Do not ignore red rashes and itching on the skin, know the symptoms and treatment of psoriasis.

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Dr Shazia Zaidi, Consultant Dermatology, Metro Hospitals, Noida

Dr. Jayshree Noor, Cosmetology and Laser Expert, Gurugram

The problem of psoriasis is not limited to the skin only. It can also target the joints and make you a victim of psoriasis arthritis. At present 3-4 crore people in our country are suffering from this disease. Know how to protect yourself from this.

Psoriasis is a serious skin disease, in which the life cycle of skin cells changes. Due to psoriasis, cells start forming rapidly on the surface of the skin. These extra skin cells form thick, sticky scales and dry red itchy rashes, which are sometimes painful. White mucous scales form on it. Due to this, after some time, pain in bones and legs also starts. It also causes a lot of pain. This is a permanent and a serious disease.

This is an autoimmune disorder

Actually, psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder, in which skin cells start growing 10 times faster than the normal condition. Due to the rapid growth of cells, bumps like red rashes start appearing on the skin. These can occur in any part of the body, but their effect is especially visible in the elbows, knees and lower waist. There is a problem of scalp psoriasis in the head. In many patients, after treatment, these rashes get cured for some time, but there is a risk of their recurrence.

What are the reasons for this?

The actual causes of psoriasis are not completely known, but it is believed to be caused by a problem with the body’s immune system’s cells. Especially a type of white blood cells called T lymphocyte or T cell. In people with psoriasis, T cells mistakenly target healthy skin cells as foreign substances. It is worth noting that this is not an infectious disease. However, some experts believe that people with scalp psoriasis should keep their combs separate.

It can become serious due to these reasons

Some factors can not only cause psoriasis, but can also make the symptoms severe for those already suffering from this skin disease. These include bacterial and viral infections, injuries to the skin such as cuts, scrapes, insect bites or severe sunburns, cold weather, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, stress that affects the immune system, excessive stress. It also greatly increases the risk of psoriasis.

What is scalp psoriasis?

Scalp psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that occurs on the head, in which there is excessive shedding of skin like dandruff, but in this the scales keep coming in large flakes. Sometimes thick patches of dry flaky skin appear on the head. At the same time, sometimes bleeding may also occur.

Skin rash symptoms of psoriasis

What are its symptoms: Symptoms of psoriasis may vary from person to person, but mostly the following symptoms are seen –

• Red rashes on the skin, on which there are silver colored scales.

• Scaly spots (usually seen in children).

• Dry, cracked skin, which may also bleed.

• Thick and sunken nails and their weakening and breakage.

• Rashes include itching, swollen and stiff joints.

Diagnosis is done in two ways

• Physical Examination: In this, the doctor takes information about the patient’s medical history and examines his skin and nails.

• Skin biopsy: In more severe cases of psoriasis, biopsy is done to find out the actual cause. In this, a small sample of skin is taken and examined under a microscope.

There is no permanent treatment

The primary aim of its treatment is to stop skin cells from growing too rapidly. There is no permanent cure, but treatment attempts to manage the disease and reduce symptoms.

• Light therapy: Natural or artificial ultraviolet rays are used in this treatment.

• photochemotherapy : This technique is used in more severe cases of psoriasis. It also has many side effects.

• Medication : For those who have severe psoriasis or other types of treatment are not possible, the doctor suggests injections or medicines. According to the condition of the patient, medicine is given.

What protection is possible?

• Take bath every day even in winter: Taking bath daily helps in removing scales from the skin and provides relief to the swollen skin. Avoid using hot water and excessive chemical soap.

• Use of moisturizer: Immediately after bathing, when there is some moisture in the skin, immediately apply ointment based moisturizer. In winter there is a need to apply moisturizer several times a day. Moisturizers do not heal psoriasis, but they can reduce itching and flaking.

• sunlight : Spend some time in sunlight, but do not stay for too long. Before going out in the sun, you can apply sunscreen on areas where there are no psoriasis rashes.

Conversation: Shamim Khan

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