Psoriasis is treated by using topical treatments, systemic medications, and light therapy to alleviate the symptoms and reduce inflammation. The treatment plans are individualised depending on the severity and type of psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes rapid skin cell turnover, leading to thick and scaly patches on the skin. It is a skin condition best treated by dermatologists who assist patients in dealing with similar symptoms and improve their quality of life. Now, let’s discuss the details of psoriasis, what to expect during a dermatology consultation, and the holistic approach to its treatment and care.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that leads to an increase in the rate of production of skin cells and their accumulation on the skin’s surface. This results in the development of red, scaly patches that may be accompanied by itching and discomfort to the affected person. Psoriasis is not a contagious disease, but it can cause a lot of discomfort and pain for the patient.
Types of Psoriasis
Knowing about the various types of psoriasis is useful in identifying the best treatment plan. Here are the main types:
- Plaque Psoriasis.
- Characteristics: The most common type is manifested by dry, itchy, red, raised skin lesions (plaques) with silvery scales.
- Common Areas: Elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
- Nail Psoriasis
- Characteristics: Affects the nails by producing pits and is characterised by changes in colour and thickness.
- Common Areas: Fingernails and toenails.
- Guttate Psoriasis
- Characteristics: Presents as small, round, scaly, droplet-like papules on the torso, arms, legs, and scalp.
- Common Areas: Trunk, limbs, and scalp.
- Inverse Psoriasis
- Characteristics: It causes bright red, shiny, and inflamed lesions in skin folds.
- Common Areas: Underarms, groin and under the breasts.
- Pustular Psoriasis
- Characteristics: It is a skin condition that is marked by white pustules, which are small blister-like formations that contain non-infectious pus and are surrounded by red skin.
- Common Areas: Hands, feet, and sometimes all over the body.
- Erythrodermic Psoriasis
- Characteristics: This is the rarest form which results in inflammation and shedding of skin over large areas of the body.
- Common Areas: It can cover large parts of the body, such as the trunk and limbs.
Symptoms and Causes of Psoriasis
Given below are the symptoms and causes of psoriasis disease:
Symptoms
- Red patches covered with silvery scales.
- Itching and painful patches of skin.
- Dry and cracked skin that can bleed.
- Swollen and stiff joints in cases of psoriatic arthritis.
Causes
- Genetics: Psoriasis is known to be hereditary, which implies that it runs in families.
- Immune System: The skin cells multiply at a very fast rate due to an overactive immune system.
- Environmental Triggers: Psoriasis may be triggered by stress, infections, some medications, and skin injuries.
Role of Dermatologists in Treating Psoriasis
Psoriasis is managed and treated by dermatologists who are specialists in skin diseases. They are involved in the diagnosis of the condition, evaluating the severity of the condition, and recommending tailored treatment plans.
Here are the key roles that dermatologists fulfil while treating psoriasis:
- Accurate Diagnosis
Clinical Evaluation: Dermatologists examine skin for common features of psoriasis and evaluate the nature, degree, and severity of the condition.
Differential Diagnosis: They differentiate psoriasis from other diseases with similar manifestations by clinical examination and, if necessary, skin biopsies.
- Developing Treatment Plans
Personalised Approach: Psoriasis is treated and managed depending on the type and severity of the skin disease, the patient’s overall health, and his or her choice.
Combination Therapies: Dermatologists use topical therapy, systemic therapy, and phototherapy to achieve the best results.
- Prescription of Medications
Topical Treatments: Some of the drugs that are used by dermatologists in the management of inflammation and the signs and symptoms include topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, and other drugs.
Systemic Treatments: For moderate to severe cases, they prescribe oral medications and biologics, which work on certain pathways in the immune system to treat the disease.
- Administering Phototherapy
UVB Therapy: Phototherapy sessions that use ultraviolet B light are supervised by dermatologists to reduce the rate of skin cell division and inflammation.
PUVA Therapy: They recommend the use of systemic PUVA where the patient is given oral psoralen and exposed to ultraviolet A light.
- Monitoring and Adjusting Treatment
Regular Follow-ups: They advise their patients to come for follow-up appointments so that the result of the treatment can be evaluated and if required adjusted.
Managing Side Effects: They observe potential adverse effects of therapies and ensure the health status of the patient.
- Patient Education and Support
Lifestyle Advice: Lifestyle changes that can be recommended by dermatologists include stress management and changes in diet.
Psychological Support: They provide assistance and information to the patients on how to deal with the psychological aspect of psoriasis.
One of the best dermatologists in Bangalore, Dr Vanita Mathew, is highly regarded for her expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of dermatological conditions like psoriasis with precision and compassion.
When to Consult a Dermatologist?
- If the symptoms of psoriasis are not improving with the available counter medications.
- If the condition is widespread or causes a lot of pain in the affected areas of the body.
- If psoriasis affects the nails or if it is associated with joint pain.
- If there is a change in the severity of the symptoms or if the symptoms spread to other parts of the body.
- If psoriasis interferes with daily functioning, occupation, or mental health.
Conclusion
Psoriasis is a chronic condition that needs ongoing management care. It is best managed by dermatologists who are involved in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of this condition. They can provide individualised care to help manage the symptoms and impact on the patient’s life. Knowledge of the types of psoriasis, its symptoms, causes, and treatment methods will enable the patient to have better control over the disease under the guidance of a dermatologist.
For expert skin care for psoriasis, consult Dr Vanita Mathew through Apollo. She is renowned for her expertise in managing psoriasis and other dermatological conditions. She is also one of the best dermatologists in Bangalore.