Skin disorders are very visible health conditions that can take many different forms, such as scaly, patchy bruises, etc. This may have an effect on a person’s mental health. These skin disorders are not selective, as they affect people of all ethnicities and social backgrounds.
Some celebrities have had to battle with significant skin diseases. Kim Kardashian, Cara Delevingne, Lala Anthony, and other celebrities suffer from psoriasis flare-ups.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition defined by the fast growth of skin cells, which causes red, scaly patches on the skin’s surface. According to a population-based study, the prevalence of psoriasis is 2.5% in Caucasians and 1.3% in African Americans. This suggests that white people are more likely than black people to have psoriasis.
Understanding Psoriasis
Skin cells often take some time to develop before they shed. In the case of psoriasis, skin cells grow quickly, accumulating on the surface and causing the red scaly patches. The immune system’s function is to protect the body from bacteria and viruses that attempt to infect it.
As previously stated, psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system targets the body, specifically skin cells, identifying them as a threat. This attack is the rapid synthesis of skin cells, which causes inflammation as the body’s response to this attack.
Types of Psoriasis
There are various types of psoriasis that affect people which we’re going to look at in this section.
- Plaque Psoriasis: The most common type of psoriasis, causing red patches covered with scales.
- Guttate Psoriasis: This type shows up as tiny red spots on the skin, usually after infections like strep throat.
- Pustular Psoriasis: This results in pus-filled blisters on the skin, typically on the hands and feet.
Symptoms and Impact
The symptoms of psoriasis include:
- Scaly patches
- Dry cracked skin
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Pus-filled blisters
- Red spots
Impacts include:
- Physical discomfort while moving or sleeping
- Self-consciousness
- Social stigma (discrimination)
- Disrupted daily activities because of physical discomfort like itchiness
- The social implications of psoriasis can lead to a psoriasis patient dealing with stress and anxiety
How Can Psoriasis Be Cured?
Unfortunately, there are currently no cure for psoriasis. However, there are a couple of effective treatments that are used to cure psoriasis. But the treatment options differ, this is depending on the severity of the psoriasis case – which means you have to see your doctor to know what treatment plan suits you best. Here are a couple of treatment options for psoriasis:
- Topical creams and ointment: This treatment is applied directly to the affected area of the skin to help reduce inflammation and further itchiness. Examples of salicylic acid, corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and retinoids etc.
- Light therapy: This process is also known as phototherapy where the skin is being exposed to ultraviolet light under medical supervision. The aim of this treatment option is to slow down skin cells turnover and reduce inflammation.
- Medication: When the psoriasis case is severe, oral or injectable medication may be prescribed to the patient. This helps to suppress the immune system’s response and reduce inflammation.
Summary
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition defined by the fast growth of skin cells, which causes red, scaly patches on the skin’s surface. Plaque, guttate, and pustular are various types of psoriasis.
Psoriasis occurs when the immune system attacks the body which results in rapid skin cell growth and inflammation.
Unfortunately, there are currently no cure for psoriasis. However, there are a couple of effective treatments that are used to cure psoriasis. Application of topical creams and ointment, light therapy and meditation are the various types of treatment options available to effectively treat psoriasis.
