What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition which causes a rapid growth of skin cells. This abnormal growth of cells causes scaling on the skin’s surface. Inflammation and redness around the scales are common. Commonly, psoriatic scales are whitish-silver in color and develop in thick, red patches. Sometimes, these patches tend to tear which leads to bleeding.
Typically, the skin cells grow deeper inside the skin and then they slowly rise to the surface and eventually fall off. Typical life cycle of a skin cell on average is almost one month. Psoriasis may start from any age, but most of the diagnoses happen in adulthood. The average age of onset is between 15 to 35 years old. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 75 percent of psoriasis cases are diagnosed before the age of 46.
To find the right psoriasis treatment for you should be more than trial and error. Only by knowing the severity of your psoriasis and various treatment methods can you and your dermatologist come to a mutual conclusion about your treatment goals. First, learn more about the different psoriasis treatment methods available and then consult your dermatologist if that particular treatment method could be the right one for you.
Following Are the Various Treatment Methods Available for Psoriasis
Topical Treatments for Psoriasis: Topical is nothing but forms of gels, ointments, or creams. It usually is the first-line option for treating the psoriasis. Applied directly to the affected skin, topicals effectively treat psoriasis by slowing down the growth of skin cells. Some may even decrease inflammation and plaque buildup.
Light Therapy for Psoriasis: Another treatment that works effectively on the surface of the skin is UV phototherapy, or light treatment. Special lamps are used to emit UV rays directly on the plaques and scales, which helps slow down the growth of excess skin cells.
Oral Systemic Treatments for Psoriasis: Oral systemics is another line of treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis. Either in the form of a pill or in liquid form, oral systemics work by effectively acting on a part or the entire immune system to reduce inflammation.
Biologic Treatments for Psoriasis: Biologics is a systemic line of treatment and is typically reserved for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. They are often consumed via injection or infusion. It targets specific proteins that are overproduced in the immune system and helps in reducing inflammation
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