Living with Psoriasis: Managing the Condition for Better Quality of Life

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Managing the Condition for Better Quality of Life
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What it is Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease
that causes red, scaly patches it often affects
the elbows, knees, and scalp, but it can occur
anywhere on the body. What causes it While
doctors arent sure exactly what triggers
psoriasis outbreaks, nearly all doctors agree
that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, which
means its caused by an overactive immune
system. What it does Psoriasis causes skin
cells to build up rapidlythis leads to the itchy
and often painful red patches, bumps, and
blisters psoriasis can cause, depending on type.
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• There are several types of psoriasis. Plaque
  psoriasis is the most common form. It causes dry,
  red skin lesions with silvery scales, often on
  the knees and elbows.
• Less common forms include
• Inverse psoriasis occurs in skin folds (e.g.
  underarms,
• under breasts)
• Guttate psoriasis causes small, teardrop-shaped
  spots in kids and young adults often appears
  after strep throat infection
• Nail psoriasis causes pitting, discoloration,
  and
• abnormal growth of fingernails and toenails
• Pustular psoriasis much less common form causes
  fluid-filled patches on hands, feet, and
  fingertips

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• People with psoriasis are twice as likely to
  develop one or more additional autoimmune
  diseases,1 such as
• Rheumatoid arthritis (very strongly linked to
• psoriasis)
• Celiac disease
• Lupus
• Scleroderma
• Researchers think autoimmune diseases may share a
  common genetic or environmental cause, which
  could explain why people who have psoriasis are
  more likely to develop another autoimmune
  condition.1

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• Psoriasis is often confused with eczema, another
  common skin condition with similarities to
  psoriasis.
• Both conditions can cause red, patchy, inflamed
  skin and blisters, and both can cause itching.
• Eczema is often intensely itchy, however, while
  psoriasis tends to cause stinging and burning
  the skin is also usually thicker and more
  inflamed with psoriasis.
• To determine whether you have psoriasis or
  eczema, your doctor will perform a physical exam
  and (rarely) may take a small sample of skin,
  called a biopsy, which he or she will examine
  under a microscope.

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• People with psoriasis are twice as likely to
• be depressed as those who dont have it.2
• Its not just the embarrassment and discomfort of
  psoriasis that can lead to depressionthe
  condition also triggers the immune system to
  release brain chemicals called cytokines, which
  can alter a persons mood and lead to depression.
• If youre experiencing signs of depression, such
  as hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, loss
  of interest in things you once enjoyed, and
  changes in appetite, dont waitsee your primary
  care doctor right away.

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• Doctors dont know exactly what causes psoriasis
• outbreaks, but they may be triggered by
• Stress
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol use
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Certain medications, including lithium (used to
  treat bipolar disorder), and high blood pressure
  drugs
• Infections (esp. strep throat), which can
  temporarily weaken the immune system
• Avoiding common psoriasis triggers whenever
• possible may help prevent flare-ups.

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• Depending on the type and severity of your
  psoriasis, your doctor may recommend any of the
  following treatments
• Topical treatments (topical corticosteroids or
  retinoids, synthetic Vitamin D, salicylic acid,
  or others)
• Light therapy (natural sunlight, laser therapy,
  UVB phototherapy, or others)
• Oral or injected medications (retinoids,
  methotrexate, cyclosporine, biologics, or others)
• Natural treatments (aloe vera, fish oil, or
• others)
• You may need to try several treatments until you
  find one or a combination that works best for you.

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• There are things you can do every day to help
  reduce flare- ups and ease the discomfort of
  psoriasis. These include
• Taking daily baths Baths help soothe skin and
  shed psoriasis scales add colloidal oatmeal or
  Epsom salts to your bath, and avoid hot water and
  harsh soaps.
• Moisturizing daily An ointment-based moisturizer
  after a bath can help unscented oils can help
  for very dry skin.
• Exposing skin to the sun Your doctor can advise
  you about how much sun exposure is best for your
  condition. Avoid overexposure, which can worsen
  outbreaks and increase skin cancer risk.
• Avoiding alcohol and other triggers You cant
  control all triggers, but you can control some
  (like avoiding alcohol and minimizing stress).

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Psoriasis symptoms can range from mild to severe.
The good news is that the condition can be
managed with the right treatment and lifestyle
changes. The expert physicians at Crystal Run
Healthcare are committed to helping patients of
every age find relief from psoriasis. Our New
York-area facilities offer first-class
preventative medicine, diagnostics, and treatment
for dermatology patients of all ages. Visit us
online to learn more about the expert
dermatoloKgists at Crystal Run Healthcare and
easily book an appointment with many of our
physicians, or contact us if you need additional
assistance. Our methods are evidence-based. Our
treatment is patient-centered. Our doctors are
here to help. Visit www.crystalrunhealthcare.com
for more information. Dr. Allan Izikson Board
Certified Dermatologist
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1. https//www.jaad.org/article/S0190-
   9622(12)00462-8/fulltext
2. https//jamanetwork.com/journals/jama
   dermatology/fullarticle/210088