The skin is vulnerable to all the elements of the world. It keeps the body safe from the sun’s harmful UV rays, dirt, and pollution in the air. However, this also means the skin is constantly bombarded with toxic substances. It leaves it vulnerable to all sorts of diseases.
There are various common diseases of the skin. Some of these diseases are acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Among these skin diseases, psoriasis is the most chronic and potentially the most problematic.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes the skin to become inflamed and itchy. The skin also produces too much of a protein called keratin. This overproduction of keratin leads to the formation of scaly, red patches on the skin’s surface. Psoriasis can also cause joint pain.
There are several types of psoriasis. The most common type is plaque psoriasis. This type of psoriasis appears as small, red bumps on the skin that are covered with white scales. Plaque psoriasis usually develops on the elbows, knees, and scalp.
Guttate psoriasis is another common type of psoriasis. It appears as small, red dots on the skin. A typical cause of pustules on the scalp is strep throat.
Inverse psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that appears as red, inflamed patches of skin. It usually develops in the armpits, under the breasts, and in other areas where skin rubs together.
Pustular psoriasis is a rare but severe type of psoriasis. It appears as white blisters that are filled with pus. Pustular psoriasis can also cause fever, chills, and weakness.
Erythrodermic psoriasis is also a severe but rare type of psoriasis. It appears as red, inflamed skin that peels off in sheets. Erythrodermic psoriasis can also cause heart failure and pneumonia.
Not everyone is vulnerable to psoriasis. But there are some risk factors that people should avoid.
Risk Factors of Psoriasis
Several risk factors can increase a person’s chances of developing psoriasis. These risk factors include:
- Age – Psoriasis can develop at any age, but it often begins in adulthood.
- Family history – If you have a family member with psoriasis, you are more likely to develop the disease.
- Stress – Stress can trigger an outbreak of psoriasis.
- Injury to the skin – An injury to the skin, such as a cut, scrape, or burn, can trigger the development of psoriasis.
- Certain medications – Some medications, such as beta-blockers and lithium, can increase the risk of developing psoriasis.
- Weather – Cold weather and dry air can trigger an outbreak of psoriasis.
Getting psoriasis, especially severe forms of psoriasis, can be problematic. However, complications can even make them worse.
Complications and Comorbidities
Psoriasis is a complicated disease, more complex than people think. It can affect various parts of the body and can lead to comorbidities and complications. The most common complication of psoriasis is joint pain.
Joint Pain
This joint pain is caused by a condition called psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects people with psoriasis. It causes inflammation of the joints and can lead to joint damage. Psoriatic arthritis can also cause fatigue, eye problems, and gastrointestinal issues.
Skin Infection
People with psoriasis are also at a higher risk of developing skin infections. The most common type of skin infection is cellulitis. Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that causes the skin to become red, inflamed, and painful. It can also lead to fever and chills.
Other skin infections that can occur in people with psoriasis include impetigo, folliculitis, and seborrheic dermatitis.
Eye Problems
Psoriasis can also lead to eye problems, such as conjunctivitis and uveitis. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin layer of tissue covering the eye’s white part. Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, the eye’s middle layer.
Treating psoriasis is the best way to avoid these complications. However, there is no cure for it, so dealing with symptoms is the best way to deal with it.
Treatment For Psoriasis
There are various treatments for psoriasis, but the best and cheapest option is using skincare.
Skincare
Skincare is the best option for dealing with psoriasis, especially during the early stages of the disease. However, going outside and buying these products can be dangerous because of the pandemic. Thankfully, people can now buy skincare products for scaly skin online. These online skincare options can help people with psoriasis without leaving them vulnerable to the virus.
Another form of psoriasis treatment is light therapy.
Light therapy
Light therapy uses ultraviolet light to help slow the growth of skin cells in a doctor’s office or at home with a unique lamp. Light therapy is usually done two to three times a week for several weeks.
Biologics
Biologics are a type of systemic treatment. They are made from living organisms and work by targeting specific parts of the immune system. Unfortunately, Biologics can have serious side effects, so they are usually only used for severe cases of psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a complicated disease that can lead to various complications. However, skincare and light therapy can help people manage their symptoms and avoid these complications. However, ensuring that you never get psoriasis is the best way to prevent these complications.
