Chronic autoimmune skin condition, Psoriasis

  Chronic autoimmune skin condition, Psoriasis

What is psoriasis ? How to Treat, What are approaches for  reatment?

What Is Psoriasis? Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by the rapid buildup of skin cells. This leads to the formation of silvery scales and red or purple patches on the skin. These patches can be itchy, painful, and may cover large areas of the body. While there is no cure for psoriasis, effective management can help control symptoms.

 Possible Triggers Of Psoriasis

 Psoriasis triggers are not universal. This means that what may trigger psoriasis in one person may not affect another. Some of the possible triggers include:

Stress: High stress levels may easily trigger a flare-up. If you learn how to relax and manage your stress, you can reduce and possibly prevent potential flare-ups.

 Smoking: Smoking makes it harder to get rid of the symptoms and manage the condition. It is also closely linked with a type of pustular psoriasis that mostly affects your hands and soles of your feet.

Obesity: Excess weight increases the risk of psoriasis. Lesions associated with all types of psoriasis often develop in your skin creases and folds.

Infections: Anything that can affect your immune system can easily trigger psoriasis.  In particular, strep throat is known to trigger guttate psoriasis in children. Other infectious diseases can cause your body’s immune system to respond, leading to the outbreak of psoriasis.

Medications: Lithium, which is used to treat bipolar disorder and beta-blockers for high blood pressure, can increase the risk of psoriasis. Various drugs that are used to prevent and treat malaria may also trigger psoriasis.

Injury to your skin: Psoriasis may develop in areas of your skin that have been traumatized or injured. This is commonly referred to as the Koebner phenomenon. Sunburns, scratches, and vaccinations can trigger a Koebner response as well.

 Conventional Medical Treatments:

1. Topical Steroids: These are commonly used to reduce inflammation and itching.
2. Topical Retinoids: These helps normalize skin cell growth.
3. Oral or Injected Systemic Drugs: Used for severe or treatment-resistant psoriasis.

Homeopathic Treatments: Homeopathy is an alternative approach that uses highly diluted substances derived from minerals, plants, and other sources. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support homeopathic treatments for psoriasis. Some commonly touted homeopathic remedies include:

1. Sepia: Used for widespread psoriasis and dry skin, but lacks scientific evidence.
2. Arsenicum Album: Anecdotal evidence suggests it benefits dry, scaly skin worsened by itching.
3. Graphites: Used for long-term skin disorders, but evidence for psoriasis is anecdotal.
4. Sulfur: Anecdotal evidence indicates it reduces skin lesions and itching.
5. Petroleum: Helps seal moisture into the skin, reducing itching and flaking.
6. Calcarea Carbonica: Derived from shells, used for various illnesses, including psoriasis.

Other Natural Approaches:

1. Turmeric: Its anti-inflammatory properties may reduce psoriasis severity.
2. Aloe Vera: Soothes skin and reduces inflammation.
3. Ayurvedic Medicines: Certain herbs and Ayurvedic treatments have shown effectiveness.

 Topical Treatments

Comprise of creams, lotions, and ointments that you apply directly to your skin. They include moisturizers, vitamin D creams, and prescription corticosteroids. Shampoos made with coal tar or salicylic acid also fall into this category.

Light Therapy

Light therapy makes use of ultraviolet light or natural light to kill the overactive white blood cells that are attacking your healthy skin cells and causing rapid growth. Phototherapy may be performed in the doctor’s office or at home. Both UVA, and UVB light may help manage symptoms of mild to moderate psoriasis.

Remember: Always consult a healthcare professional before trying any treatment, especially for chronic conditions like psoriasis. Individual responses to treatments vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Sources:

1. Healthline
2. Greatist
3. Healthshots
4. Dr. Rajesh Shah
5. DrHomeo
6. SoG Health