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Psoriasis

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Overview of Psoriasis

Psoriasis Meaning in Urdu

یہ ایک جِلد کی بیماری ہے جسے عام طور پر چنبل بھی کہا جاتا ہے۔ اس کی وجہ سے جِلد پر سرخ دھبے نمودار ہو جاتے ہیں جو کہ خارش زدہ ہوتے ہیں۔ یہ ایک دائمی بیماری ہے جس کو کنٹرول کرنا کافی مشکل ہوتا ہے۔ اس کی وجہ سے شدید درد بھی لاحق ہو سکتا ہے، حتی کہ یہ نیند نہ آنے کا بھی باعث بن سکتی ہے۔ یہ بیماری مدافعتی نظام کے مسائل کی وجہ لاحق ہوتی ہے کیوں کہ ان مسائل کی وجہ سے جِلد کے سیلز تیزی سے بڑھنے لگتے ہیں، جب کہ انفیکشنز، تمباکو نوشی، اور الکوحل کے بہت زیادہ استعمال سے بھی اس کے خطرات میں اضافہ ہو سکتا ہے۔

Psoriasis Definition

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin, causing it to become red, scaly, and often itchy. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing them to grow rapidly and build up on the skin's surface. The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but it can be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, but it most commonly affects the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. The severity of psoriasis can vary widely, ranging from a few small, localized patches to widespread, severe involvement of the entire body.

Is Psoriasis Contagious?

No, psoriasis is not contagious. Psoriasis cannot be transmitted from one person to another through physical contact or exposure to skin flakes. However, some people may be genetically predisposed to developing psoriasis, and certain triggers such as stress, infections, or medications can exacerbate the condition.

Prevalence of Psoriasis

Globally, psoriasis affects about 125 million people, with an incidence of 0.33%-0.6%. 

Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis

Psoriasis symptoms can vary widely depending on the type and severity of the condition. Here are some common symptoms of psoriasis:

  • Red, raised patches of skin covered with silver-colored scales
  • Dry, cracked, and sometimes bleeding skin
  • Itching, burning, or soreness in the affected areas
  • Thickened or pitted nails
  • Stiff, swollen joints (in some cases, psoriasis can cause joint pain and stiffness, a condition known as psoriatic arthritis)
  • In severe cases, widespread, painful inflammation of the skin, is known as erythrodermic psoriasis
  • Emotional distress and social isolation 

Psoriasis disease is a chronic condition. It can last for a long time or even a lifetime. Symptoms may come and go over time and may be triggered or worsened by certain factors, such as stress, infections, or injury to the skin.

Types of Psoriasis

Psoriasis types include:

  • Plaque Psoriasis: This is the most common type of psoriasis, and it appears as red, raised patches covered in silvery scales. These patches usually occur on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
  • Guttate Psoriasis: This type of psoriasis appears as small, dot-like lesions that usually develop on the trunk, arms, and legs. It often occurs in children and young adults.
  • Inverse Psoriasis: This type of psoriasis appears as smooth, red patches of skin found in skin folds, such as the armpits, groin, and under the breasts.
  • Pustular Psoriasis: This type of psoriasis appears as white blisters filled with pus surrounded by red, inflamed skin. It can occur anywhere on the body but most commonly on the hands and feet.
  • Erythrodermic Psoriasis: This is the least common but most severe type of psoriasis, which can cover the entire body with a red, peeling rash that can cause severe itching and burning.
  • Nail Psoriasis: This type of psoriasis affects the nails, causing them to become pitted, thickened, and discolored. In severe cases, the nails may even detach from the nail bed.
  • Scalp Psoriasis: This type of psoriasis appears on the scalp, causing red, itchy, and scaly patches of skin to form. It can also extend to the forehead, neck, and behind the ears.

Causes of Psoriasis

Psoriasis causes are not fully understood, but it can be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Here are some factors that may contribute to the development of psoriasis:

  • Genetics: Psoriasis tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component to the condition.
  • Immune system: Psoriasis is considered an autoimmune disease, the immune system attacks healthy body cells. In psoriasis, the immune system mistakenly attacks skin cells, causing them to grow rapidly and build up on the skin’s surface.
  • Environmental factors: Certain environmental factors, such as infections, injuries to the skin, stress, and certain medications, can trigger psoriasis or make symptoms worse.
  • Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and obesity, have been associated with an increased risk of developing psoriasis.
  • Other medical conditions: People with certain medical conditions, such as HIV, may be at an increased risk of developing psoriasis.
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Risk Factors of Psoriasis

Psoriasis risk factors can increase a person's risk of developing the disease. These include:

