15 Jan 2019 Tweet  

Psoriasis Care

Psoriasis a chronic skin condition which causes skin cells to grow too quickly. Symptoms include thick white, silvery, or red patches of skin, inflammation of skin and itchy, flaky areas of skin. These may be anywhere on the body-trunk, arms, legs, knees, elbows, scalp, face, nails etc.

Symptoms of psoriasis come and go, periodically improving and worsening. Sometimes psoriasis may clear for years and stay in remission. Often people have worsening of their symptoms in the colder winter months. It is important to remember that psoriasis is not contagious. It is not something one can "catch" from another person as psoriasis lesions are not infectious.

There is also high risk of psoriatic arthritis in these patients, which requires early diagnosis and treatment. These patients are also at high risk of comorbid conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, sleep disorders, depression etc.

Treating Psoriasis

The key to treating psoriasis is correct diagnosis, proper treatment and detailed counselling for all psoriasis patients by an experienced dermatologist. Treating psoriasis has many benefits. Treatment can reduce signs and symptoms of psoriasis, which usually makes a person feel better. With appropriate treatment, most people see their skin completely clear. Treatment can even improve a person's quality of life.

Thanks to ongoing research, there are many treatments for psoriasis in form of various creams , ointments, lotions, moisturizers, shampoos, oral medications etc. It is important to work with a dermatologist to find treatment that works for you and fits your lifestyle. Every treatment has benefits, drawbacks, and possible side effects. Every treatment has to be customized accordingly to each patient's needs, requirements , response to therapy and other co-existing conditions.

Eating a healthy diet, exercising, not smoking, and drinking very little alcohol will help. Smoking, drinking, and being overweight make psoriasis worse. These also can make treatment less effective. Hence lifestyle changes are mandatory for the management of psoriasis.