Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, non-infectious and genetically determined inflammatory disease that, according to some sources, is found in 2-4% of the population. It’s most often cyclical in nature, involving alternating periods of exacerbation and remission. Psoriasis isn’t curable, but with the right treatment plan and the use of modern medications, it can be controlled.

Symptoms of psoriasis

The symptoms of psoriasis can vary from person to person, both in terms of the type of skin lesions and their intensity and location. Common symptoms include:

• Itchy red patches covered with silvery scales,
• Small, scattered scaly patches, most often seen in young people or in the early stages of the disease,
• Cracked, painful and bleeding skin,
• Itching, tenderness and burning.

The extent of the lesions, on the other hand, can range from a few spots to very large areas. They most often appear on the back, elbows, legs and soles of the feet, as well as the scalp, face and hands.

 Causes and risk factors

A malfunction of the immune system, which contributes to the overproduction of skin cells, is believed to be responsible for the formation of red spots and scales. Although the cause of these abnormalities is uncertain, a genetic basis is most often pointed to.

Nevertheless, people with a tendency to psoriasis may not experience symptoms for years. Therefore, it is assumed that in addition to genetic factors, environmental factors also play a large role.

Among the so-called “triggers” of psoriasis are:

• Smoking (including passive smoking),
• Frequent alcohol consumption,
• Infections of the respiratory tract, tonsils or skin,
• Certain medications (lithium, antimalarials, high blood pressure medications),
• Vitamin D deficiency,
• Stress

Treatment and complications

The quality of life of patients with extensive lesions or during exacerbations can deteriorate significantly.

 In addition, psoriasis also increases the risk of other diseases, including:

• Psoriatic arthritis,
• Type II diabetes,
• Obesity,
• Eye diseases (conjunctivitis and uveitis),
• Cardiovascular diseases,
• Depression,
• Autoimmune diseases.       

The most common treatment is topical therapy in the form of corticosteroid ointments, retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors or keratolytic preparations (such as salicylic acid).

 In more severe cases and rather periodically, general treatment – phototherapy or oral pharmacology – is used. However, a novelty in the treatment and hope for the future of psoriasis is biological treatment, which affects the process of immunopathogenesis of psoriasis, prolongs the remission period and improves the quality of life of patients.