From ventsmagazine.com
Overview
Psoriasis (suh-rye-ah-sis) is a skin condition that presents as a rash with scaly and itchy patches on the skin. Usually, the body makes new cells in weeks but, in Psoriasis this cell cycle is reversed and new cells are formed within days that pile up on the skin and form scaly thick patches. This chronic skin condition is a lifelong condition that has equal effects on the mental health of an individual. It is more prevalent in females. Around 7.55 million people in the US have Psoriasis.
In this blog, we will be discussing the causes, symptoms, and triggers of Psoriasis, and how it affects mental health.
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is one of the skin conditions that are painful and extremely itchy. It has no cure but the condition is manageable with proper care. Depending on the severity, Psoriasis can sometimes interfere with one’s daily routine and make the simplest of tasks difficult to perform.
What Are The Causative Factors?
The exact cause of Psoriasis is not known. However, genetics and disruption in immune system functioning play an important role in causing Psoriasis. The main type of immune cells that are involved in defence and help fight against infections are the T cells which in the case of Psoriasis start to attack the healthy cells. This triggers the deepest layer of skin cells to produce more T cells in defence.
Another factor involved in causing Psoriasis is genetics. If you have a family member who has psoriasis, you are most likely to get it too, however, it’s not always the case.
What Are The Symptoms To Look For?
Common symptoms of Psoriasis include:
- Itching, burning, or soreness
- Dry patches on the skin which vary in appearance from person to person
- Scaling spots in children
- Dry cracked skin
- The rash varies in colour from purple to red or pink depending on the skin colour
- Cyclic rash with occasional flareups
What Are The Triggers Of Psoriasis?
Psoriasis can be triggered by several factors. Some of which are:
- Smoking,
- Infections,
- Weather,
- Alcohol consumption,
- Certain medication,
- Oral or injected corticosteroids,
- Stress,
- Hormonal changes, and
- Throat infection: usually develops in children after a streptococcal infection, called guttate psoriasis.
Types Of Psoriasis
There are several types of Psoriasis, each type varies with location and symptoms.
- Plaque Psoriasis: is the most common type. It mainly appears on the elbows, knees, back, and scalp. It appears as dry, itchy raised skin patches.
- Nail Psoriasis: as the name suggests, it affects fingernails and toenails causing pitting, abnormal growth, and discoloration. In severe cases, nails might break.
- Guttate Psoriasis: it is most common in children. It occurs after a throat infection. It presents as small, drop-shaped spots on arms, trunk, and legs.
- Inverse Psoriasis: it may be triggered by fungal infections. It usually affects the skin of the groin, breasts, and buttocks. It worsens with excessive sweat and friction.
- Pustular Psoriasis: it causes pus-filled blisters. It most commonly appears on palms and soles.
- Erythrodermic Psoriasis: is an uncommon type of Psoriasis. There is severe itching and burning sensation in this type covering the entire body.
Psoriasis And Immune System: What’s The Link?
Psoriasis does not influence or weaken the immune system, rather it may indicate improper functioning of the immune system. Anything that triggers the immune system might cause psoriasis flare-up. Infections like that of the ear or respiratory tract can cause a flare-up.
What Is The Difference Between Psoriasis And Eczema?
Psoriasis and Eczema both are chronic skin conditions but are not completely the same. The difference lies in the appearance of lesions. In psoriasis, the skin itches and burns, it is much more painful than Eczema. The patches are raised and scaly and the skin appear thick. Whereas in eczema, the skin is itchy to an extent that if you scratch it, it bleeds. The skin is crusty, oozy, and sometimes bleeds.
Does Psoriasis Have Something To Do With Hygiene?
As psoriasis is a skin condition, most people believe that poor hygiene may be the reason behind it. Whereas the reality is quite different, psoriasis is majorly linked to genetics and it has nothing to do with cleanliness. However, it is crucial to maintain good hygiene so that the condition remains manageable.
Psoriasis and Pregnancy:
As per research studies, psoriasis does not have an impact on pregnancy, nor does it prevent one from getting pregnant. However, if a woman has severe psoriasis the chances of giving birth to low weight baby are high. In mild cases of psoriasis, there is no such risk to the baby. The only major issue in women having flareups of psoriasis during pregnancy is with the medicine they take. The physician needs to make a mindful decision regarding the treatment.
With a few unpleasant experiences of psoriasis during pregnancy, some women also have good experience with symptoms improving during the nine months.
How Does Psoriasis Affect Mental Health?
Psoriasis is often coupled with depression, anxiety, and body image issues. Depression is more common in males with Psoriasis and has a long-lasting impact. One reason for it might be because men choose to stay quiet about mental health conditions. After all, if they are vocal about it, they might be thought of as vulnerable individuals.
Anxiety due to Psoriasis may result from constant itching and burning sensation which can impact the productivity of an otherwise healthy individual, its appearance on the skin, and lack of support from the surroundings. This persistent social pressure puts one in a never-ending loop of negative thoughts which causes stress. Stress is one of the triggers responsible for causing psoriasis.
The effect psoriasis can have on physical appearance may cause self-esteem issues leading to questioning one’s existence.
Due to certain chemical changes in the brain because of Psoriasis, fluctuations in mood are common.
Treatment Of Psoriasis:
Depending on the type and severity of the condition, the treatment can differ. A wide variety of treatment options are available but choosing the right and most effective treatment can be difficult.
The treatment can be of 3 types:
- Topical: includes ointments and creams
- Phototherapy: skin comes in contact with certain ultraviolet rays
- Systemic: oral and injectable medicines which are effective throughout the body
You need to visit your doctor regularly to keep a check on your condition.
The Outlook
Psoriasis is a common skin condition that can have a severe impact on one’s social and mental well-being. It is essential to be mindful of your triggers so that the condition can be managed effectively.
The condition can at times be mentally exhausting, therefore, it is important to take care of your mental health and not let negativity take a toll on you.
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