Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic condition that affects the skin, resulting in red, scaly plaques that can be itchy or painful. Various treatments can manage symptoms effectively. While it primarily affects the skin, psoriasis can also impact nails and joints, leading to psoriatic arthritis in some individuals. Creams, tablets, injectable treatments and phototherapy can effectively manage psoriasis.
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Key Points
- Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
- Characterised by red, scaly plaques on the skin
- Can also affect nails and joints (psoriatic arthritis).
- Phototherapy can be an effective treatment option.
- Other treatments include topical agents, oral medications, and biologic injections.
Who gets psoriasis?
Psoriasis can start at any age, but most commonly develops in adults under 35 years old. It affects both men and women equally and has a genetic component, meaning it can run in families.
- Can start at any age, often in adults under 35.
- Affects both men and women equally.
- Genetic component; can run in families.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic condition where skin cells build up rapidly, forming scales and red patches that usually do not cause symptoms but can sometimes be itchy and even painful. It results from an over-drive of particular parts of the immune system.
- Rapid buildup of skin cells causing scales and red patches.
- Immune-mediated condition.
- Can sometimes be itchy and / or painful, but often not.
Diagnosis and differential diagnosis
Psoriasis is diagnosed based on the appearance of the skin usually without the need of a skin biopsy. It needs to be differentiated from conditions like eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, lichen planus and fungal infections, which can present with similar symptoms.
- Diagnosed based on skin appearance.
- Differentiated from eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, lichen planus and fungal infections.
Clinical features
Psoriasis is most commonly characterised by salmon-pink coloured, raised, scaly patches on the skin, often found on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. The severity can vary greatly from small, localised patches to complete body coverage. Nails may become pitted or ridged, and in some cases, joints may become swollen and painful (psoriatic arthritis).
- Red, raised, scaly skin patches.
- Commonly affects elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
- Severity varies and it can affect the entire body.
- May cause nail changes and joint pain in severe cases.
Impact and complications
The condition can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, including their emotional well-being, especially during flare-ups. Psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of certain diseases, such as heart disease.
- Significant impact on quality of life and emotional well-being.
- Associated with increased risk of other diseases.
Treatment Options for Psoriasis
Treatment options for psoriasis commonly include topical treatments such as corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, coal tar and salicylic acid are used. Narrow band UVB light therapy (phototherapy), aiming to reduce inflammation and clear the skin is commonly utlilised. Oral medications as well as injectable medications that target specific parts of the immune system, are also considered in severe cases. Making lifestyle changes, including stress management and avoiding triggers, is recommended. With these treatments, most people can achieve good disease control.
- Treatment includes topical agents, phototherapy, oral and injectable medications.
- Aims to reduce symptoms and clear the skin.
- Phototherapy is particularly effective for many patients.
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