Though psoriasis is
a widely recognized skin condition, its true nature remains elusive to most.
Yet, for those living with psoriasis, its
far-reaching effects span across various facets of life-shaping appearance,
self-assurance, professional pursuits, physical
activities, and personal connections. Here, delve into ten lesser-known
revelations about the complexities of psoriasis.
What is the extent of the affected population?
In September 2021,
estimates suggested that around 2-3% of the world's population was grappling
with psoriasis. Psoriasis
primarily has genetic roots—it's a hereditary condition.
However, this doesn't necessarily imply that parents of individuals with
psoriasis will have experienced it themselves. Rather, it's the interplay of specific
genetic factors that could act as the catalyst. Given that altering our
genes isn't feasible, the emphasis of treatments lies in minimizing and pre-empting
skin-related complications as they arise.
What happens to the skin?
The skin impacted by psoriasis undergoes
distinct changes. It becomes marked by raised, reddish patches known as plaques,
often covered by silvery
scales. These patches can appear on various parts of the body, such as
elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. The affected skin might feel itchy,
painful, or even crack and bleed. Additionally, psoriasis
can affect the nails, causing them to thicken, develop ridges, or separate from
the nail bed. The severity of these symptoms can vary widely from person to
person and even over time for the same individual.
Treatment
The primary objective of psoriasis treatments
is to curtail the rapid proliferation of skin cells
and eliminate the formation of scales. Available options encompass topical
applications like creams
and ointments,
light-based interventions such as phototherapy, and
administration of medications via oral or injection routes.
Topical
therapy encompasses several options:
Corticosteroids:
Frequently prescribed for mild to moderate
psoriasis, these drugs are available in various formulations such as oils,
creams, ointments, lotions, gels, foams, sprays, and shampoos.
Vitamin D Analogues:
Synthetic versions of vitamin D,
like calcipotriene (Dovonex, Sorilux) and calcitriol (Vectical), slow down the growth of skin cells.
They can be used alone or in conjunction with topical corticosteroids.
Salicylic Acid: Shampoos
and scalp solutions containing salicylic acid
reduce scaling in scalp psoriasis. They come in nonprescription or prescription
strengths and can be used alone or in combination with other topical treatments to
enhance the absorption of medication.
Coal Tar: Coal tar
mitigates scaling,
itching, and inflammation. It's available in both nonprescription and
prescription strengths and comes in various forms like shampoo[RT1] ,
cream, and oil. It's worth noting that coal tar products can be irritating to
the skin, and they can also stain clothing and bedding
while emitting a strong
odor.
Light therapy
Phototherapy, also known as light therapy,
stands as an initial treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis, either
independently or alongside medications. This method entails subjecting the skin
to carefully regulated doses of natural or artificial light.
Consistent sessions are required for effective results.
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory
condition that affects some individuals with psoriasis, a skin disorder
characterized by scaly
patches and redness.
Psoriatic arthritis
primarily impacts the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. It can
also affect other parts of the body, such as the skin, nails, and even
organs.
Are there any potential risks associated with
psoriasis in the long term?
Indeed, individuals with psoriasis face a
slightly elevated risk of long-term complications, notably including an
increased likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. This risk aligns with other chronic
inflammatory conditions, as prolonged inflammation
can contribute to the development of cardiovascular issues. The underlying
mechanism involves the presence of low levels of cytokines—natural
inflammatory substances—that can enter the bloodstream and contribute to
arterial plaque buildup, leading to cardiovascular
diseases. If you suspect you have psoriasis or
require guidance and treatment, it's advisable to consult a dermatologist.
Comments
Post a Comment