Psoriasis is a common skin condition that affects approximately million people in the United States alone. It’s a chronic, long-term condition that can cause itching, redness, scaling, and skin inflammation. The good news is that there are treatments available to help manage psoriasis symptoms, and you can make some lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of developing or exacerbating the condition. Let’s take a closer look at five things you need to know about Psoriasis.
What Causes Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that is thought to be an immune system problem. It is believed to be caused by the body’s T-cells, which are infection-fighting cells, mistakenly attacking healthy skin cells. While it is not known exactly what causes this mistake, several environmental and genetic factors have been identified as potential triggers.
Common environmental triggers include stress, injuries to the skin (such as sunburn or cuts), infections, allergies, and some medications. Weather conditions (such as cold and dry air) can also worsen psoriasis symptoms. Genetic factors, such as having a family history of Psoriasis, may also increase one’s risk of developing the condition.
It has also been suggested that diet may influence Psoriasis, particularly concerning the consumption of gluten-containing foods; however, further research is needed to determine if any dietary restriction would help reduce symptoms. In addition to these possible external factors, it appears that hormones can play a role in triggering psoriasis flares in some people – women often find their symptoms get worse during pregnancy or when taking oral contraceptives.
Finally, research suggests that psychological stress can exacerbate existing symptoms and cause psoriasis flares in those susceptible. This could include anything from anxiety and depression to general life stressors such as work or relationship issues. Stress management techniques such as regular exercise and relaxation therapies may help reduce flare-ups associated with psychological stress levels.
Who Is At Risk for Developing Psoriasis?
While it can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or race, specific individuals may be at a higher risk for developing Psoriasis. Those at increased risk include:
- People with a family history of the condition: Individuals whose parents or siblings have been diagnosed with Psoriasis are more likely to develop it themselves.
- Individuals with weakened immune systems: People living with HIV/AIDS, those taking medications to suppress the immune system, such as prednisone, and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are at a higher risk for Psoriasis.
- Smokers: Studies suggest that smoking increases one’s chance of getting Psoriasis and worsens current symptoms.
- People exposed to certain environmental factors: Sunburns and other forms of skin trauma can trigger psoriasis flares in those already susceptible to it. Stress, some types of infections (such as strep throat), and extreme weather conditions (like cold climates) have all been linked to worsening symptoms in people with Psoriasis.
Overall, while anyone can get Psoriasis regardless of age, gender or race, certain individuals may be at an increased risk for developing this condition.
What Are Some Common Symptoms?
Common symptoms of Psoriasis include red, scaly patches on the skin with silver-white scales that may be itchy or painful. These can appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp and nails. Other common symptoms may include dry, cracked skin that may bleed and thick or pitted nails.
In some cases, Psoriasis can also cause joint inflammation and pain, known as psoriatic arthritis. Along with physical effects, Psoriasis can also cause psychological symptoms such as low self-esteem and depression from feeling shame or embarrassment about their appearance.
Psoriasis is not only an external condition but can also have internal impacts. Up to 30 percent of people with Psoriasis will experience joint pain from a related condition called Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). This form of arthritis causes inflammation in joints, leading to stiffness and pain in areas like fingers, toes, spine, and knees. People suffering from PsA typically experience flares with swelling and tenderness around affected joints.
In addition to physical symptoms, people living with Psoriasis often experience emotional distress, such as low self-esteem, due to feeling embarrassed or ashamed about their condition caused by the social stigma associated with visible skin conditions like this one. Anxiety levels can increase, while stress levels might flare up during times when plaques worsen, making managing daily life more difficult than usual.
How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed?
A doctor typically diagnosed Psoriasis through a physical examination of the skin, nails, and scalp. During the physical examination, the doctor will look for any signs of thickening or discoloration on the skin and any patches with silver scales. The doctor may also take samples from the rash to test under a microscope to determine if it is Psoriasis.
A blood test may also be performed to check for antibodies associated with Psoriasis – such as an antinuclear antibody (ANA) or rheumatoid factor (RF). A person’s medical history should also be discussed with the doctor to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms. A family history of Psoriasis is also important information to discuss during diagnosis, as it can help indicate an increased risk of developing the condition.
In some cases, a combination of all these tests will be used to make an accurate diagnosis of Psoriasis and distinguish between different types of this condition. If you think you have symptoms characteristic of Psoriasis, it is important to speak with your doctor who can properly diagnose you and provide appropriate treatment options depending on your individual case.
What Treatments Are Available?
Treatment for Psoriasis depends on the severity of your symptoms and how well you respond to treatment options . Topical treatments such as creams, ointments, or foams are usually prescribed first, followed by phototherapy if necessary. In some cases, oral or injectable medications may also be used.
Lifestyle modifications like reducing stress levels, avoiding triggers like smoking or alcohol, eating healthfully, exercising regularly, and moisturizing often can also help manage symptoms.
Tremfya – Psoriasis Treatment
Tremfya (Guselkumab) is an injectable medication that blocks a protein called interleukin-23 (IL-23). IL-23 plays an essential role in the development of Psoriasis by causing inflammation in the skin. By blocking this protein, Tremfya slows down the inflammation process, helping to reduce redness and itching associated with Psoriasis.
What Are the Benefits of Taking Tremfya?
The most significant benefit of taking Tremfya is that it can help you achieve clear skin quickly and effectively. Studies have shown that patients taking Tremfya saw an average reduction in their symptoms within 4 weeks of starting treatment. However, Before beginning treatment with Tremfya, make sure you speak to your doctor about any other medications or treatments you may be taking for your Psoriasis.
You should also let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as these medications may not be safe for use during those times. Finally, since this medication needs to be injected directly into your skin, you should also follow all instructions carefully when administering it yourself at home.
Conclusion
Knowing what causes it, who is at risk for getting it, what the symptoms look like, how it’s diagnosed, and what treatments are available are all important information to have if you believe you may have this condition—and even if you don’t! By understanding these five pieces of information about Psoriasis, you’ll be better prepared should it ever affect you or someone close to you.
