Body's Response to Psoriasis: Illustrative Diagram
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects more than 7.5 million adults in the United States. This condition, characterised by red, scaly patches on the skin, can be both itchy and painful.
While there is no cure for psoriasis, effective management is possible. Trigger avoidance, symptom-relieving therapies, and medical supervision are key to reducing flare severity and improving quality of life.
Common triggers for a psoriasis flare-up include viral infections, such as a cold or strep throat, tobacco use, skin injuries like cuts or sunburns, and cold, dry weather. Additionally, certain medications, such as lithium, prednisone, and hydroxychloroquine, can cause or worsen psoriasis symptoms. Dietary factors like red meat, alcohol, dairy products, and nightshade vegetables may also provoke flare-ups in some individuals due to their inflammatory effects.
Identifying and avoiding individual triggers by tracking symptom patterns is important for managing the condition. Doctors can also adjust medications if they suspect certain drugs worsen psoriasis.
Standard treatment options focus on controlling symptoms and reducing flare-ups. Topical therapies such as corticosteroids and vitamin D analogs, phototherapy (light therapy), systemic medications (oral or injectable drugs that modulate the immune system), and lifestyle modifications like stress reduction and avoiding personal triggers are commonly used.
Treatment for psoriasis can help reduce inflammation, remove plaques, and slow the growth of patches. It's crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan.
Stress can also trigger a psoriasis flare-up, so stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and regular exercise can be beneficial.
Despite the challenges, the prevalence of psoriasis hasn't changed significantly since 2003. However, with the right management strategies, individuals living with psoriasis can lead fulfilling lives.
[Infographic: Effects of Psoriasis on the Body]
References: [1] National Psoriasis Foundation. (2021). Psoriasis treatment. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/treatment [2] Mayo Clinic. (2020). Psoriasis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355596 [3] National Psoriasis Foundation. (2021). Diet and psoriasis. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/diet-and-psoriasis [4] American Academy of Dermatology. (2021). Psoriasis. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/treatment/overview
- To manage psoriasis effectively, it's important to identify and avoid individual triggers by tracking symptom patterns, such as cutting back on tobacco use, staying clear of sunburns, and reducing exposure to cold, dry weather.
- As science advances, a variety of treatment options have been established for psoriasis, including topical therapies, phototherapy, systemic medications, and lifestyle modifications that aim to control symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and improve overall health and wellness.
- While psoriasis is a chronic condition characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin that can be both itchy and painful, treatment can help alleviate symptoms by reducing inflammation, removing plaques, and slowing the growth of patches.
- In addition to known triggers, certain medications such as lithium, prednisone, and hydroxychloroquine, as well as dietary factors like red meat, alcohol, dairy products, and nightshade vegetables, may also provoke psoriasis flare-ups due to their inflammatory effects.
- Stress is another trigger for a psoriasis flare-up, and stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and regular exercise can help mitigate stress and manage the condition better.
