Psoriasis is a skin condition caused by autoimmune disorders that affect people of all ages and genders in India and across the globe. Patients experience red, inflamed patches covered with silvery scales, which are a result of the rapid buildup of skin cells.
The condition can cause physical discomfort and emotional distress, affecting the overall well-being of an individual. Thanks to skin specialists like Dr. Rinky Kapoor of The Esthetic Clinics in Mumbai, who can perform a proper diagnosis and prescribe various treatments to manage the condition,
Psoriasis diagnosis
Psoriasis diagnosis is done at a psoriasis treatment clinic. During the process, the doctors perform a thorough examination to determine the case, triggers, and possible treatment for the condition. Here is what patients can expect the examination to entail:
Physical examination: the doctor will carefully and thoroughly perform a physical examination, mainly focusing on the skin and nails, to determine any signs of psoriasis. Noticeable symptoms may include raised red patches covered with silvery scales and mostly found on the elbows, nails, lower back, and knees.
Medical history: the specialist will ask a series of questions about your overall health and medical history to determine if you have had any symptoms before. He will also ask about your family’s medical history and if any of your relatives have experienced psoriasis symptoms to determine if your condition is caused by genetics.
Biopsy: in some cases where the doctor suspects your symptoms may be caused by other skin conditions, a biopsy may also be part of the initial examination. In this procedure, a small skin sample will be taken to the lab for analysis to confirm or rule out these suspicions.
Types of psoriasis
There are different types of psoriasis symptoms that a patient may experience. Some of the most common types include:
Plaque psoriasis: many people with this type of psoriasis suffer from symptoms such as raised, inflamed patches that are red and covered with silvery, white scales.
Guttate psoriasis: this type is characterized by small dot-like lesions and is mostly triggered by bacterial infections.
Inverse psoriasis: patients with inverse psoriasis often experience the symptom on the armpits, groin, under the breast, and other skin folds. The condition is characterized by smooth, red lesions.
Pustular psoriasis: pustular psoriasis can be localized or generalized. It is usually characterized by symptoms such as pus-filled blisters.
Erythrodermic psoriasis: this is the most severe type of psoriasis, causing symptoms such as redness and shading of the skin, almost like severe burns.
Psoriasis treatment options
A cure for psoriasis hasn’t been found yet. However, there are treatments and medications that the specialists can prescribe to manage the condition. Some of these treatments include:
Topical treatments are oils and ointments that contain ingredients such as vitamin D, retinoids, and corticosteroids and are usually applied directly to the skin to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.
Laser Psoriasis Treatment is a procedure where a qualified specialist exposes the affected skin to UVA or UVB to help reduce inflammation and improve the symptoms.
Systemic education: these medications may be administered orally or through injections for moderate and severe psoriasis to target the underlying immune response.
Oral retinoids: these are vitamin A derivatives prescribed to slow down the growth of the cells in severe cases.