Treatments for psoriasis according to its origin

Psoriasis is a genetic disease that can appear without an obvious family history. It can be triggered by stressful situations, trauma or infections, as well as appearing as a reaction to some medications or surgery. These same factors can aggravate it once it has already appeared.

What is psoriasis?

There are two types of psoriasis. On the one hand, psoriasis that appears during childhood or youth. It is usually more extensive and is associated with other problems such as joint inflammation, increased cholesterol and triglycerides, blood fats, sugar, increased blood pressure and earlier arteriosclerosis, as well as the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. It is also associated with anxiety and depression, due to the social difficulties it causes.

The second type, less severe, usually appears in people over 50 years of age. It is milder, localized and not usually associated with other disorders.

Symptoms of psoriasis

The signs of psoriasis usually take the form of redness and white scales on the elbows, knees, scalp and trunk. It can also affect the nails and body folds such as the armpits and groin, as well as the genital area.

Is psoriasis contagious?

It is not a contagious disease, but its presence in visible areas causes many patients to be rejected by society, even in the workplace. This can have serious effects on their personal lives.

Can it be treated?

Although it is a disease that cannot be prevented, many drugs have been developed to make its effects remit. The most recent are the so-called biological drugs, which have been developed for the correct control of the disease.

For milder and localized forms, topical application products are indicated, and great progress has been made in improving their absorption and ease of application.

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For patients with more extensive forms there are very effective drugs in the form of pills or injectables, with side effects that are easily controlled if followed up by the dermatologist.

Children with lesions have different treatment options than adults. These are mainly medications that can be applied to the skin or that must be ingested. In more severe cases the medication can be injected.

The medications are financed by the National Health Service. While it is true that moisturizers, shampoos and gels are not covered, in Spain the public health system supports users so that they can afford the drugs, which can cost more than 1,000 euros. Private insurers also finance these treatments if the dermatologist reports the need for their use.

In any case, it is essential to consult a dermatologist as soon as possible in order to obtain a correct diagnosis. It is important to apply the necessary measures to avoid worsening the symptoms. This is why it is recommended to lead a healthy life and moderate exercise, to eat correctly and to avoid tobacco or alcohol.

It is also necessary to make society aware that this is a common disease, which affects 2.3% of the Spanish population. But although it is not contagious, it causes great problems to patients, especially due to the lack of information in the population, which causes great difficulties in the social relations of the patients.