Even if you don’t know what it is, you are sure to have heard about psoriasis from Kim Kardashian or Cara Delevingne.
This skin condition that affects all kinds of people of any age, requires very special attention and care. So much so that Dr. Costi has set aside one day a month at the clinic just for psoriasis treatment.
So what exactly is psoriasis and how do you treat it?
Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches to appear on the skin.
It looks like a rash that won’t go away, and it appears mainly on the elbows, knees, or scalp- but it can develop anywhere on the body even on the eyelids.
Even though we’re not sure how the disease develops, it can also be an indicator of serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and depression.
Men and women of all ages are prone to this skin condition, and even children, and it is usually transmitted genetically. It can appear suddenly when something happens that triggers the psoriasis to flare, and the skin becomes inflamed. It can also appear in cyclical patterns, worsening in winter and improving in summer.
Diagnosis
A biopsy will determine your skin condition. Not to be confused with eczema, psoriasis skin when examined will look thicker and more inflamed.
Then you will also determine which one of the 5 types of psoriasis you have.
Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of the disease and appears as raised, red patches covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells. These patches or plaques most often show up on the scalp, knees, elbows and lower back. They are often itchy and painful, and they can crack and bleed.
Guttate
Guttate psoriasis is a form of psoriasis that appears as small, dot-like lesions. It often starts in childhood or young adulthood, and can be triggered by a strep infection. This is the second-most common type of psoriasis, after plaque psoriasis.
Inverse
Inverse psoriasis shows up as very red lesions in body folds, such as behind the knee, under the arm or in the groin. It may appear smooth and shiny. Many people have another type of psoriasis elsewhere on the body at the same time.
Pustular
Pustular psoriasis in characterized by white blisters surrounded by red skin. The pus consists of white blood cells. It is not an infection, nor is it contagious. Pustular psoriasis can occur on any part of the body, but occurs most often on the hands or feet.
Erythrodermic
Erythrodermic psoriasis is a particularly severe form of psoriasis that leads to widespread, fiery redness over most of the body. It can cause severe itching and pain, and make the skin come off in sheets. It is rare, occurring in 3 percent of people who have psoriasis during their life time.
Treatment:
Depending on the location of the psoriasis, Dr. Costi will combine a topical cream (or shampoo) with oral or injectable drugs. Furthermore, special sessions of phototherapy (light therapy with ultra-violet light) are recommended.
While psoriasis can’t be cured, there is an effective treatment for any of the types of this skin condition.
You can also learn to manage it by avoiding your specific triggers such as:
Stress
Stress is a major trigger for some people with psoriasis.
Cold Weather
The sun’s ultra-violet light turns off the skin’s immune system which is overactive in people with psoriasis. So you might seek some sunshine in winter.
Dry Skin
Anything that injures the skin can cause a psoriasis flare, including excessively dry skin.
Smoking
There’s some evidence that smoking can make psoriasis worse.
Diet
Avoiding certain foods may reduce inflammation and help with psoriasis. Additionally, studies have shown that many people with psoriasis may also have a gluten sensitivity.
Whatever your skin condition, don’t worry and don’t hide it.
Dr. Costi will have a treatment for you. Embrace your body and accept it, then you will find the best solution to live with it.
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