Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that causes skin cells to grow and shed at an unusually rapid rate. It can affect nearly any area of the body, including the nails, elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk. Symptoms of psoriasis include red patches of skin, silvery scales, dryness, burning, itching, and soreness.

Causes of Psoriasis

The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but research suggests that it is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the known triggers include:

Infection
Stress
Injury to the skin
Certain medications, such as lithium or beta-blockers
Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption

In some cases, psoriasis may be triggered by infection with certain streptococcal bacteria, such as group A streptococcus.

Treatment for Psoriasis

Treatment for psoriasis depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, topical creams or ointments may be used to manage symptoms. More severe cases may require prescription oral or injectable medications.

Topical treatments: Lotions, creams, ointments, and shampoos containing corticosteroids, vitamin D, coal tar, and other medications may help reduce inflammation, itching, and scaling.
Phototherapy: This involves exposing the skin to different types of ultraviolet light, such as ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB), to help reduce inflammation and slow the growth of skin cells. Phototherapy may also be combined with medications.
Systemic treatments: These typically involve oral or injectable medications that work to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system, as well as enzyme-blocking medications.

Preventing Psoriasis Flare-ups

The best way to prevent psoriasis flare-ups is to avoid triggers that may cause the condition to worsen. These triggers may include the following:

Stress
Infection or injury to the skin
Certain medications
Excessive alcohol consumption
Smoking
Cold weather

It is also important to take measures to keep the skin hydrated, which can help reduce the severity of symptoms. This includes using noncomedogenic moisturizers and avoiding harsh soaps and cleansers.