What is Plaque Psoriasis and How Is It Treated?
Psoriasis is a commonly occurring skin disease affecting the skin; it is due to the changing life cycle of human skin cells that leads to this peculiar skin disease. Of all the different types of psoriasis, severe plaque psoriasis is the most prevalent form.
Severe plaque psoriasis is characterized by redness of the skin covered with scales, usually silvery in color, and inflammation. Patches develop in the arms, trunk, scalp, legs, elbows, knees and in other parts of the body in the form of oval or circular shaped plaques. The condition is usually itchy. However, it is not contagious, but might be inherited from the ancestors.
There are various factors that contribute to severe psoriasis, of which the most common ones are the environmental factors, such as sun exposure, dust and wind. However, there could be many other factors like smoking, alcoholism and sometimes HIV infections that lead to plaque psoriasis.
People suffering from severe psoriasis are often at an increased risk of developing arthritis as well. Commonly known as psoriatic arthritis, the condition involves the joints and fingers, toes and knees, and also the hips and the back.
It is easy to diagnose psoriasis, since the symptoms of the condition are evident. Plaque psoriasis might start off with a small patch that tends to grow bigger and bigger over time. Sometimes, you might need a dermatologist to finally detect whether or not your condition is psoriasis. The symptoms are sometimes very common to other skin conditions.
Although experts claim that there is no definite treatment for plaque psoriasis, there are various options available these days that seem to have successfully controlled the symptoms. However, there are certain measure to be taken for treating psoriasis, such as topical treatments, oral medications, light therapy, biological agents and self helps techniques.
Topical treatments are the preferred options for severe plaque psoriasis. Vitamin D, steroids, tar, vitamin A derivatives, tacrolimus, salicylic acid and dithranol are some of the most effective ingredients present in topical agents that help in treating plaque psoriasis.
Oral medications are a good choice when advised by a doctor; these medicines aren’t suitable for pregnant women. In fact, if a man has taken these medicines for long, he should not make his wife pregnant for a certain period of time. This subject needs to be discussed with a doctor.
Light therapy is given by a specialist in the hospital for curing psoriasis. It is effective.
Biological agents are the latest psoriasis treatments that seem to be very effective for severe psoriasis. These are usually passed on to the body through injection or a drip. Your dermatologist will be the best person to advise you.
Self-help techniques act as a support system for any treatment. If you can avoid long hours of sun exposure, smoking and alcohol, it might help in reducing the symptoms of plaque psoriasis.