Psoriasis – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by scaly, red patches on the skin. It affects millions worldwide and is not contagious.
Wissenswertes über "Psoriasis"
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by scaly, red patches on the skin. It affects millions worldwide and is not contagious.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune-driven skin disease that causes skin cells to multiply up to ten times faster than normal. This rapid cell turnover leads to the buildup of thick, scaly plaques on the skin surface. Psoriasis affects approximately 2–3% of the global population and is not contagious. The condition typically follows a relapsing-remitting course, meaning periods of flare-ups alternate with periods of remission. It can develop at any age but most commonly appears in early adulthood.
Causes
The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but research points to a combination of factors:
- Genetic predisposition: Psoriasis tends to run in families. Having a parent or sibling with the condition significantly increases a person's risk.
- Immune system dysfunction: In psoriasis, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, triggering excessive inflammation and accelerated skin cell production.
- Environmental triggers: Certain factors can provoke or worsen a flare-up, including psychological stress, skin injuries (Koebner phenomenon), infections (e.g., streptococcal throat infections), certain medications (e.g., beta-blockers, lithium), smoking, and alcohol consumption.
Symptoms
The most common signs and symptoms of psoriasis include:
- Well-defined, raised, red skin plaques covered with silvery-white scales
- Itching, burning, or soreness in the affected areas
- Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
- Nail changes, such as pitting, discoloration, or separation of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis)
- Joint pain and swelling in patients who develop psoriatic arthritis, which affects approximately 20–30% of people with psoriasis
Psoriasis most commonly affects the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, but it can appear anywhere on the body.
Types of Psoriasis
There are several distinct forms of psoriasis:
- Plaque psoriasis (Psoriasis vulgaris): The most common form, accounting for about 80–90% of cases, presenting as raised, inflamed plaques covered with scales.
- Guttate psoriasis: Characterized by small, drop-shaped lesions, often triggered by a bacterial infection.
- Inverse psoriasis: Affects skin folds such as the armpits, groin, and under the breasts.
- Pustular psoriasis: Presents with pus-filled blisters (pustules) on the skin.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis: A rare but severe form causing widespread redness and shedding of the skin over large areas of the body.
Diagnosis
Psoriasis is typically diagnosed through a clinical examination by a dermatologist. The characteristic appearance of the skin lesions is usually sufficient for a diagnosis. In uncertain cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to examine the tissue under a microscope. If psoriatic arthritis is suspected, blood tests and imaging studies such as X-rays or ultrasound may also be ordered.
Treatment
While there is currently no cure for psoriasis, a wide range of effective treatments is available to manage symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and improve quality of life.
Topical Treatments
- Corticosteroids: Anti-inflammatory creams and ointments that reduce redness and itching.
- Vitamin D analogues (e.g., calcipotriol): Slow down abnormal skin cell growth.
- Dithranol and coal tar preparations: Established treatments that help normalize skin cell turnover.
- Calcineurin inhibitors: Useful for sensitive areas such as the face and skin folds.
Systemic Treatments
For moderate to severe psoriasis, systemic therapies that work throughout the entire body are used:
- Methotrexate (MTX): Suppresses immune activity and slows skin cell production.
- Ciclosporin: An immunosuppressant that dampens the overactive immune response.
- Biologics: Advanced targeted therapies that block specific immune pathways (e.g., TNF-alpha, IL-17, IL-23 inhibitors), often achieving significant skin clearance.
- JAK inhibitors: A newer class of oral medications that interfere with inflammatory signaling pathways.
Phototherapy
UV light therapy (narrowband UVB or PUVA) is a well-established treatment option for moderate psoriasis that slows skin cell growth and reduces inflammation.
Lifestyle and Self-Care
- Daily moisturizing with emollient creams and lotions to keep skin hydrated
- Avoiding known triggers such as stress, alcohol, and smoking
- Maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical activity
- Psychological support, as psoriasis can have a significant impact on mental health and overall well-being
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): Global Report on Psoriasis. Geneva: WHO Press, 2016.
- Griffiths C.E.M. et al. - Psoriasis. In: Lancet. 2021;397(10281):1301–1315. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)32549-6.
- Armstrong A.W. and Read C. - Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation, and Treatment of Psoriasis. In: JAMA. 2020;323(19):1945–1960. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.4006.
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Related search terms: Psoriasis + Psoriais + Psoriasiss