
Psoriasis Treatment and Symptoms

What is psoriasis? Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious, and often painful skin disease that causes the cells of the dermis, or skin, to reproduce more rapidly than normal. The condition causes reddish, round scaly skin patches to develop on the knees, hands, feet, elbows and scalp.
The normal skin cell life cycle is 28 to 30 days. During this time the cell matures and sloughs off the body’s surface. A psoriatic skin cell has a three to four day maturation process. Once mature, instead of falling off the body the skin cells pile up and form the lesions or patches described above. There are several types of psoriasis:-
Plaque psoriasis - the most common form of psoriasis characterized by reddish patches of skin with silvery scale;
-
Guttate psoriasis - characterized by smaller lesions appearing as dots;
-
Pustular psoriasis - involves weeping lesions and more intense scaling;
-
Inverse psoriasis - characterized by intense inflammation of the skin;
-
Erythrodermic psoriasis - characterized by intense shedding and redness around the lesions.
-
Find a dermatologist who you trust and who has experience with the disease. Referrals from other medical professionals or friends and family are useful.
-
Keep in constant communication with your dermatologist about what is working and what is not. Raise any and all concerns you may have, including mental health-related concerns.
-
Consider trying forms of treatment other than medication including diet (fasting periods, low energy diets and vegetarian diets have improved psoriasis symptoms in some studies). Studies have also shown that symptoms may be influenced by lifestyle habits related to alcohol, smoking, weight, sleep, stress and physical activity.
Final Thoughts Until better treatments become available, it is important to fully understand your individual psoriasis condition. Working with a licensed dermatologist will make minimizing your symptoms and discomfort easier.
About the Contributor: Lisa Rhodes, MD practices medical dermatology at Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Rhodes also currently a volunteer faculty member at the University of Texas Southwestern Dermatology Program. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!
Add a comment