Information on Psoriasis

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Psoriasis is a persistent skin condition characterized by red, scaly plaques that can appear anywhere on the body. While it can diminish quality of life, there are effective treatments available to manage it. Here's what you should know:

• Nature of Psoriasis: This chronic inflammatory disease affects both the skin and nails and is often linked to various other health conditions. The skin displays localized or widespread patches that may be red and flaky (on lighter skin) or darker and scaly (on darker skin tones). These patches are typically itchy.
• Chronic Nature: Psoriasis is a lifelong condition characterized by flare-ups and remissions. Even when patches disappear temporarily (remissions), it doesn't imply a cure. Flare-ups and remissions are normal parts of the psoriasis clinical course.
• Other Manifestations: Psoriasis can also affect nails (nail psoriasis) and joints/tendons (psoriatic arthritis). Individuals with psoriasis are at higher risk of other chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, emphasizing the importance of early detection and proper treatment.
• Impact on Well-being: Psoriasis brings physical, emotional, and social challenges that affect daily life. Individuals may experience social exclusion, discrimination, and stigma, impacting both sufferers and their families.
• Prevalence: Psoriasis is a global phenomenon, with onset possible at any age, though it's less common before age 10. It's most likely to appear between 15 and 30 years. Prevalence varies across regions, from 0.17% in East Asia to 2.5% in Western Europe. It's roughly equally distributed between genders, and an estimated 60 million people worldwide are affected.
• Non-Contagious: Psoriasis is not spread through contact, and the lesions themselves are not infectious.
• Causes: While the exact cause of psoriasis remains unknown, there's evidence of a genetic predisposition. Certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigens, especially HLA-Cw6, are associated with an earlier onset and familial history of psoriasis. External and internal triggers like trauma, sunburn, infections, medications, and stress can also provoke psoriasis.
• Immune System Role: Psoriasis involves an abnormal immune response, leading to accelerated skin cell turnover. Normally, skin cells renew every 28 days, but in psoriasis, this cycle speeds up about 10 times, resulting in the buildup of cells and the formation of red, raised patches or thickened plaques with scales.
• Diagnosis: Diagnosis is often based on typical presentations of plaque psoriasis, but when uncertain, a skin biopsy may be conducted to confirm it.
• Severity and Types: Psoriasis severity is assessed using indexes like the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). It's categorized as mild or moderate to severe based on factors like plaque size and itchiness. Besides plaque psoriasis, there are other forms like guttate, pustular, and erythrodermic psoriasis, each with unique characteristics.
• Comorbidities: Psoriasis can be associated with other diseases, and approximately 7 out of 10 people with psoriasis have at least one additional related condition.
• Quality of Life: The impact of psoriasis on quality of life depends on factors like its visibility and individual coping mechanisms. Visible psoriasis in public-facing roles can significantly affect a person's well-being.
• Prevention: Psoriasis can't be prevented, but identifying and minimizing triggering factors, like obesity, smoking, and certain infections, can be part of its management.
• Treatment: Psoriasis is a chronic condition requiring ongoing treatment. While the cause remains unknown, treatments aim to control symptoms. Options include topical treatments, phototherapy (UV light), and systemic medications.

Psoriasis management is a multidimensional effort that encompasses medical treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and psychological support.