Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments Explained

Are you noticing red, scaly patches on your skin that don’t go away and sometimes flare up without warning? You might be dealing with psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition that affects millions of people worldwide. 

Although not contagious, psoriasis can be physically uncomfortable and emotionally distressing. Understanding how it develops and how to manage it can help you take back control of your skin health and overall well-being.

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. This triggers a rapid turnover of skin cells, causing them to build up on the surface instead of shedding normally. 

As a result, people with psoriasis often develop thick, silvery scales and red patches on their skin, which can also cause discomfort and irritation in individuals with sensitive skin. 

This condition affects around 2-3% of the global population and can appear almost anywhere on the body, including the scalp, elbows, knees, lower back, face, palms, soles, and nails. 

While it’s primarily a skin condition, it can also impact joints and cause widespread inflammation, making proper care especially important for those prone to sensitive skin reactions.

Different Types of Psoriasis

Psoriasis comes in several different forms, each with unique features and impacts on daily life. Knowing the type you have is crucial for effective treatment and management.

• Plaque psoriasis causes red, scaly patches, often on elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
• Nail psoriasis leads to pitting, discoloration, or nail separation.
• Guttate psoriasis shows small, drop-like spots, often after strep throat.
• Inverse psoriasis affects skin folds with smooth, red patches and little scaling.
• Pustular psoriasis forms pus-filled blisters, sometimes needing urgent care.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis is rare, covering most of the body with red, peeling skin and requiring immediate treatment.
• Psoriatic arthritis causes joint pain, swelling, and potential damage if untreated.

Causes and Triggers of Psoriasis

Psoriasis doesn’t have one single cause. Instead, it’s driven by a mix of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. People who inherit certain genes are more likely to develop psoriasis, but specific triggers often determine when and how severe flare-ups become. Common triggers include:

1. Infections

Certain infections, especially strep throat, can trigger or worsen psoriasis. When the immune system fights infections, it may mistakenly attack healthy skin cells, leading to inflammation and new psoriasis patches. Quick treatment of infections is important to help prevent flares.

2. Skin Injury

Injuries like cuts, scrapes, insect bites, tattoos, or sunburn can cause new psoriasis lesions to appear. Even small injuries can trigger a flare-up in those prone to psoriasis. Protecting your skin from trauma is key to reducing this risk.

3. Stress

Stress is a common trigger that can worsen psoriasis symptoms. Emotional stress disrupts the immune system, causing flare-ups and making it harder to manage the condition. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, like exercise or relaxation techniques, can help keep symptoms in check.

4. Weather

Cold, dry weather can make psoriasis symptoms worse by drying out the skin and causing irritation. Many people see improvement in sunny, warmer conditions, although too much sun can cause sunburn and new lesions. Keeping skin moisturised and protected from harsh weather helps prevent flares.

5. Lifestyle Habits

Smoking and heavy alcohol use can worsen psoriasis and make treatment less effective. These habits increase inflammation in the body, raising the risk of more severe symptoms and other health problems. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol can improve both psoriasis and overall health.

6. Certain Medications

Some medications, like lithium, beta-blockers, antimalarials, and NSAIDs, can trigger or worsen psoriasis. People with psoriasis should inform their doctors about their condition so alternative options can be considered. Never stop a prescribed medication without medical advice.

7. Vitamin D Deficiency

Low levels of vitamin D may contribute to psoriasis flare-ups, though it’s not a direct cause. Vitamin D supports skin health and immune balance, and safe sun exposure or supplements might help manage symptoms. Always consult a doctor before starting supplements.

Treatment Options for Psoriasis

Although there is currently no cure for psoriasis, a wide range of treatments is available that can help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve a person’s quality of life. The best treatment plan often depends on how severe the psoriasis is, the type of psoriasis present, and the individual’s overall health and medical history.

Rawatan Topikal

Topical treatments are often the first option for mild to moderate psoriasis, applied directly to affected skin to reduce symptoms. Corticosteroids help lower inflammation and itching, while vitamin D analogues slow rapid skin cell growth. 

Other options include anthralin for removing scales, topical retinoids to normalise cell turnover, and calcineurin inhibitors for sensitive areas like the face or skin folds. Salicylic acid smooths rough patches, coal tar reduces itching and scaling, and moisturisers keep skin hydrated and comfortable.

Light Therapy

Light therapy or photodynamic therapy, uses controlled ultraviolet light to slow skin cell growth and ease inflammation. Narrowband UVB is common for its effectiveness and fewer side effects. 

PUVA therapy combines UVA light with psoralen, a drug that makes skin more light-sensitive, enhancing results. The excimer laser targets small, stubborn psoriasis patches without affecting surrounding healthy skin.

Systemic Treatments

Moderate to severe psoriasis may require systemic treatments that work throughout the body. Traditional drugs like methotrexate, cyclosporine, and oral retinoids suppress the immune response and reduce excess skin cell production. 

Biologic therapies are advanced injectables that target specific parts of the immune system driving psoriasis, helping many patients who haven’t responded to other options. Oral small molecules like apremilast also help reduce inflammation by blocking certain enzymes in the body.

Reclaim Your Skin from Psoriasis

Psoriasis doesn’t have to control your confidence or quality of life. With today’s advanced medical treatments and professional guidance, smoother skin and lasting relief are achievable. 

Pada Klinik Dr Chong, our experienced team specialises in diagnosing and managing complex skin conditions like psoriasis. We offer personalised treatment plans, from topical solutions and modern light therapies to advanced systemic medications, all tailored to your unique needs and skin type.

Don’t let psoriasis hold you back. Book an appointment with Dr Chong Clinic for a comprehensive diagnostic check and treatment options. Your journey to healthier skin starts here.

*Semua imej yang digunakan dalam artikel ini adalah dijana AI.