Psoriasis Treatment: Causes, Symptoms and Effective Solutions
Psoriasis (psoriasis) is a chronic autoimmune skin disease that manifests itself with redness, itching and the formation of thick, flaky plaques on the skin. The body's immune system attacks healthy skin cells, causing skin cells to multiply rapidly, which leads to accumulation on the skin surface. Adana dermatologist Specialist Dr. Hatice Coşkun Güngördü aims to relieve the symptoms of this condition and improve the quality of life of patients by offering effective and personalized treatment options for the treatment of psoriasis. In this article, you can find information about the causes, symptoms and treatment methods of psoriasis.
1. What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. Normally, skin cells renew themselves approximately every 28-30 days, but in psoriasis this process accelerates and the cells renew themselves within 3-4 days. This acceleration causes accumulation on the skin surface and thick, scaly plaques form. Psoriasis can occur at any age, but usually begins in adolescence or young adulthood.
2. Causes of Psoriasis
Although the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, genetic and environmental factors are thought to play an important role in the development of the disease. Psoriasis occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks skin cells. This autoimmune response causes skin cells to multiply rapidly, leading to the formation of psoriasis plaques.
Genetic Predisposition
Psoriasis has a genetic predisposition. People with a family history of psoriasis are at higher risk of developing the disease. Certain genetic mutations are thought to play a role in triggering psoriasis.
Immune System Problems
Since psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, an overreaction of the immune system is the main cause of this disease. The immune system attacks healthy skin cells, causing them to multiply rapidly.
Environmental Factors and Triggers
Certain environmental factors and lifestyle choices can trigger or aggravate psoriasis. These triggers include:
- Stress: Stress is a major factor that can make psoriasis worse.
- Infections: Some infections, such as strep throat, can trigger psoriasis.
- Medications: Some medications (such as beta-blockers and lithium) can make psoriasis worse.
- Climate: Cold, dry weather can increase psoriasis symptoms.
- Injuries: Trauma to the skin, such as cuts, scrapes, or sunburn, can trigger psoriasis. can trigger.
3. What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
The symptoms of psoriasis may vary depending on the type and severity of the disease. The most common symptoms of the disease include:
- Red, scaly skin plaques: The most common symptom is red plaques covered with thick, white or silvery scales that appear on areas such as the knees, elbows, scalp and back.
- Dry and cracking skin: In psoriasis, the skin becomes dry, cracked and sometimes bleeds.
- Itching and burning sensation: Intense itching and burning sensations may occur in the areas where the psoriasis plaques are located.
- Nail changes: The nails may become pitted, thickened and separated from the nail bed.
- Joint pain and stiffness: Some patients may develop joint inflammation known as psoriatic arthritis along with psoriasis.
4. Types of Psoriasis
There are different types of psoriasis, and each can present with different symptoms:
Plaque Psoriasis (Plaque Type Psoriasis)
This is the most common type of psoriasis. Thick, scaly, red plaques form in areas such as the knees, elbows, scalp, and back.
Guttatte Psoriasis
This type is usuallye is seen in children and teenagers. It is characterized by small, drop-shaped red spots and usually occurs after throat infections.
Pustular Psoriasis
A type of psoriasis characterized by white or yellow pus-filled blisters (pustules) on the skin. It usually occurs on the hands and feet.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Characterized by severe redness and rashes covering a large area of the skin. It is a rare but serious type of psoriasis and may require urgent treatment.
Inverse Psoriasis
This type of psoriasis appears as red, shiny rashes in folds such as the armpits, groin, and under the breast.
5. Can Psoriasis Be Treated?
Although there is no definitive treatment for psoriasis, it is possible to relieve symptoms and control flare-ups of the disease. Specialist Dr. Hatice Coşkun Güngördü creates personalized treatment plans according to the individual needs of her patients in the treatment of psoriasis, and uses modern treatment methods to reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life of patients.
6. Psoriasis Treatment Methods
The treatment plan for psoriasis is determined by the severity of the disease, its spread, and the patient's general health. Treatment methods include:
Topical Treatments
Topical creams and ointments are a widely used treatment method for mild forms of psoriasis. This treatment is applied directly to the skin to reduce redness, itching and flaking.
- Corticosteroid creams: Powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce inflammation and the rapid proliferation of skin cells.
- Vitamin D analogs: Drugs that help regulate the growth of skin cells.
- Retinoids: Vitamin A derivatives that regulate the cycle of skin cells.
Phototherapy (Light Therapy)
Phototherapy is a treatment method that involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light in a controlled manner. This treatment slows the growth of skin cells and reduces inflammation. PUVA and UVB therapy are common types of phototherapy used for psoriasis.
Oral and Injectable Medications
In severe forms of psoriasis, oral or injectable medications may be used. These drugs suppress the immune system, controlling inflammation and rapid skin cell proliferation.
- Methotrexate: A drug that suppresses overactivity of the immune system.
- Cyclosporine: Controls psoriasis symptoms by suppressing the immune system.
- Biological treatments: Advanced treatments that interfere with certain components of the immune system. This treatment is especially effective in patients who do not respond to other treatments.
Moisturizer and Skin Care
It is important for patients with psoriasis to moisturize their skin regularly. Moisturizing creams relieve symptoms by reducing dryness and flaking of the skin.
7. Home Remedies for Psoriasis
Management of psoriasis can be supported by some home measures along with professional treatment:
- Using moisturizer: Regularly moisturizing the skin prevents psoriasis plaques from hardening and cracking.
- Using the sun: Natural sunlight can relieve psoriasis symptoms when exposed to it in a controlled manner. However, caution should be exercised due to the risk of sunburn.
- Stress management: Since stress can trigger psoriasis, stress-reducing techniques such as yoga and meditation can be useful in managing the disease.
- Bath care: Taking a bath with warm water and using mild soaps during bathing can soothe the skin.
8. Psychological Effects of Psoriasis
Psoriasis can cause loss of self-confidence and social anxiety in patients due to visible skin problems. In addition, chronicand its repetitive nature can lead to the development of psychological problems such as depression and anxiety in patients. Specialist Dr. Hatice Coşkun Güngördü aims to increase the quality of life of her patients by providing both physical and psychological support in the treatment of psoriasis.
9. The Importance of Early Diagnosis in Psoriasis
Early diagnosis of psoriasis is of great importance in controlling the progression of the disease and reducing the severity of symptoms. In cases diagnosed early, a faster response to treatment can be obtained and the progression of the disease can be stopped. When symptoms such as nail changes, redness and flaking on the skin are noticed, a dermatologist should be consulted without delay.
Specialist Dr. Hatice Coşkun Güngördü aims to increase the quality of life of her patients by offering modern and personalized treatment methods in the treatment of psoriasis. You can contact our clinic to get more information about psoriasis and create your personal treatment plan.
