Psoriasis: Strategies to avert and Treat the Most Frustrating Skin Infection
It might come as a surprise, but there are in fatc many, many people with psoriasis. Medical experts globally are working tirelessly to come up with the most reliable treatment strategies. Scaling, itching, and skin redness are some of the most common symptoms of this infection. They sometimes cover about 10 percent of a patients’ body.
Far from what most people think, the psoriasis doesn’t only affect patients’ skins but also distresses them emotionally. Emotional distress due to psoriasis includes; frustration with patients’ therapies, social anxiety disorder, and sometimes depression.
From what was just mentioned, it’s obvious that psoriasis is an uncomfortable ailment, so here is a list of some of the most reliable avoidance and treatment options to help patients cope.
Is Psoriasis Contagious?
There are several misconceptions about psoriasis and being contagious is one of them. Certainly, psoriasis isn’t contagious but most doctors often misdiagnose it. Most times, they mistake psoriasis symptoms for poison ivy or eczema.¹
Compared to other infections, experts are of the opinion that Psoriasis is genetic, meaning that it can possibly be passed to patients by their parents or ancestors. Flare-ups of the infection are then caused by triggers.
What Causes Psoriasis?
Stress, diet, allergies, and changes in the weather are some of the potential triggers causing psoriasis identified by the National Psoriasis Foundation. It’s also possible to experience psoriasis on injured areas of the skin. Again, strep throat, bronchitis, tonsillitis, respiratory ailment, earache, and other major infections could trigger the development of psoriasis. Lastly, Lithium, Inderal, Quinidine, Indomethacine, and other medications used for treating malaria could also trigger the skin infection. ²
Avoidance Strategies
For patients who have had psoriasis in the past or think they could develop it in future, there are several measures to take to avert it. The first step is to manage the triggers closely. For instance, patients whose trigger is stress should try to always ease their stress everyday. Also, cutting out potential triggers from a diet is another good way to avert psoriasis. Once patients have managed their triggers very well, they must take precautionary measures to protect their skins. This includes wearing gloves and avoiding things that could irritate their skins.
Common Psoriasis Treatments
A 2007 survey conducted by the National Psoriasis Foundation revealed that about 40% of respondents with psoriasis weren’t receiving any form of treatments for their ailment. ⁴
Similarly, another survey reveals that 78% of people with critical psoriasis always feel frustrated due to the fact that their treatment isn’t helping their ailments or illness manageable. ¹ This is why it’s recommended for patients to understand the various treatments options commonly administered to psoriasis patients. It will give them an idea of the treatment that works for them.
Topical Therapy
Topical therapy is a popular treatment option for people with psoriasis. The treatments are directly used on patients skin and it helps to soothe the discomfort caused by the infection. Some frequently prescribed topical treatments are; topical corticosteroids, topical vitamin D analogues, corticosteroid combination products, and topical tar. However, other topical treatments may also be natural remedies found around the home, including colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy is one of the most effective treatment options for psoriasis. The treatment involves regularly exposing patients’ skin to an artificial Ultraviolet B light source for a while. The treatment helps to lower the growth of psoriasis affected cells. The treatment method is mostly administered at the doctor’s office. Patients that have the means can get a unit of phototherapy at home. ⁵
Medications, including Oral Treatments and Biologics
Ordinarily, doctors seldom prescribe oral treatments and biologics to psoriasis patients except for those with a more extreme case. Any patients who want to learn more about the different types of medications available for psoriasis should consult their doctors. Doctors will always discuss treatment options with patients, tell the potential risks, and side effects of each medication.
Oral treatment refers to any forms of treatment that patients take through the mouth in order to manage psoriasis symptoms. These medications are designed to reduce the body immune response. Don’t forget that patients immune system is part of the mechanism behind psoriasis flare ups. ⁶
Biologics are medications made from human, animal, or bacteria cells. They target the immune system in order to decrease inflammation experienced by skin with psoriasis. Biologics are typically only recommended if a patient is experiencing extreme psoriasis or have not responded to previous treatment strategies. They may require injection via a shot to the abdomen or leg or may even involve an IV infusion.⁷
Again, before taking any new medications to treat psoriasis symptoms, be sure to talk to a doctor and review all potential risks. This will help to find the right path to a more manageable life.
1. G Krueger et al. “The Impact of Psoriasis on Quality of Life: Results of a 1998 National Psoriasis Foundation Patient-Membership Survey.” Arch Dermatol 137, no. 3 . (2001), pp. 280–284. doi:10-1001/pubs.Arch Dermatol.-ISSN-0003-987x-137-3-dst0024.
2. National Psoriasis Foundation. “Causes and Triggers.” https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/causes
3.Christoph Skudlik and Swen Malte John. “Psoriasis and Work.” Kanerva’s Occupational Dermatology (2019), pp 461-466. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-68617-2_32
4. Elizabeth J.Horn PhD, et al. “Are Patients with Psoriasis Undertreated? Results of National Psoriasis Foundation Survey.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 57, no. 6 (December 2007), pp 957-962. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2007.06.042
5. National Psoriasis Foundation. “Phototherapy.” https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/treatments/phototherapy
6. National Psoriasis Foundation. “Oral Treatments.” https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/treatments/oral-treatments
7. National Psoriasis Foundation. “Biologics.” https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/treatments/biologics