Q. What is psoriasis?
A. Psoriasis is an autoimmune chronic condition that appears on skin as red or pink plaques of raised, thick scaly skin. Although it can also appear as small, flat bumps or large thick plaques.
Q. Is psoriasis and eczema same?
A. No, they are not same. Eczema is usually itchy and is not seen as scaly patches. However Psoriasis presents itself as scaly patches.
Q. Can psoriasis spread from one person to another?
A. Psoriasis cannot spread by person to person contact or by sharing bodily fluids. Also it cannot be caught by close contact public areas such as swimming pool or sauna.
Q. What causes psoriasis?
A. Psoriasis stems from internal disharmony of the body in terms of disturbed immunity and genetic predisposition along with environmental triggers.
- Internal factors :
– Defective immune system
– Genetics - External factors
- Physical trauma including skin conditions (boils ,dermatitis , lichen planus , skin parasites and vitiligo) and skin trauma ( acupuncture , shaving, adhesive taping , chemical irritation, bites , tattoos and vaccinations )
- Certain medications like hypertension medication etc.
- Food allergens
- Triggering Factors
Many people who are predisposed may be free of any symptoms for many years until the disease is triggered by:-
– Infections like streptococcus infection of throat
– Climate (Cold dry weather conditions )
– Smoking
– Stress
– Alcohol consumption.
Q. Will I suffer from psoriasis for lifetime?
A. No, Psoriasis is a long term condition but with proper treatment, you can manage the symptoms effectively. Everybody is different, so time for treatment depends on the severity and duration of the condition.
Q. What are type of psoriasis?
A. Some of the types of psoriasis are:
- Plaque Psoriasis –It is the most common type of psoriasis also known as Psoriasis Vulgaris. It causes dry, raised, red skin patches which are irregular covered with silvery scales that may itch or burn.
- Guttate Psoriasis –Often starts in children or young adults as small, pink-red spots on your skin and happens in less than 2% of cases. They are often triggered by a streptococcal infection, typically streptococcal pharyngitis.
- Inverse Psoriasis –Inverse psoriasis also known as hidden psoriasis, intertriginous psoriasis or flexural psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that affects skin folds.
Pustular Psoriasis – Mostly appears in adults and causes pus-filled bumps (pustules) surrounded by red skin which may look infectious. Sometimes it covers most of your body, which is called “generalized” Pustular psoriasis.
Q. Will drinking alcohol aggravate my symptoms?
A. While taking medications for psoriasis, you should avoid or limit the alcohol consumption as it can aggravate the conditions so before taking alcohol you should always check with the doctor.
Q. How does psoriasis manifest itself?
A. It may present differently in affected individuals, some of the common symptoms include:
- Red eruptions with grey or white scales
- Itching and burning on the eruptions
- Brittle, thickened, pitted nails
- Dry cracked skin
- Swollen and stiff joints
- Bleeding from cracked skin
- Conjunctivitis
Q. As a psoriasis patient, how high are my chances to get psoriatic arthritis?
A. It’s not compulsory that if you’re suffering from psoriasis you’ll get psoriatic arthritis. There are only 10-15% chances for this.
Q. What lifestyle changes should I adopt and avoid in my disease condition?
A.
DO’S · Stop smoking · Manage stress · Moisturize · Limit alcohol consumption · Lose weight if you’re obese · Include green leafy veggies in your diet · Fruits like berries · Salmon, sardines and fish rich in other omega 3 fatty acids · Antioxidant rich herbs like thyme, cumin, ginger · Avoid processed food, refined sugars, dairy · Eat gluten-free diet · Tropical Creams · Photo-therapy
| DONT’S · Stress too much · Ignore flare ups · Scratch or scrub the lesions · Give up · Isolate yourself · There is no scientific proof that claims eating certain food product may increase or decrease the symptoms but certain people affected claim that their food choices affect their skin. Listen to your body and choose food accordingly.
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Q. How can I get myself diagnosed for psoriasis?
A. Diagnosis of psoriasis is based on the symptoms your skin is showing. The test done to rule out other conditions are:
- Skin biopsy
- Psoriasis Area And Severity Index (PASI)
