Psoriasis is a disorder caused by a hyperactive immune system and characterized by red or white scaly patches on the skin. When psoriasis develops, the skin cells proliferate abnormally and cause a deposition of skin cells on the skin’s surface. These extra skin cells appear to be scaly with red patches and cause discomfort, pain, intense itching, and burning. Scratching affected areas can also lead to skin infections.
Psoriasis is classified into several types, such as plaque psoriasis, nail psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis and many more. These classifications depend on the area of the skin where the red patches have developed. Let’s review how psoriasis is diagnosed and treated:
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1. Diagnosis
Psoriasis is typically diagnosed after the patient begins to notice symptoms, and a diagnosis often includes the following procedures:
- A physical examination allows a doctor to observe the condition of your skin, as well as analyze your medical history for any autoimmune disorders that might be contributing to your psoriasis.
- A skin biopsy is performed to understand the type of psoriasis and rule out the possibility of any other underlying skin conditions. A small skin sample is taken and analyzed by a medical lab.
- Remedies and treatments will be discussed, and a route of either medication or natural therapies is often chosen.
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2. Prescribed treatments
The following are typically prescribed by a doctor or dermatologist to help reduce psoriasis symptoms:
- Hydrocortisone cream, a topical steroid, can be applied to the affected skin if suggested by a doctor.
- Calcineurin inhibitors are a medication that can reduce inflammation and plaque formation on the skin.
- Anthralin and similar medications inhibit the growth of excess skin cells, helping to prevent psoriasis patching from developing and make skin smoother by removing scales.
- Salicylic acid is used in topical creams to reduce the scaling of skin and remove dead skin cells.
Psoriasis is an uncomfortable condition to deal with, as the red patches and scales are a source of pain and often develop into skin infections. A proper medical diagnosis and treatment can provide relief for psoriasis.
