Important Information About Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disease with pink-red colors, slightly raised surface and white, thick, shiny and dry dandruff. It is an "autoimmune" skin disorder that causes skin cells to multiply several times faster than normal. Another name for psoriasis is known as "psoriasis". This skin condition, which appears as a scaly patch, can grow anywhere on the skin, but is most often seen on the scalp, elbows, knees, and back. Psoriasis is not transmitted from person to person, so it is not a contagious disease. It can be seen in members of the same family with a genetic predisposition. We can say the following as the cause of the formation of psoriasis. A healthy skin renews itself every 3-4 weeks, but in people with psoriasis, the skin tries to renew itself every few days and as a result, this health problem occurs. The effort to renew itself in a shorter time than the skin can renew itself in a healthy way causes an unhealthy skin.

This newly formed skin does not look like normal skin. It has a dry and reddened texture, mother-of-pearl color and scaly. Itching and pain occur in the skin tissue and it is also a chronic skin problem. Psoriasis persists throughout the patient's life. Its effects decrease in some periods, but it can reappear at any time. This disease is seen in an average of 3 percent of the world. There is no significant difference in the incidence in men or women. There are many types of psoriasis, but the most common type is plaque psoriasis that causes scaling. With this disease, disorders such as pain, swelling, redness and stiffness in the joints may occur. About 1 million people in our country live with this disease, and it is not known exactly what causes psoriasis.

There is no cure for psoriasis, it is only possible to manage the symptoms. The goal of treatment is to prevent skin cells from growing rapidly. Regulating lifestyle-related things like hydration, quitting smoking and alcohol, and managing stress can help manage symptoms. Psoriasis is an immune system disorder whose causes are not fully known.

So, what are the reasons that are thought to be effective in the emergence of this disease, let's examine it together;

-White blood cells (white blood cells) are one of the main components of the immune system. Their abnormal functioning can cause psoriasis by changing the movements of the cells.

The majority of psoriasis patients have a genetic predisposition. It is not a case that it will happen to everyone in the family, but it is thought that genetic factors from the family prepare the ground for psoriasis.

Smoking and alcohol are among the biggest causes that negatively affect the immune system. Their use can cause psoriasis if you have an immune system disorder.

Psychological factors such as stress and depression, which have negative effects on the immune system, play an important role in the emergence of this disease and may cause relapses.

The incidence of psoriasis may increase in people with recurrent infections such as pharyngitis and throat infection.

-Cold weather causes this disease to be triggered. The attacks of this disease decrease in humid and warm weather. In summer, sunburns cause an increase in attacks. It can increase the attacks of psoriasis in the wounds on the body.

Medicines used by people with heart, blood pressure, malaria and asthma can cause psoriasis, but this is not true for everyone.

Tooth decay, grazes and scratches on the skin, skin injuries and urinary tract infections can also cause psoriasis.
If we look at the symptoms of psoriasis; skin spots, intense flaking on the skin, red and whitish spots, dry-cracked and bleeding-prone skin, swollen and hardened joints, red-puffy and inflamed wounds, feeling pain around the wounds, pain and swelling in the joints can be said as the symptoms of psoriasis. The patches in psoriasis can be of different shapes and sizes.

   

The types and symptoms of psoriasis vary, now let's take a look at them;

-Plaque Type Psoriasis: It is the most common type of psoriasis. These plaques can occur anywhere on the body. It can be numerically many, but on the contrary, it can be seen in small numbers. There are times when the plaque type of psoriasis is itchy and painful.

-Inverse Psoriasis: This type of psoriasis is seen in folds such as armpits, groin, and under the breasts. Due to the humid areas, dandruff is not very common. It can cause redness and swelling. Fungal infections can be triggered by this type of psoriasis.

-Nail Psoriasis: Psoriasis can also be seen on the nails. In some people, it can only be seen in the nail and not elsewhere on the person's body. In this type of psoriasis, nail thickening, discoloration and pits can be seen.

-Erythrodermic Psoriasis: It is the rarest type of psoriasis. Itching and burning rashes cover the whole body.

-Psoriatic Arthritis: This type of joint involvement can be seen. These afflictions in the joints of the hands and feet can rarely be seen in large joints. If spills are present, the diagnosis can be made easily. If there is only hand and foot stiffness, it is not correct to say psoriasis.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Diagnosis of the disease is achieved through clinical examination and skin biopsy. Please consult a dermatologist. The diagnosis of this disease can be made by examining the skin of your skin.

October 29 is World Psoriasis Day, on that day people from all over the world come together to raise awareness about psoriasis.

Treatment Methods of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic disease that lasts for life in people and can only be kept under control as a result of long treatments under the supervision of a doctor. There is no definitive treatment for this disease, only the prevention of disease-causing cells and cell activities is tried to be ensured. Various moisturizers, creams, shampoos, cortisone drugs are used. After the examination of the patient, you should apply whichever treatment method your doctor will give you. Treatment may vary depending on the severity of the disease. After the applications, the disease may decrease and disappear completely, but there is always the possibility of it coming back.

Psoriasis Patients Should Consider
People with psoriasis should stay away from negative emotions such as stress and sadness and focus on things that will make them feel good. This creates positive developments in the treatment process. Scratching, rubbing, or peeling off the skin can lead to new rashes. They should definitely be avoided. The sun and the sea have a mitigating effect against this disease, but excessive sun exposure can increase rashes, so it is best for patients to act in a controlled manner. During the winter months, the moisture content of the skin decreases and it becomes drier. Dry skin causes more itching, so moisturizing creams and lotions should be used. It is important to take a shower every day to relax the skin. Psoriasis patients should pay attention to a healthy diet. For example, it is very important to stay away from crusty vegetables and gluten. Protein and milk-containing foods should be reduced and foods rich in vitamins should be consumed.

We wish you healthy days…