What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin condition which speeds up the life cycle of skin cells. It causes skin cells to rapidly build up on the surface of the skin, which results in the formation of scales and red patches that are itchy and painful. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that often comes and goes.

Scales may develop anywhere on the body such as the hands, feet, neck, scalp, face and joints such as the elbows and knees.

What causes psoriasis?

Genetics and the immune system are the two factors that may cause psoriasis.

• Immune system
  Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition where the normal immune cells of the body become dysfunctional. The white blood cells mistakenly move to the skin in excess numbers, which triggers new skin cells to form too quickly and cause red and inflamed areas on the skin.
• Genetics
  If you have an immediate family member who had or has psoriasis, you may develop psoriasis too.

Things that may trigger an outbreak of psoriasis include:

• Cuts, scrapes or surgery
• Emotional stress
• Strep infection, a bacterial infection which causes inflammation and pain in the throat
• Medication such as blood pressure medication, some antifungals, and oral corticosteroids, to name a few.

What are the related symptoms?

Psoriasis signs and symptoms differ from person to person. The most common symptoms of psoriasis include:

• Red, raised and inflamed skin patches
• Thick silvery scales
• Dry and cracked skin
• Itching, burning or soreness around patches
• Swollen or stiff joints
• Thick and pitted nails

You must see Dr Konyana for medical attention when psoriasis causes discomfort and pain, the appearance of your skin makes you feel concerned, and if you are experiencing joint problems such as pain, swelling or inability to perform daily tasks.

What are the possible treatment options?

To reduce inflammation and clear your skin, Dr Konyana will prescribe topical creams and ointments such as topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, anthralin, or calcineurin inhibitors, to apply on your skin to treat mild to moderate psoriasis.

When you are diagnosed with severe psoriasis, the creams may be combined with light therapy or oral medication such as systemic retinoids. Dr Konyana may recommend that you undergo light therapy, also known as phototherapy. This treatment uses artificial or natural ultraviolet light to treat widespread psoriasis and psoriasis that resists topical treatment.