Psoriasis is a persistent, inflammatory skin condition. It is not contagious, but does, however, have a tendency to run in families.
The immune system seems to play a key role. It is believed that some trigger factor activates the person’s immune system which mistakenly activates T cells, a type of white blood cell. Once activated, the T cells trigger inflammation, which causes the skin to grow too rapidly. Normally, the skin replaces itself about every 30 days. In psoriasis, this happens in three to four days.
Psoriasis can be triggered by stress, injury, an infection, such as strep throat; and by taking certain medicines, such as interferon and lithium. Cold, dry winter weather and lack of sunlight also can trigger psoriasis.
Psoriasis on the elbow
There are five major types of psoriasis, each with unique signs and symptoms:x
Psoriasis affecting nails
Psoriasis frequently develops on the scalp resembling dandruff, and the nails causing thickening, pitting and splitting of the nails.
Between 10% and 30% of people who develop psoriasis get a related form of arthritis called “psoriatic arthritis.”Without treatment, permanent joint degeneration and destruction can occur.
Dermatologists diagnose psoriasis by examining the skin, nails and scalp. A skin biopsy may be taken to confirm the diagnosis.
Ultraviolet (UV) light, which is found in sunlight, slows the rapid growth of skin cells. Under a dermatologist’s care, light therapy UVB light therapy, PUVA, or Goeckerman treatment with or without combination with other modalities of treatment, offers many patients a safe and effective treatment option.
Although UVB is very safe and effective, it does have possible side effects that include burns, freckling, and premature aging. Risks of skin cancer appear to be no greater than the risk caused by sun exposure.
An acronym, PUVA stands for “psoralen + UVA,” which are the two components of this treatment. Used to treat widespread psoriasis and psoriasis that has not responded to other therapies, PUVA is effective in approximately 85% of cases. PUVA treatments over a long period increase the risk of premature aging, freckling, and skin cancer.
eximer laser 318 nm has been found in some studies to be effective for localized stable plaque psoriasis.
Retinoids
An oral retinoid may be prescribed alone or in combination with ultraviolet light for severe cases of psoriasis. Patients taking oral retinoid require close monitoring, which includes regular blood tests.
Cyclosporine
While cyclosporine proves extremely effective in treating psoriasis, it is generally reserved for patients with severe psoriasis who have not responded to other therapies, due to potential side effects.
Biologic Agents
Biologics pinpoint precise immune responses involved with psoriasis. Many medical tests are required before finding the most appropriate biologic treatment. The biologics used to treat psoriasis are:
Alefacept
By blocking the over-activated T cells. The patient typically receives one injection per week for 12 weeks.
Etanercept
This biologic agent blocks tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), a messenger in the immune system that directs cells to cause the inflammation that leads to psoriasis. Etanercept is typically used as long-term subcutaneous injection therapy.
Infliximab
Biologics pinpoint precise immune responses involved with psoriasis. Many medical tests are required before finding the most appropriate biologic treatment. The biologics used to treat psoriasis are:
Adalimumab
This biologic blocks tumor necrosis factor-alpha. It is given by subcutaneous injections.
The expenditure of the treatment varies depending upon the type of treatment chosen. Treatment with topical creams, creams containing retinoids, corticosteroids costs much lesser compared to that using Lasers, since Laser therapy requires multiple sessions of treatment. In general, a consultation with Dr. Rinky Kapoor is chargeable at INR 1000/-
For more information on Dr. Rinky Kapoor’s work, click on: theestheticclinic.com/dr-rinky-kapoor.html
The Esthetic Clinic is a world class center dedicated to skin care and plastic surgery of the entire body – and specializes in housing an experienced Dermatologist, Dr. Rinky Kapoor, who can provide world class Skin Treatments, for skin diseases and make your skin look beautiful. So if you want to go ahead and get your hair, skin, and nails treated, The Esthetic Clinic is the right place for you.