Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that commonly presents itself with red, dry, elevated plaques of skin. Experts believe that psoriasis is caused when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies skin cells as foreign invaders. In an effort to defend itself, the body attacks the skin cells, resulting in swelling, redness and scaling. The body then tries to heal itself by sending out signals that put the production of new cells into overdrive.
Normally, skin cells grow and shed in a cycle that takes approximately 28 days. In the case of psoriasis, the new skin cells are replaced more rapidly than the body is able to shed them. They build up on the surface of the skin and create the thick, red plaques topped with silvery scales, the classic characteristic of plaque psoriasis. These patches of red, scaly skin range in size but most often appear on the knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet, or lower back. Although it can be an embarrassing skin condition, it is not contagious and cannot be spread by touch. It is more commonly found in adults but children may also experience this condition.
Although the cause is not fully understood, it is believed that psoriasis sufferers are genetically predisposed to the disease. The first outbreak of psoriasis often occurs after a stressful experience, a skin injury or a streptococcal infection. Conditions which may further exacerbate the disease may include infections, mental or physical stress, and/or changes in the season and climate. Regardless of the triggers, psoriasis sufferers may experience a lower quality of life depending on the severity of the disease.
There is no currently no cure for psoriasis but many treatments are available to help manage the disease. Topically applied medicated ointments or creams are commonly used as the first measure of treatment. For psoriasis of the scalp, a shampoo containing coal tar can be effective in controlling itching, redness and scaling. Retinoids may also be applied to the affected areas as they encourage skin cells to function as they should and to engage in normal cell renewal. Keeping the skin well-hydrated with topical moisturizers that seal in the skin’s natural oils also seems to reduce psoriasis symptoms.
For more persistent cases of psoriasis, treatments escalate to include phototherapy (exposure to UVB light using special lamps for controlled periods of time) and medications that are either taken orally or by injection.Discovery of the immune system’s role in psoriasis in the 1960s and 1970s led to several treatments including corticosteroids, cyclosporine and methotrexate, which have alleviated symptoms for many individuals. Recent breakthroughs have resulted in biologic therapies – lab manufactured medicines made from substances found in living organisms – which work to block some part of the altered immune system that contributes to psoriasis. Biologic agents work well in clinical trials, with upwards of 75% symptom improvement. However, they are costly, costing hundreds or thousands of dollars each month. And, they increase the risk for infection and cancer, making close monitoring essential.
Psoriasis is typically a chronic and lifelong condition which worsens or improves with no fixed pattern but making use of the available treatments and, according to some studies, with changes in lifestyle and diet, symptoms can be managed.
