Psoriasis – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing red, scaly patches. It is not contagious and affects approximately 2-3% of the global population.
Wissenswertes über "Psoriasis"
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing red, scaly patches. It is not contagious and affects approximately 2-3% of the global population.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease characterized by sharply defined, red patches covered with silvery-white scales. The condition typically follows a relapsing-remitting course and is not contagious. It affects approximately 2–3% of the global population and can significantly impact quality of life.
Causes
The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is classified as an autoimmune disease. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing them to multiply up to ten times faster than normal. This rapid buildup of cells leads to the characteristic scaly plaques on the skin surface.
- Genetic predisposition: Psoriasis often runs in families, suggesting a hereditary component.
- Triggers: Stress, infections (e.g., streptococcal throat infections), certain medications (e.g., beta-blockers, lithium), alcohol consumption, and smoking can trigger or worsen flare-ups.
- Immune dysregulation: An overactive immune response involving T-cells and inflammatory cytokines plays a central role.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of psoriasis. The most common form is plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris), accounting for about 80–90% of all cases.
- Well-defined, raised red patches of skin (plaques)
- Silvery-white, dry scales covering the plaques
- Itching, burning, or soreness
- Most commonly affected areas: elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back
- Nail involvement: pitting, discoloration, or separation from the nail bed
- Joint pain and swelling in cases of psoriatic arthritis
Diagnosis
Psoriasis is typically diagnosed by a dermatologist based on the clinical appearance of the skin. In unclear cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis under a microscope.
- Visual examination of skin, nails, and scalp
- Assessment of disease severity using scoring tools such as the PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index)
- Blood tests and imaging if psoriatic arthritis is suspected
Treatment
While psoriasis currently has no cure, a wide range of effective treatments is available to manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups. Treatment is tailored to the severity of the disease.
Topical Treatments
- Corticosteroid creams: reduce inflammation and slow skin cell turnover
- Vitamin D analogues (e.g., calcipotriol): slow abnormal cell growth
- Coal tar and dithranol: traditional treatments that reduce scaling and inflammation
- Emollients and moisturizers to relieve dryness and itching
Phototherapy
Light therapy using narrowband UVB or PUVA (psoralen combined with UVA light) is effective for moderate to severe psoriasis, slowing excessive skin cell growth and reducing inflammation.
Systemic Treatments
- Methotrexate, ciclosporin, and acitretin: conventional systemic agents used for severe psoriasis
- Biologics: targeted therapies such as TNF inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, and IL-23 inhibitors that specifically modulate the immune response
- Small molecule drugs (e.g., apremilast): oral medications that inhibit inflammatory signaling pathways
Living with Psoriasis
Beyond medical treatment, lifestyle modifications play an important role in managing psoriasis. Reducing stress, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and maintaining consistent skin care routines can help minimize flare-ups. Psychological support is also beneficial, as psoriasis is frequently associated with anxiety, depression, and reduced self-esteem.
References
- Griffiths CEM, Armstrong AW, Gudjonsson JE, Barker JNWN. Psoriasis. Lancet. 2021;397(10281):1301–1315.
- World Health Organization (WHO). Global report on psoriasis. Geneva: WHO, 2016.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Psoriasis: assessment and management. NICE guideline NG93. London: NICE, 2017.
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Related search terms: Psoriasis + Psoriasis vulgaris