Psoriasis is characterized by the formation of thick red plaques appearing in different places on the body and these plaques tend to flake off, or to come off in the form of silvery-white scales or flakes. Lesions associated with psoriasis can be painful in some people and cause intense itching.
Depending on the severity and location of the plaques, the discomfort associated with psoriasis can vary. Indeed, patches of dry and irritated skin can crack and bleed and if they are very visible, this can significantly affect the quality of life of the affected person.
It is estimated that approximately 2 to 4% of the Western population has psoriasis and this disease affects both men and women, regardless of race. Family history is noted to play a large role in psoriasis, with people who suffer from it usually having one or more family members who also suffer from it. To date, several hypotheses have been put forward to explain why a person develops psoriasis and the exact cause is not yet known, but experts believe that the disease could be the result of an abnormality in the immune system. We are then talking about an exaggerated autoimmune reaction of the skin in people with psoriasis, a reaction which causes the cells to multiply at too rapid a rate, resulting in the accumulation and formation of thick plaques and crusts on the skin. surface of the skin.
There are several forms of psoriasis, the most common form being plaque psoriasis (approximately 90% of patients with psoriasis have this form). Other forms include guttate psoriasis (small, drop-shaped lesions that appear suddenly over a large area of the body), pustular psoriasis (pus-filled blisters), inverted psoriasis (affects skin folds subject to constant friction, for example under the breasts and armpits), erythrodermic psoriasis (rarer and more serious form characterized by generalized redness and significant inflammation reminiscent of a sunburn). For some patients suffering from psoriasis, the disease may be accompanied by joint pain and swelling. We then speak here of psoriatic arthritis. Finally, it should be noted that psoriasis, although it can affect all parts of the body, can be located in very specific places on the body (scalp, nails, palms of the hands, etc.), which will distinguish the affected by illness from one person to another.
Psoriasis as mentioned is a chronic inflammatory disease which evolves, over time, in more or less unpredictable outbreaks. Thus, the affected person can see their plaques resolve and completely disappear for an indefinite period (sometimes months and years) and they come back. Various known triggering factors can cause a psoriasis flare-up or lead to the development of the disease, such as a stressful event, certain medications, an injury to the skin or a bacterial or viral infection, etc.
Some tips for caring for skin with psoriasis
1) Take care of your general health. It is known that poor lifestyle habits can worsen psoriasis symptoms. That said, eat a healthy diet, exercise, don’t smoke and consume alcohol in moderation.
2) Learn about psoriasis and try to identify the factors triggering your flare-ups in order to avoid them and learn to better control them.
3) Take a bath or shower every day, in lukewarm water, to help the natural desquamation of plaques. You can add an oil to the bath water or any other product recommended by a healthcare professional.
4) Moisturize your skin daily with a cream recommended by your doctor and drink plenty of water.
5) Avoid irritating toiletries and avoid scratching psoriasis plaques.
6) See a doctor if you experience pain and stiffness in your joints.
7) See a doctor if the appearance of your nails changes and they appear to be pulling away from the nail plate.
8) Do not hesitate to consult a specialist or a support group if your condition makes you sad, anxious and depressed.
Myths and facts about psoriasis
Stress plays a role in the appearance of psoriasis flare-ups
It is in fact recognized that stress plays a considerable role in the appearance and exacerbation of psoriasis flare-ups, as do several other factors including alcohol consumption, cigarettes, cold and dry climates, etc. People suffering from psoriasis benefit from better managing their daily stress through various approaches such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, and should not hesitate to consult a specialist if they need more support in this regard.
The sun is good for my psoriasis, so I can expose myself as much as I want!
Ultraviolet rays have actually been shown to slow cell proliferation and relieve psoriasis-related inflammation. That said, periods of exposure must be brief otherwise they could worsen the symptoms of psoriasis. As part of a phototherapy treatment supervised by a health professional, specific conditions will be required. On the other hand, when exposed to natural sunlight, it is advisable to protect your skin with an effective sunscreen because it is not without risk.
I have moderate to severe psoriasis and have been told that I am more likely to have cardiovascular problems
According to some studies, people suffering from psoriasis are in fact more at risk of developing other chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, cancer, obesity, arthritis and liver diseases. As for the general population, it is essential to have healthy lifestyle habits in order to try to reduce the risk factors associated with these diseases (control blood pressure, maintain a healthy weight, control blood sugar and cholesterol). On the other hand, we also observe the opposite phenomenon, that is, people with obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome who are not affected by psoriasis are, however, more at risk of developing it in the future.
Psoriasis is contagious
Psoriasis is not a contagious skin disease. It is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a strong hereditary tendency in which several other triggering factors participate, although we do not yet know all the causes linked to the development of this disease.
My plaques have been gone for quite a while, so I’m cured!
Psoriasis is a chronic disease characterized by periods of flare-ups and remission, when all symptoms disappear. During periods of remission, it is important to take good care of your skin by maintaining optimal hydration and reduce the risk of new outbreaks by reducing stress, avoiding triggering factors and skin injuries. It is not recommended to stop medication treatment without first consulting a healthcare professional. Suddenly stopping a medication could seriously harm your condition.
Psoriasis Treatment Options
The goals of psoriasis treatment are to relieve symptoms, reduce the extent of plaques, reduce the frequency of flare-ups and improve the patient’s quality of life. To do this, the health professional has several treatment options at his disposal to make an individualized therapeutic plan according to the form and severity of the disease, the risks and disadvantages of a given product, the patient’s preferences, etc. It may happen that several treatment trials are required to find the one that will give the best results. We will classify the different treatments under four categories:
Topical: Creams and ointments usually reserved for people with mild psoriasis, also including various gels, foams and sprays. Topical treatments help reduce inflammation and regulate skin cell turnover, thereby reducing plaques. Among these, note creams based on corticosteroids, vitamin D and vitamin A derivatives.
Systemic: Medications administered orally reserved for more severe forms of psoriasis or when the plaques are spread over a larger body surface. Note in this category powerful immunosuppressive agents such as cyclosporine and methotrexate.
Biological: Innovative drugs in injection form which act on the immune system by modifying the biological response. They are recognized as effective for moderate to severe forms of psoriasis.
Phototherapy: Short, controlled exposure to artificial ultraviolet rays. The facilities at our clinic allow you to receive this type of treatment. To learn more about phototherapy please click here.
In conclusion, psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that presents in the form of plaques with periods of flare-ups and remissions. This disease brings its share of discomfort to suffering individuals in addition to having a negative impact on the quality of life.
Often, a patient with psoriasis will be treated with more than one treatment at a time to optimize care and achieve better results. In this way, we are able to better relieve the symptoms of psoriasis.
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