Psoriasis - Types, Symptom, Treatment And Home Remedies

Psoriasis is the condition of the skin where the skin cells start to multiply at abnormal levels. Usually, cell regeneration occurs and balances with the dead skin cells. Since the skin cells start to develop abnormally, they rise to the top of your skin and die out leaving behind a red plaque covered with white scales. They typically occur on the knees, elbows and sometimes in your scalp. There are many reasons attributed to why skin cells behave abnormally. The common reason is that they are linked to the way your immune system performs.

This illness is characterized by over-multiplication of skin cells up to 10 times faster than normal growth. As dead underlying cells reach the skin’s surface, their voluminous accumulation causes raised, red plaques that gets covered with white scales. This disease typically happens on the elbows, knees and scalp. Psoriasis can also affect the palms, torso and soles of the feet. Psoriasis, can also at time be found associated with psoriatic arthritis, which leads to swelling and pain in the joints. It is estimated that in India there is 10 to 30 per cent of people who have psoriasis also are sufferers of psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriasis can happen for several reasons ranging from trauma, emotional stress to streptococcal infection. A recent study of this disease has indicated that some abnormality in the immune system is the factor that triggers this disease. There are five different types of psoriasis:

• Plaque psoriasis: It is a type of psoriasis which gives red, raised patches on the skin. These are covered by silvery dead skin cells.
• Guttate psoriasis: It causes small red spots on the skin. This occurs after the patient has gone ill.
• Inverse psoriasis: This type of psoriasis usually occurs in the skin folds. It causes sore and red patches of the skin.
• Pustular psoriasis: This type of psoriasis causes pus-filled bumps on the palms and soles. These are painful and itchy at the same time. It causes flu-type symptoms which include fever, dizziness, loss of appetite etc.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis: It resembles a severe sunburn as it makes the skin bright red. In this type of psoriasis which causes fast heart rate, itching and pain. It is to be mentioned that this is an emergency condition which should be consulted to a doctor.

• Patches of inflamed and red skin that are covered by slivery, loose scales. They may be painful, itchy and can even crack and bleed at times.
• The fingernails and toenails may become pitted and change colour. They also may get began to crumble or get detached from the nail beds.
• Scales and patches or crust may form on the head of the psoriasis patients.

The exact cause of psoriasis is not known but there could be many other factors which can cause psoriasis.

1. Immune system: Our immune system helps to keep us safe from infections of viruses and bacteria but if something goes wrong then our system starts working the opposite. Researchers believe that the immune system is one of the reasons for psoriasis. When our immune system is working overactive then it creates inflammation inside the body. A large number of healthy cells are produced. These excess cells then start coming on the surface of the skin very quickly. These piled up skin cells you see on your skin is psoriasis. It is red in colour and causes inflammation in the skin.
2. Hormonal changes: During puberty or menopause, this issue can be seen on the skin. If you are a pregnant woman, then there are chances of you getting psoriasis. Once the delivery is done, you might again see it on the surface of the skin.
3. Alcohol: People who drink regularly are high on risk, especially younger men. It is also to be mentioned that alcohol also makes treatment less effective.
4. Medications: Some medications like Lithium (which treats bipolar disorder and mental illness), high blood pressure medicines ( including propranolol, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, quinidine), Antimalarial medicines (including chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, Plaquenil and quinacrine) may increase the chances for psoriasis more.
5. HIV: Patients who are suffering from HIV are more prone to psoriasis. But, as soon as you start treatment for HIV, you will see yourself better.
6. Sunlight: A little sunlight is good for health as it provides natural vitamin D to the body. But sometimes, sunburn can make the condition worse so, it is recommended to take proper care of your skin before going out in the sun.

Your doctor may examine that are you having psoriasis or if you have plaques on ears, nails, elbow, scalp, belly button and knees or not. If the doctor is still unclear, then he will take a small sample of your skin which is known as a biopsy. Later, it will be sent to a lab and the sample of your skin will be examined under the microscope. This will make it clear which type of psoriasis do you have or what other kinds of infection or disease you are suffering from.

Psoriasis cannot be cured but can be treated to get the symptoms controlled. Some of the important treatment ways include the following:

• Application of topical steroids: These are available as ointments, creams, gel, lotions, shampoo, and sprays. They should be used under the supervision of a dermatologist. Corticosteroids are the major component that effectively controls the symptoms and prevents flare-ups.
• Light therapy: This is used as a first-line treatment in cases of moderate or severe psoriasis. On exposing the red, itchy patches to a certain light, shrinkage or fading of the same takes place.
• Application of some other topical therapies: These include topical application of vitamin D analogs, salicylic acid, retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors, anthralin, and coal tar.
• Steroids shots: Steroid shots are given directly in the inflamed patches of skin. These are preferred in cases of stubborn inflammatory skin patches.
• Use suppressants: These include taking immunosuppressants like cyclosporine.

