Psoriasis Awareness Month – Understanding the Causes and Treatment of Psoriasis

 

Every August, we mark Psoriasis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating and spreading awareness about this chronic skin condition affecting millions globally. 

However, Psoriasis is not merely a 'skin issue'. It's a complex, multi-faceted autoimmune condition that necessitates comprehensive understanding and care.

 

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic immune system disease. That causes skin cells to multiply up to 10 times faster than usual. Somehow, This rapid growth causes cells to build up on the skin's surface. Plus, those form scales and red patches that are often itchy and painful. These patches can appear anywhere on the body but are more common on the scalp, knees, elbows, and torso.

While psoriasis is a long-term condition, its severity can vary significantly from person to person. However, even change over time in the same person. Some people might experience mild, barely noticeable patches, while others can have psoriasis that covers large areas of their bodies.

 

Psoriasis Causes

The exact cause and risk factors of psoriasis is still unknown. However, it is believed to be related to an immune system issue involving T cells and other white blood cells.

Under normal circumstances, T cells help protect the body against infection and disease. In the case of psoriasis, however, these T cells become overactive. Attacking healthy skin cells as if healing a wound or fighting an infection. This triggers increased production of healthy skin, T, and white blood cells, leading to psoriasis patches.

Although the cause of this immune response is unclear, genetic and environmental factors seem to play a role. People with a family history of psoriasis are more likely to develop it. Triggers such as stress, certain medications, infections, skin injuries, and weather can cause psoriasis flare-ups.

 

Psoriasis Symptoms

There are many casual symptoms of psoriasis, which can vary from person to person. Here are a few of the symptoms. 

• Dry skin lesions 


• Known as plaques


• Covered in scales

They normally grow on your upper skin around elbows, knees, scalp, and, most of the time it's on the lower back. Somehow, It can appear anywhere on your body. In addition, the plaques can be itchy or sore, or both. In some critical cases, the skin around your joints may crack and bleed.

 

Psoriasis Treatment

Psoriasis has no cure yet, but various treatments can help control the symptoms. These include:

 

1. Topical Treatments:

These are creams, and ointments applied directly to the skin. And they are typically the first line of defense in treating psoriasis. Plus, They include corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and retinoids.

 

2. Light Therapy:

involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light under medical supervision. It can be highly effective in treating moderate to severe psoriasis.

 

3. Systemic Medications:

People with moderate to severe psoriasis might need drugs that treat the whole body, not just the skin. These medications are usually prescribed for short periods. Moreover, this may include methotrexate, cyclosporine, and biologics that target specific parts of the immune system.

 

4. Lifestyle Modifications:

Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding known triggers can help manage symptoms. Somehow few individuals also find relief by using complementary and alternative therapies. Moreover, conditions would be like meditation, acupuncture, or dietary supplements.

 

Conclusion

Psoriasis Awareness Month is a time to share information about psoriasis. To foster greater understanding and dispel misconceptions surrounding the condition. Plus, living with psoriasis can be difficult; the visible symptoms often lead to stigmatization and can affect the mental health of those with the disease.

It is important to remember that psoriasis is not contagious, and those with it need understanding and support. Somehow, We encourage everyone to take some time this August to learn more about psoriasis. Otherwise, how can you support those living with this condition?

Together, we can spread awareness, foster empathy, and encourage research towards a cure. And for those living with psoriasis, remember, you are not alone help and support are available. However, don't hesitate to reach out to healthcare professionals to discuss treatment options. For this, you can book an appointment with the doctor for an in-person meeting.

Plus, it is a healthy practice to join education groups. Where you can learn more about the conditions related to psoriasis and the potential causes it can bring. Psoriasis is not anything that is new but still many people dont know this condition completely. You can take online consultation from our doctors if you feel like having the above mentioned symptoms.