What is Psoriasis?

Dr. Anuradha Kakkanatt Babu
Consultant Dermatologist
Aster Medcity, Kochi

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition affecting 2% - 3% of the population.

Psoriasis is a multifactorial genetic disease. It appears as scaly lesions mostly involving sites like scalp, elbows and knees. It may progress to involve whole body as well. About 30% of people with psoriasis have a family history of the condition, and certain genes have been linked to psoriasis. However, the condition will mostly appear if it is triggered by an environmental factor. Triggers may include stressful life events, infection with certain viruses and bacteria, skin injury, or intake of certain medications. Pain or swellings in joints in a person with psoriasis is suggestive of psoriatic arthropathy.

Psoriasis is not contagious. It cannot be caught from touching someone who has the condition, swimming in the same pool, sharing towels, or eating food prepared by a person with psoriasis.

Diet is thought to play only a small role in psoriasis. In general, a well balanced diet is advisable in people with

psoriasis, just as it is in everyone. Hot, humid environments tend to make cases of psoriasis worse. In contrast, sunlight and dry, sunny climates, as a rule are helpful - particularly in mild cases.

The treatment of psoriasis should be individualized and depends on patient and disease factors. Treatment is concerned with control rather than cure. Psoriasis can be managed with sustained judicious use of various treatments.

Psoriasis can have a significant impact on the quality of life of those who are afflicted due to chronicity of the disease and frequent remissions and relapses. There are many topical and systemic medicines to treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Phototherapy is another treatment option.

Work with dermatologist to find treatment that reduce or eliminate your symptoms. What works for one person with psoriasis might not work for another. Hence it is important to know the different treatment options so that you can find the right regimen for you.

Recent advances in the understanding of the cause of psoriasis have led to the development of new, genetically engineered, targeted therapies for this condition. Still, reassurance and emotional support are invaluable. Physical and mental rest may enhance the effects of the specific management of acute episodes.