Causes of Psoriasis: Symptoms, Triggers, Risk Factors & Prevention Guide
Human skin comprises cells that have an average life span of two to four weeks, which is also termed the cell life cycle with four main stages: proliferation, migration, differentiation and desquamation. Psoriasis is a skin health concern that affects the first stage of proliferation, and here it speeds up the process of division and growth of skin cells, resulting in skin cell accumulation on the superficial skin, which forms a scaly layer. The diseases need a proper understanding of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment availability to ensure that you can make the best choices for your skin health.
Psoriasis – An overview
It is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that has rapid skin cell turnover, leading to thick scaly patches on the skin surface. These patches are red or silvery white and can appear anywhere on the body. The common body areas it can appear on are knees, elbows, scalp, genitals, fingernails, toenails, palms, feet or lower back. The cause of psoriasis is faulty signals in the immune system that speed up skin cell production, and it can be triggered by infections, stress and certain medications. However, there is no cure for psoriasis, but many treatment options are offered to help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life of a person who is affected by this skin disorder. There are many types of psoriasis, and each has unique symptoms. In many cases, the disease affects just a small skin area, but in severe cases, the patches can join together and thus cover a larger skin area.
Also Read: All About Scalp Psoriasis: Symptoms, Plaque, Causes & Treatment
Common causes of Psoriasis
The experts are, however, unclear about the causes of psoriasis, but two main factors are the immune system and genetics. It is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks itself in people with the condition. This mistaken attack leads to overproduction of skin cells. Also, genetics plays a crucial role as some inherit genes that make them more prone to developing this condition. There are many risk factors and triggers that can develop psoriasis :
- Genetics is a risk factor, as having one or both parents increases the risk for a child to develop this condition.
- Smoking also triggers psoriasis, and the most severe version in fact.
- Heavy alcohol intake triggers this condition.
- Infections like skin infection or strep throat trigger psoriasis.
- Weather can also be a huge trigger, especially cold and dry weather.
- Skin injuries also make a person more prone to cuts, bruises, bug bites, scrapes or severe sunburn.
- Certain medications can trigger the skin disorder
- Emotional stress can also trigger psoriasis.
- Hormonal changes develop psoriasis.
Symptoms of psoriasis
There are many types of psoriasis, and each has unique symptoms. Check for these symptoms to get proper treatment:
- Plaque psoriasis
It is the common type of psoriasis that affects about 80 per cent of cases and is described as the inflamed, raised patches covered with thick scales. This type of psoriasis develops mainly on the lower back, scalp, knees, elbows, etc., and shows symptoms like :
- Itching burning sensation
- red raised patches
- Dry and cracked skin that can bleed
- Nail changes
2. Guttate psoriasis
It is another type of psoriasis that appears as small drop-shaped lesions and is triggered by bacterial or viral infection, and is common in children and young adults. It shows symptoms like :
- Small, red scaly spots are often on the trunk, scalp and limbs.
3. Inverse psoriasis
It is another type that affects skin folds, including the groin, under the breasts and armpits and appears as smooth, red patches without scaling. It shows symptoms including :
- Smooth, red patches of skin
- Skin appears shiny and moist
- Itching and discomfort
- Increased sensitivity to sweat and friction.
4. Pustular psoriasis
It is the type of psoriasis that is characterised by pus-filled blisters that develop due to infections, certain medications, hormonal changes, etc. Symptoms it shows include :
- Pus-filled blisters
- Inflamed red skin
- Itching and burning sensation
- Skin tightness
- Skin tenderness
- Flaking or scaling of the skin
5. Erythrodermic psoriasis
It is the most severe form of psoriasis that can affect the overall body, however rare. The symptoms include :
- Stress
- Infections
- Withdrawal from systemic corticosteroids
- Itching
- Burning
- Pain
- Skin peeling
Treatments for psoriasis
However, the above-listed psoriasis symptoms and flare-ups can be managed with the help of a skin expert, and this involves a multidisciplinary approach.
- Topical treatments involve medications that help in managing scalp psoriasis that can be directly applied to the affected area. The treatments include corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, salicylic acid, etc., that reduce inflammation, alleviate itching and slow the growth of skin cells.
- Phototherapy is another treatment method that involves the use of ultraviolet light, such as UVB therapy and PUVA therapy, which is applied to the skin.
- Systemic medications are taken orally or else injected and help in reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system response.
- Biologic drugs are medications that target specific immune system parts that are involved in psoriasis. It is considered a highly effective and new approach to treat moderate to severe psoriasis symptoms.
- Life adjustments are also advised by the skin expert that can benefit you in many ways. The adjustments include dietary suggestions to maintain a healthy weight, regular exercise and physical activity, stress management techniques, etc.
Preventing guide for psoriasis flare-ups
The skin expert, like Dr Shikha Aggarwal, will help you to prevent psoriasis flare-ups and also promote overall skin health. She is among the top dermatologists in Ludhiana, offering the best skin treatments and helping patients to prevent psoriasis. She offers:
- General skin care tips that can help to prevent psoriasis, such as keeping skin moisturised by using a good moisturiser.
- Avoid harsh soaps
- Using humidifier
- Avoiding triggers can also help, and protecting skin from injuries is a must to prevent cuts and scrapes.
- Regular checkups with the dermatologist are much needed, and so it is also vital to discuss your concerns on time.
Also Read: How to Choose the Right Dermatologist for Psoriasis Treatment: A Guide
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that causes physical discomfort. Understanding its triggers, causes, signs and prevention can help you to manage the condition well. Consult Dr Shikha Aggarwal, one of the best skin specialists in Ludhiana, who will help you understand the condition and also guide you to prevent future flare-ups. She helps people with her holistic approach, combining medical interventions and lifestyle modifications, and helps patients to keep symptoms under control.
