with home units

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3. Systemic Medications (For Moderate to Severe Psoriasis)

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• Oral Medications:

  • Methotrexate: Suppresses the immune system

  • Cyclosporine: Reduces immune activity (short-term use only)

  • Acitretin: A retinoid (vitamin A derivative), often used for pustular psoriasis

  • Apremilast (Otezla): Reduces inflammation by blocking an enzyme (PDE4)

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• Biologic Drugs (Injectable/Infusion):

  • Target specific parts of the immune system (like TNF-alpha or interleukins)

  • Used for moderate to severe cases and psoriatic arthritis

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• Examples include:

  • Adalimumab (Humira)

  • Etanercept (Enbrel)

  • Secukinumab (Cosentyx)

  • Ustekinumab (Stelara)

  • Ixekizumab (Taltz)

• Common Side Effects:

  • Dryness or irritation (from topical treatments)

  • Skin thinning with overuse of corticosteroids

  • Nausea or fatigue (from oral meds)

  • Injection site reactions (biologics)

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• Serious Side Effects:

  • Liver or kidney damage (methotrexate, cyclosporine)

  • Weakened immune system, increasing infection risk

  • Allergic reactions or worsening symptoms in rare cases

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• Always use medications as prescribed, and don’t stop abruptly without consulting a doctor.

• Usually diagnosed by a dermatologist through:

  • Physical skin examination

  • Medical and family history review

  • Skin biopsy (in rare or unclear cases)

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• No special test is needed in most cases.

• Daily Skincare:

  • Moisturize regularly to prevent dryness and scaling

  • Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps and creams

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• Sunlight in moderation may help, but don’t overdo it

• Manage stress with relaxation techniques (yoga, meditation)

• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol

• Stick to prescribed treatments and avoid self-medicating

1. Can psoriasis go away completely?

• No, but it can go into remission with the right treatment and lifestyle.

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2. Is psoriasis contagious?

• Absolutely not. It cannot be spread through touch or contact.

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3. Can I use over-the-counter creams?

• Yes, mild topical steroids, moisturizers, and coal tar creams can help with symptoms—but they may not be enough for moderate to severe psoriasis.

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4. Are biologics safe long-term?

• Yes, but they require regular monitoring for infections and side effects. They're usually well tolerated.

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5. Can diet help with psoriasis?

• Some people find relief by avoiding gluten, dairy, or processed foods, but results vary. A healthy diet supports overall immune health.