Psoriasis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Psoriasis is a chronic (long-term) inflammatory disease of the skin. Sufferers will experience skin changes that are too fast.
This causes a thickening process on the surface of the patient’s skin.
In addition, people with psoriasis are more susceptible to experiencing the following conditions:
1. Psoriatic Arthritis
An inflammation of the joints that occurs in people with skin or nail psoriasis.
2. Inflammation of the eye
The eye has an infection which can then cause visual disturbances.
3. Type 2 Diabetes
A chronic and chronic disease that occurs when the stomach’s salivary glands (pancreas) do not produce enough insulin.
Usually characterized by blood sugar levels above normal limits.
4. Metabolic Syndrome
A combination of a number of conditions, such as increased blood pressure, increased blood sugar, excess body fat (around the waist), and unusually elevated cholesterol levels.
These conditions occur together, thereby increasing the risk of other dangerous diseases.
Psoriasis is not contagious and harms other people. So, you don’t need to feel inferior if you have psoriasis. Check out the explanation of what psoriasis is below.
Symptom
Psoriasis signs and symptoms can vary from person to person, but can include one or more of the following:
- Red patches on the skin covered with scales left over from previous skin cells
- Small spots (often seen in children)
- Dry skin
- Cracked skin that bleeds easily
- Itchy sensation accompanied by joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
Reason
The cause of psoriasis is not fully known, but it is thought to be related to problems with the immune system and is closely related to autoimmunity.
The cells that play a role in this condition are a type of white blood cell called T lymphocytes or T cells.
Normally, T cells are responsible for detecting and fighting foreign substances, such as viruses or bacteria.
If you have psoriasis, T cells will attack healthy skin cells due to the wrong cell exchange process.
Ostensibly, this is done by T cells to heal wounds or fight infection.
Overactive T cells can also trigger other immune responses.
Other effects include dilation of the blood vessels in the skin and an increase in the number of other white blood cells that can penetrate the outer layers of the skin.
Diagnosis
In some cases, the diagnosis of psoriasis is quite easy to find out, namely by medical interviews and physical examinations.
The doctor will ask about the patient’s complaints, including his medical history.
Next, the doctor can examine the skin, starting from the scalp to the nails.
In addition, a skin biopsy may also be recommended. This procedure can be done if the doctor feels unsure about the interview and physical examination being carried out.
The doctor will take a skin sample. The sample is then examined under a microscope to determine whether the microscopic appearance matches psoriasis while ruling out other diseases.
Treatment
Psoriasis treatments aim to stop skin cells from growing so quickly, reduce inflammation and plaque formation, remove scales, and smooth the skin.
The following treatments and psoriasis medications that are usually recommended can be:
1. Topical Treatment
- Topical corticosteroids are commonly given because corticosteroids are anti-infective drugs.
However, be careful when using this drug because it can cause side effects in the form of thinning of the skin.
- Vitamin D functions to slow down the growth of skin cells.
- Topical retinoids are usually used to clear up acne, but there are several medications that have been found to be used to treat psoriasis.
2. Treatment in the Form of Photo Therapy
- Sunlight. In this way, abnormal skin growth can be killed.
- Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Controlled doses of UVB rays can reduce psoriasis symptoms.
Complications
The initial symptoms of psoriasis generally only occur on the skin. However, if not handled properly, inflammation can affect other parts of the body or organs.
For example, inflammation of the joints, eye disorders, to metabolic disorders such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience the initial symptoms of psoriasis above, it is highly recommended to consult further with your doctor.
Moreover, you also experience signs of complications that disrupt the joints and metabolism.