How is psoriasis treated?
There is no definitive treatment for the disease. However, with appropriate treatment, it can be controlled and long-term well-being can be achieved. The physician, the patient and the patient's relatives should cooperate in the treatment. Medicines and behaviors that may exacerbate the disease (scratching, rubbing in the bath, scrubbing, etc.) should be avoided.
In psoriasis with limited involvement, local treatments are primarily chosen. These methods can also be used together.
Psoriasis is a disease that is common in society and lasts for a long time with exacerbations. It is usually distinguished by sharply defined rashes with psoriasis (silver) colored dandruff (flaking) on it, which gives the disease its name.
Is Psoriasis a common disease? At what ages does it occur?
Psoriasis is common all over the world; Genetic and environmental factors affect its frequency. Predisposition to the disease can be transferred from parents to the child, but the child may not develop the disease. It occurs in one or two people in every 100. It is equally common in men and women. It usually starts between the ages of 15-30.
What are the causes of the disease and the factors that lead to attacks?
The exact cause is unknown; The immune system, genetic and environmental factors are thought to be effective. Environmental factors (throat infections due to streptococci, medications, excessive alcohol intake, smoking, scratching, rubbing, sunburn, etc.) and mental stress can initiate or exacerbate the disease.
Is the disease contagious?
The disease is transmitted by contact. It cannot be transmitted to anyone.
What are the symptoms of the disease?
The symptoms of the disease vary according to its clinical characteristics.
Psoriasis vulgaris (plaque type psoriasis) is the most common psoriasis clinic. r (80%). Typical symptoms are oval or round, raised skin rashes covered with silvery scales. It is frequently found on the knees, elbows, scalp and coccyx. Sometimes it can also be located in folds such as the armpit, groin, under the breast, between the hips, behind the knee, inner surface of the elbow and neck (Inverse psoriasis). It can be seen on the palms and soles of the feet (Palmoplantar psoriasis)
Guttate psoriasis: Small, round, pink-red, dandruff-like bumps that resemble raindrops are seen on the upper half of the body, arms and legs. It is common in children and adolescents. It usually occurs following a throat infection and regresses within a few weeks or months.
Erythrodermic psoriasis is the disease that covers more than 90% of the body. The disease may become widespread due to the influence of triggering factors such as medication, sunlight, trauma, and infection. Treatment should be applied in the hospital.
Pustular psoriasis. There are pus-filled pimples on a red background. It occurs over typical psoriasis plaques or on intact-looking skin. It can be widespread throughout the body (diffuse pustular psoriasis) or localized to the palms and soles of the feet (palmoplantar pustular psoriasis).
Psoriasis of the joints occurs in 2 out of every 10 patients and occurs in the 40s. Finger and waist joints are most commonly affected. It causes symptoms such as morning stiffness or stiffness that develops when sitting or standing for long periods of time, and swelling in the fingers or toes ("sausage finger" appearance). Nail involvement is also common in joint involvement. It is usually accompanied by skin symptoms of the disease.
Nail changes in psoriasis affect the nails in approximately half of the patients. Pinhead-sized pits on the nail surface, separation of the nail from its bed, yellowish discoloration under the nail (oil stains) incision appearance), loss of a part of the nail, and thickening of the skin under the free part of the nail are common changes.
What is the course of psoriasis?
It is usually long-term with exacerbations and periods of remission. The symptoms and severity of the disease may vary from person to person, and even within the same person over time.
Does pregnancy affect the course of the disease?
A psoriasis patient can become pregnant. The impact of pregnancy is variable; The disease usually improves during pregnancy and returns to its previous course with attacks after birth. A small number of patients may develop pustular psoriasis during pregnancy.
Psoriasis and other diseases, especially in those with severe psoriasis, are common, leading to an increase in blood lipids, high blood pressure and diabetes, which lead to a predisposition to cardiovascular diseases. Obesity (overweight) and inflammatory bowel disease are also common.
How is psoriasis diagnosed?
The diagnosis can be made with clinical findings. Rarely, a skin biopsy may be required.
Read: 0
