Psoriasis is a very common disease. Two out of every 100 people in the world suffer from it. Although its cause is unknown, and its total cure is improbable, treatments can help the patient to lead a normal life.
Plaques on the skin, scaling, wound formation and bleeding, refusal to show the skin… Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes superficial inflammation, and all these symptoms, among others. The causes remain unknown, and there is no definitive cure. However, there are several treatment alternatives.
Psoriasis, causes
Even dermatology specialists do not know exactly what causes psoriasis. What is known is that there is an inflammation at the superficial level of the skin. It may appear or flare up after an upper respiratory or other infection and some outbreaks are related to periods of stress. Certain times of the year, such as autumn and spring, may be more prone to psoriasis outbreaks. Summer, on the other hand, is often associated with an improvement in lesions.
The scalp, knees, elbows and lower back are usually the most affected areas. This occurs in milder outbreaks of psoriasis, but in more severe outbreaks it can affect more areas of the body, even to the point of affecting the entire surface of the skin, which is called erythrodermic psoriasis. The latter, the most severe, however, is rare.
Treatment for psoriasis
It cannot be said that there is a cure. But there are treatments that can achieve a high control of the disease, achieving a very good quality of life for the patient.
- In mild forms, topical treatments using creams, lotions and gels with effective active ingredients are mainly used.
- In moderate or severe forms, phototherapy booths or oral or parenteral medications are used.
When the inflammation of the skin is controlled, a whitening of the plaques is usually observed, which is more marked in dark-skinned people. These white patches disappear with exposure to the sun or phototherapy booths.
Moderate or severe psoriasis can greatly affect the quality of life. Interpersonal relationships, the practice of sports or outdoor activities, work performance or self-image can be seriously affected. People close to the patient with psoriasis should know that this disease is not contagious and poses no risk to others. Their love, support and understanding for those affected is very important.