Psoriasis: Is this why your skin itches so?
This skin condition causes a thick, patchy, red rash with silvery, white scales. The most common type is called plaque psoriasis. You can get it anywhere, but it shows up most often on your scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. You can’t catch it by touching the skin of someone who’s got it. Kids can […]
This skin condition causes a thick, patchy, red rash with silvery, white scales. The most common type is called plaque psoriasis.
You can get it anywhere, but it shows up most often on your scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. You can’t catch it by touching the skin of someone who’s got it.
Kids can get psoriasis, but it’s more common in adults.
Symptoms. When psoriasis starts, you may see a few red bumps on your skin. These may get larger and thicker, and then get scales on top.
The patches may join together and cover large parts of your body. Your rash can be itchy and uncomfortable, and it may bleed easily if you rub or pick it.
Causes? Scientists aren’t sure exactly what causes psoriasis, but it’s linked to a problem with your immune system, your body’s defence against germs.
If you have psoriasis, your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, as if it were fighting an infection. Your body responds by making new skin cells every few days instead of the usual 4 weeks. Those new skin cells build up on your body’s surface and form a rash.
Trigger. You may find your condition flares up at certain times. Common triggers include: skin injury or infection, emotional stress, certain medications, smoking, drinking alcohol
Living with psoriasis. It’s natural to wonder if psoriasis will affect your social life. It’s important to keep your skin condition from hurting your self-esteem, though. Don’t avoid dates, social events, or job interviews. If you feel like you’re getting depressed, talk to your doctor or a counselor.
Treatment. If you have mild to moderate psoriasis, you may get some relief from skin creams. They can reduce inflammation, itching, and cut the rate of skin cell growth.
Some examples include steroid creams, moisturizers, salicylic acid, anthralin, retinoids, calcipotriene (a form of vitamin D), and coal tar. Tar shampoos are helpful for psoriasis of the scalp.
Phototherapy. If you have moderate to severe psoriasis, UVB phototherapy may help. This treats the skin with exposure to ultraviolet light. It’s done at your doctor’s office or at home using a light device.
Drugs. Your doctor may also suggest medicine that you take as a pill that targets your immune system. Options include methotrexate and cyclosporine. Both have serious side effects, so you’ll need to be checked by your doctor carefully. Certain oral retinoids can also be used to treat severe psoriasis. The newest pill is Otezla (apremilast). It can also have side effects, but you’ll need less monitoring.
Courtesy: MNT