Psoriasis is basically a star on TV drug ads, though many individuals try to keep it hidden. As a matter of fact, the condition affects more than 10 US citizens.
Basically, psoriasis is inflamed and red plaques of skin, which is covered with a silvery scale. These plaques normally burn, itch, and cause discomfort, and might appear on any part of your body.
Although psoriasis may not affect every person the same way, fighting psoriasis and preventing it is normally similar.
Triggers and Causes
Doctors and scientists are unsure why most individuals get plaque psoriasis. It is regarded as an autoimmune disease – meaning your immune system will attack healthy cells like it is fighting infections.
This makes new skin cells grow quicker than usual and even build up in a thick patch. Whether you usually get plaques, psoriasis majorly depends on your health history and genes.
A triggering event might result in a change in the immune system, leading to onset symptoms. The most common triggers and causes include:
- Stress
- Medications
- Injury to the skin
- Weather
The Cause of the Condition is More of a Skin-Deep
People usually regard the disease as the only skin condition. However, in reality, the condition is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin.
The problem seems to be T cells. These cells are supposed to attack invaders, such as viruses and bacteria, when they get into the bloodstream.
A supply of new skin may sound like a great thing, though in individuals with the condition, new cells move to the epidermis very fast, resulting in a buildup, which forms plaques. These cells might as well result in pus-filled lesions, usually involved in pustular psoriasis.
Types of Psoriasis
Basically, there are five forms of psoriasis, yet many individuals have one kind of psoriasis at a time. Every form of psoriasis has a set of symptoms. Some of the common types of psoriasis include:
- Inverse
- Plaque
- Erythrodermic
- Guttate
- Pustular
Why Psoriasis Occurs
Individuals with psoriasis have increased production of skin cells. These cells are usually replaced and made every three or four weeks. Though when it comes to psoriasis, the process may last for around seven days.
Psoriasis may run in families, but the exact role, which genetics play in causing the condition is not clear. Most symptoms of the condition become worse due to certain events.
Managing Psoriasis Emotions
Unlike health problems, such as diabetes, psoriasis is normally visible to other individuals. This is challenging to deal with sometimes.
Plus, psoriasis is a chronic condition – meaning it’s a daily part of your life. This might take a toll on your mood, relationships, and self-confidence.
In fact, one study shows that individuals with the condition have a chance of getting anxiety and depression. However, treatment and minor changes to everyday habits may ensure you stay healthy and happy.
Challenges of Managing Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a condition, which needs persistent management, and there is no cure for it. This means managing it is challenging for various reasons. Although people may manage severe and moderate psoriasis with some systematic medications, you can treat mild psoriasis with topical creams.
Using topical creams need patients to apply diligence when applying them. These medications have steroids that have side effects, like lightening of skin color and thinning of the skin.
In addition, medications could be pricy. Among the serious challenges in getting medications, especially new ones, is price. Health insurance firms may refuse to cover new medications. Other reasons may include:
- Psoriasis has a lot of comorbidities
- Fluctuating conditions
- Existing of limited treatment options
- Patients forgoing treatment
Diagnosis of Psoriasis
Doctors normally diagnose the condition by examining the nails, skin, and scalp. They may also ask if someone else in the family has the condition and whether you recently had it.
Rarely, doctors may as well take skin samples so as to check them more closely. These samples may tell doctors whether it is psoriasis or it’s just another disease with the same symptoms.
Eczema vs. Psoriasis
Your skin is dry and itchy, and Google says it is eczema. But wait!
Before rushing out to a nearby pharmacy, psoriasis is another skin condition, which may have the same symptoms. This means your eczema cream might not work for psoriasis conditions.
When it comes to psoriasis vs eczema, experts suggest that both the condition are more prevalent. This makes it more difficult to diagnose yourself.
Plus, comparing different symptoms to another person may not give you the answer you’re looking for. This is why it is necessary to speak to a professional dermatologist in order to get the right treatment and diagnosis.
Concluding Thoughts!
You may assume that psoriasis only affects the skin. Besides, you observe it on the skin as pimples, scales, and bumps. However, the condition affects other body parts.
Psoriasis management is important in preventing it from affecting other body parts. Many doctors use different types of treatments so as to deal with the condition.
Your doctor must consider different factors when handling the condition. Otherwise, it might cause the development of PsA as well as comorbidities.