Psoriasis is a common medical condition of the skin wherein one experiences redness and irritation of skin. The skin becomes reddish, thick and has white scaly patches. A person may get psoriasis between 5-40 years of age. Psoriasis is non-contagious.
There are numerous causes of psoriasis like bacterial or viral infection, stress, over-exposure or under-exposure to sunlight, insect bites, cuts or burns, drugs used to treat malaria, alcoholism, etc. Psoriasis may be passed down through the family. Recent studies suggest that around 7.5 million Americans suffer from psoriasis. The figures stand at 125 million for worldwide cases of psoriasis. 10 to 30 percent of psoriasis patients develop psoriasis arthritis. So it is necessary that the condition is diagnosed and treated at the earliest.
Psoriasis can be diagnosed easily just by mere observation of the skin or by performing skin biopsy. Topical treatment that includes medications applied directly onto the skin and scalp are very popular and effective. Creams and ointments containing cortisone, anthralin or coal tar provide relief from irritation of skin. Lotions containing salicylic acid or lactic acid are prescribed to help reduce scaling. Many stores now have special shampoos that provide relief from irritated and itchy scalp. These shampoos may be sold OTC or on prescription. Phototherapy is another alternative to treat psoriasis.
Systemic treatments like methotrexate or cyclosporine, in the form of tablets or injections, help suppress faulty responses of the immune system. Advanced drugs called biologics like Adalimumab, Stelara, Infliximab, etc. are prescribed in case of severe psoriasis.
Preventive measures are not very well known. However, skin must be treated gently; not scrubbing the skin too hard, keeping the skin clean, and limiting exposure to sunlight can help prevent skin irritations.