  • Family history: Psoriasis tends to run in families, and having a close relative with the condition can increase a person's risk of developing it.
  • Age: Psoriasis can occur at any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 35.
  • Gender: Psoriasis affects both men and women, but it may be slightly more common in women.
  • Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase a person's risk of developing psoriasis, and may also make symptoms worse.
  • Smoking: Smoking can have an increased risk of psoriasis and more severe symptoms.
  • Alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol consumption can have an increased risk of psoriasis.
  • Stress: Stress can trigger or exacerbate psoriasis symptoms in some people.
  • Certain medications: Certain medications, such as lithium, beta-blockers, and antimalarial drugs, can trigger or worsen psoriasis symptoms.
  • Infections: Infections, such as strep throat or skin infections, can trigger the onset of psoriasis or exacerbate existing symptoms.

It's important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean that a person will develop psoriasis, and many people with psoriasis have no known risk factors.

Complications

While psoriasis can cause physical discomfort and pain, it can also have psychological and social impacts. Here are some common complications associated with psoriasis:

  • Joint pain and swelling: Psoriasis can sometimes lead to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, a condition known as psoriatic arthritis. It can affect any joint in the body, including the fingers, toes, and spine.
  • Increased risk of cardiovascular disease: People with psoriasis are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke.
  • Emotional distress: Psoriasis can have a significant impact on a person's mental health and well-being. It can lead to anxiety, depression, social isolation, and low self-esteem.
  • Infection: Psoriasis can make the skin more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections, particularly if the skin is cracked or broken.
  • Obesity: There is a link between psoriasis and obesity, which can increase the risk of developing other health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
  • Eye problems: In rare cases, psoriasis can affect the eyes and lead to conjunctivitis or uveitis, which can cause eye pain, redness, and vision problems.
  • Skin cancer: People with psoriasis are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer, particularly if exposed to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds.

People with psoriasis should work closely with dermatologists to manage their condition and monitor for potential complications.

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Prevention

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition, and there is currently no way to prevent it. However, there are some steps that people can take to manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of flare-ups. Here are some things you can do for Psoriasis prevention:

  • Avoid triggers: Certain factors can trigger or worsen psoriasis symptoms, such as stress, infections, injuries to the skin, and some medications. If you identify and avoid these triggers, you can reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.
  • Maintain a healthy weight: There is a link between psoriasis and obesity, so maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce the risk of developing psoriasis and manage symptoms.
  • Protect your skin: Avoiding injuries or damage to the skin can help prevent new psoriasis patches from forming. Protect your skin from the sun, avoid scratching, and use moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated.
  • Manage stress: Stress can trigger or worsen psoriasis symptoms, so it's important to find ways to manage stress, such as through meditation, exercise, or therapy.
  • Quit smoking: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of psoriasis, so quitting smoking can reduce the risk of developing the condition and improve symptoms.

While there is no way to prevent psoriasis, taking these steps can help manage the symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.

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Diagnosis

Psoriasis is diagnosed based on a physical examination and your medical history. Here are some common steps involved in diagnosing psoriasis:

  • Physical examination: Your dermatologist will examine your skin for signs of psoriasis, such as thick, red, and scaly patches. They may also look for signs of psoriatic arthritis, such as swollen joints.
  • Medical history: Your dermatologists will ask you about your medical history, including any symptoms you've experienced, when they started, and how they have changed over time. They may also ask about any family history of psoriasis or other autoimmune conditions.
  • Biopsy: In some cases, your dermatologist may take a small sample of skin (biopsy) to confirm the diagnosis of psoriasis and rule out other skin conditions.
  • X-rays: If you have joint pain, your dermatologist may order X-rays to look for signs of psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriasis can sometimes be mistaken for other skin conditions. Once diagnosed, your dermatologist can develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Treatment of Psoriasis | When to Consult a Doctor

Psoriasis is a chronic condition for which there is no cure. However, there are several treatment options available that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Here are some treatment options for psoriasis:

  • Topical medications: Creams, lotions, and ointments can be applied directly to the skin to help reduce inflammation, itching, and scaling. Common topical medications include corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and retinoids.
  • Phototherapy: Also known as light therapy, this treatment involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light. Phototherapy can be done in a healthcare provider's office or at home using a lightbox.
  • Systemic medications: If psoriasis is severe or not responding to other treatments, oral or injectable medications may suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. These medications include methotrexate, cyclosporine, and biologics.
  • Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes can also help manage psoriasis symptoms, such as eating a healthy diet, doing regular exercise, and avoiding triggers like stress and certain medications.

Some treatments may cause side effects or interact with other medications. It's essential to discuss any concerns with your dermatologist. With the right treatment, many people with psoriasis can manage their symptoms and lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

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