Psoriasis is a chronic disorder that causes lesions in affected individuals that are characterized by thickened skin with a silvery-white scaly appearance, often associated with itching.
It is an autoimmune, noncontagious disease that affects 80 million people worldwide and an estimated 2-3% of the European population.
Let us now see what the main symptoms of psoriasis are, the causes and the main declinations of this condition.
Here’s how to treat psoriasis by identifying the symptoms
From the initial symptoms of psoriasis to treatments, here’s what you need to know about this skin condition.
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Causes of psoriasis
Before detailing the symptoms of psoriasis, let us define the possible trigg ers and the mechanism that triggers this condition.
As we mentioned, psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system gets “confused” and decides to “attack” the skin.
The result of the attack is clearly visible and manifests as red patches on the skin, often covered by silvery-white scaling.
Broadly speaking, we can summarize the mechanism that generates psoriasis by starting with the action of the immune system, which is responsible for defending us against external aggressors such as bacteria or viruses. By mistake, in the psoriatic patient, the immune system attacks healthy skin cells, stimulating overproduction of cells.
The causes that trigger this process are not very clear, but it is thought that a combination of genetic and environmental factors underlie it. It seems that the hereditary factor weighs heavily in the development of the disease: one in three patients has close relatives with the same problem.
In addition to the generic factor, there are other elements that expose you to the risk of developing psoriasis symptoms, such as:
- Lifestyle (obesity, alcohol abuse, smoking);
- Presence of other pathologies;
- Infectious processes, as in psoriasis guttata, caused by streptococcal infection;
- Stress
The link between psoriasis and stress is quite pronounced, and there seems to be a strong correlation between the two.
Psoriasis: how it manifests itself
Speaking of psoriasis and initial symptoms, the disease is manifested by the presence on some parts of the body of rounded areas of reddened, thickened skin covered with silvery-white scales.
Psoriasis in the hands and on the scalp represent the most common forms, but the disease is not exempt from affecting other areas such as:
- Elbows;
- Knees;
- Lumbar area of the back;
- Face;Plants of the feet.
Sometimes the patches on the skin can cause severe itching.
Symptoms of psoriasis can vary depending on theintensity with which the condition manifests. Generally, three degrees of psoriasis can be distinguished, using the percentage of plaques on the body as a parameter:
- Moderate: 3 to 10 percent of the skin surface.
- Light: only a few plaques, less than 3% of the skin surface.
- Severe: more than 10% of the skin surface.
Importantly, psoriasis is not contagious; it is a chronic, relapsing condition that can affect anyone at any time of life.
Psoriasis and treatment
Now that we have seen the symptoms of psoriasis, let’s address the topic of possible treatments for the condition.
Unfortunately, there are no fully curative therapies for psoriasis, but it is possible to keep it under control and reduce symptoms. In this way, it is possible to limit the psychological and physical discomfort that the disease can cause in sufferers.
There are several useful therapies to act on psoriasis, and a specialist medical consultation is necessary to define the one best suited to each circumstance.
The definition of treatment may depend on a number of factors, such as:
- Severity of the disorder;
- Extent of affected areas;
- Type of psoriasis;
- Goodness of response to initial therapy.
In general, it may be helpful to administer topical medications or resort to systemic treatments.
If you show symptoms of psoriasis and if you need effective treatment, turn to our dermatology office: we are waiting for you in Rome, Via Cola di Rienzo 212.
To book your appointment, email us or call 06 45471658