Summary: Psoriasis cannot be cured but the treatment is quite possible to manage the symptoms. Important treatment methods include the application of topical steroids, light therapy, immunosuppressants, etc.

It could depend on your skin type and the possibility of other medical condition you might have. Topical creams that smoothen your skin are mild and do not have any side effects. However, if you are going for advanced procedures, there are chances that it might cause some allergic reactions in you. However, most of the treatment for Psoriasis is considered safe and has been perfected for years. You can check with your doctor if you have concerns.

Psoriasis is an inherited autoimmune skin disease that is characterized by inflammatory reactions on the skin of the elbows, knees, and scalp. The appearance of red, scaly, and itchy bumps on the elevated skin area is a common form of occurrence. The condition can be controlled with on-time treatment. In case it is left untreated, the symptoms accelerate and worsen further.

Intense itching along with persistent pain can occur in that condition. Due to progressive inflammation, certain complications such as psoriatic arthritis and diabetes can develop which lead to a decreased quality of life of the affected individual.

Summary: Psoriasis can be controlled if undergoing on-time treatment. But in case of delayed treatment or when it is left treated, the condition becomes persistent and intense. Itching and pain worsen in such conditions leading to decreased quality of life of the affected ones.

Psoriasis is a skin disease and one should consult with a dermatologist for its treatment. However, there are some home remedies that can prove to be effective for the prevention and management of the condition. Some of those remedies include:

• Regular application of moisturizing lotions on the skin so as to prevent the skin from drying.
• Proper care for the skin and scalp should be taken which includes the use of medicated shampoos on the scalp and regular bathing with medicated products.
• Exposure to cold as well as dry weather should be avoided, humidifiers may be used inside the house.
• Prescribed medicines should be preferred.
• Stress should be avoided.

The recovery period depends on your skin type and the nature of the treatment used. For some individuals, the results can be immediate, whereas for some individuals the effect can take some time. The doctor would initially check how well you are responding to the treatment and make some changes if the desired results are not got.

In India, the cost of the treatments depends on the type of clinic or medical centre you choose. The average price can start from INR 1000 and can go up depending on the kind of treatment. When choosing the medical centre, choose a clinic with a good reputation.

Alternative treatments can include psoriasis treatment in homoeopathy. the usage of a special diet and dietary supplements plays a major role. Aloe Vera gel is known to have antioxidant properties. Hence you can consider using it. Also, fish oil is known to reduce the symptoms to an extent. You can also try using herbal creams for a brief period and look at the results after consulting with your doctor.

As a home remedy for this disease, applying a thick cream or lotion, then stop the moisture with an ointment like petroleum jelly or olive oil helps in alleviating the conditions of this illness. It’s because dry skin makes the itching and irritation become worse. However, using too thick a cream during the summer months because sweat mixed with cream often makes psoriasis worse. Another kitchen remedy for psoriasis is to wrap your skin with plastic or a bandage before going to bed and wash the areas gently with cold water in the morning.

Alternative treatments can include psoriasis treatment in homoeopathy and psoriasis treatment in Ayurveda. The usage of a special diet and dietary supplements plays a crucial role.

A healthy diet is always important for maintaining healthier skin and fighting off the flare-ups related to any skin diseases. Some of the food habits that need to be preferred in the case of psoriasis to control the severity of symptoms are such as:

• Avoiding excessive alcohol intake.
• Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods in the diet such as fruits and vegetables including berries and green leafy vegetables.
• Sources of healthy fats like olive oil, seeds, and nuts.
• Intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Sources of antioxidants like cumin and ginger.
• Low carbohydrate and low-fat diets should be taken.
• A gluten-free diet is preferred.

The treatment methods of psoriasis include topical applications of medicated creams, lotions, and shampoos, oral as well as injectable medications, phototherapy, coal tar, and certain lifestyle changes. The results of any of these treatment methods are effective in their ways and help in the control and management of the symptoms of psoriatic lesions or flare-ups.

However, a complete cure is not possible in such conditions of skin disease as there may be a chance of recurrence after remission. Hence the results of the treatment are not considered to be permanent.

Summary: Psoriasis is an autoimmune and chronic skin condition accompanied by inflammatory reactions on the skin. It is an incurable lifelong condition that can be controlled and managed by proper treatment under the supervision of a skin specialist. Being itchy and painful, it needs an on-time treatment as any delay in the same can lead to worsening of the condition or flare-ups.