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What is Plaque Psoriasis?
Plaque psoriasis is a noncontagious dermatological disorder that often affects the scalp, elbows, and knee. It is very common in developed and developing countries. A scientist has discovered that about 2-3% of Americans are diagnosed with psoriatic plaque annually. Saly, inflamed, and itchy skin is pathognomic for plaque psoriasis. Genetic factors have been the greatest culprit linked to plaque psoriasis. However, despite genetic factors playing a significant role in the development of plaque psoriasis, environmental factors activate the progression of the disease.
What Does the Beginning of Plaque Psoriasis Look Like?
Plaque psoriasis is a dermatological condition that initially stars as a little red bump on the skin, as the dfis4ase progresses, the bumps develop into a slivery coated patch, which becomes plaques when they are elevated. These plaques can be present on the back, elbow, scalp, and knee. It could last for a prolonged period of times, even months and years without treatment.
What is the Main Cause of an Outbreak of Psoriasis?
The exact causes and etiology of plaque psoriasis are unknown. However, a scientist has discovered that genetic and environmental factors are the leading cause of plaque psoriasis in people. Some people are more predisposed to this dermatological condition due to alteration in a specific gene, environmental factors, and trigger factors. Despite, the absence of reliable scientific back up to the main etiology of plaque psoriasis, there are numerous trigger factors that can increase the likelihood of plaque psoriasis. The major problem in plaque psoriasis is the fast replacement of worn out dead cells. Physiologically, the body replaces old cells within 10-30 days, in contrast, inpatient suffering from plaque psoriasis, these old cells are replaced rapidly within 3 -5 days. There are numerous risk factors and triggers that could cause psoriasis such as:
- Genetic: About 10 percent of people carry the gene for developing psoriasis. However, it has been discovered that only close to 3 percent of this group develops the disease. The genetic makeup of an individual could be a significant contributing factor to the development of Psoriasis.
- Infections: The presence of recurrent or chronic bacterial or viral infections can cause plaque psoriasis. It has been discovered that diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension are concomitant diseases that occur with plaque psoriasis.
- Obesity: Excessive body weight or having a body mass index greater than 25 can predispose you to have plaque psoriasis. This is because plaque psoriasis often develops in body crease or where there is increased fatty deposit.
- Medications: Certain medications and substances such as lithium ,anti-,alaria drugs, beta – blockers, and anti-depressants can cause plaque psoriasis.
- Smoking: The increased nicotine in different types of a cigarette could help increase your chance of developing plaque psoriasis in most people. According to research, most smokers are more likely to develop plaque psoriasis in the future.
- Stress: Living a very stressful life can lead to the development of psoriasis, this is because increased stress leads to the release of cortisol and reduced immunity. The increased cortisol causes weight gain which is a predisposing factor for the development of plaque psoriasis.
Common Signs and Symptoms
There are numerous signs and symptoms of plaque psoriasis depending on the duration and underlying medical condition. However, Irrespective of the concomitant diseases, there are common signs and symptoms of plaque psoriasis such as :
- Red patches on the screen covered with silver scales
- Itchy skin.
- Stieff or swollen joint
- Dry skin that often bleeds
- Scaly skin
- Thickened nails or bridges
- Burning skin
- Small scaly skin
Treatment and Medication for Psoriasis Skin Disease
There are numerous treatment options for making the patients suffering from plaque psoriasis feel better. There is no specific treatment for treating plaque psoriasis. The main aim of treating this disease is to make the patient feel better and alleviate the symptoms.
Overall, it can be treated using topical treatments, systemic treatments, and lifestyle changes. The typical examples of topical medications for treating plaque psoriasis include:
- Topical corticosteroids
- Creams and sunscreens
- Topical retinoids
- Salicylic acid
- Calcineurin Inhibitors
- Coal Tar
- Vitamin D Analogues
- Anthralin
- Moisturizers
There are different systemic treatments for making people suffering from psoriasis feel better. Systemic medications can be used to alleviate the signs and symptoms of psoriasis. The standard form of systemic treatment includes:
- Oral corticosteroids
- Corticosteroid Injections
- Biologics
There are other forms of treatment such as Phototherapy and lifestyle modifications that help to reduce the signs and symptoms of plaque psoriasis. The typical lifestyle modifications prescribed by medical practitioners include:
- Phototherapy and |Sunlight: This can be performed by using light radiation or exposing the skin affected by psoriasis to sunlight. However, it is advisable to apply sunscreen to areas not affected by psoriasis during this exposure.
- Weight Loss
- Avoiding Triggers
- Reduction in smoking and Alcohol intake
- Use Moisturizers
- Take your bath daily
- Eat balanced Diet
- Use aloe Vera containing creams
- Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acid
- Topical application of barberry to the skin affected by psoriasis
Coping and Support for Psoriasis
Psoriasis can be a very challenging disease, which could be very intimidating and embarrassing for most people, especially when the psoriatic rash covers a large area of the body that can’t be hidden such as face and palm. However, coping with this diseases is easier with the appropriate knowledge and people. After you have been diagnosed with psoriasis or during your treatment, there are numerous tips that could come in handy with coping with this disease. The most common tips for dealing with psoriasis include:
- Awareness and Educational Support: Having adequate knowledge about your diseases by making yourself conversant with the preventive tips and latest treatment. This can help you, and your loved ones understand the coping mechanism for psoriasis. It is necessary to understand your triggers to avoid additional flare-ups.
- Listen to your Doctor: Constantly following your doctor’s recommendation can help you cope better with your disease. There are a lot of confusing information on social media and the internet. Follow your doctor’s recommendation strictly and ask questions when necessary.
- Find a Support Group: There is healing in talking with people with similar experience. A scientist has discovered that the recovery rate of patients in a support group is faster than their counterparts. Find a support group with people affected by psoriasis.
Contrary to the general public opinion, plaque psoriasis is not a contagious dermatological disorder. There is no treatment for psoriasis. However, there is a palliative treatment to eliminate symptoms and make the patient feel better.
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References
Gary W. Cole, F. (2018). Plaque Psoriasis Medication, Treatment Options & Symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.emedicinehealth.com/plaque_psoriasis/article_em.htm#is_it_possible_to_prevent_plaque_psoriasis
National Psoriasis Foundation | Psoriasis types: Plaque Psoriasis. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/types/plaque
Plaque psoriasis: Symptoms and treatment. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315502.php
