What is Psoriasis? [1]

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes rapid skin cell turnover which, in turn, leads to the buildup of thick, scaly patches on the skin's surface. These patches (a.k.a. plaques) are often red (inflamed), covered with silvery scales, and itchy/painful. While psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, it most commonly appears on an individual’s elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.

Unlike other skin conditions such as eczema (a.k.a. atopic dermatitis), psoriasis is not caused by external allergens or irritants. Rather, it is caused by an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. This immune response speeds up the life cycle of skin cells, causing them to accumulate rapidly on the skin's surface. The exact reason as to why the immune system behaves this way in people who suffer from psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Typical Demographics

Psoriasis can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. It tends to be most commonly diagnosed in adults with peak onset occurring between the ages of 15 and 35. It is estimated that approximately 2-3% of the global population suffers from psoriasis, making it a relatively common skin condition.

Underlying Factors

Several factors appear to contribute to the development of psoriasis. Genetics play a significant role as it has been found that having a family member with psoriasis increases one's chances of also developing the condition. Environmental triggers such as stress, infections, and certain medications, can also provoke and/or exacerbate symptoms of psoriasis. In addition, lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity have also been linked to an increased risk of psoriasis.

Causes of Psoriasis [2]

Genetic Factors

Research has shown that genetics are a major contributor to the development of psoriasis. If one or both parents have psoriasis, their children are at a higher risk of developing the condition. Studies have identified several genes associated with psoriasis which include those involved in both the immune system and skin cell regulation. Having these genes does not guarantee that a person will develop psoriasis, but rather, simply increases their chances of developing the condition.

Immune System Dysfunction

Psoriasis is classified as an autoimmune disease, meaning it stems from an abnormal immune response by the body. In those suffering from psoriasis, their immune system mistakenly targets healthy skin cells as if they were harmful invaders. This triggers an inflammatory response, leading to the rapid production of new skin cells and the formation of plaques of psoriasis.

Environmental Triggers

While genetics and immune system dysfunction are the primary causes of psoriasis, certain environmental factors can trigger or worsen the condition. Common triggers include:

Infections: Bacterial and viral infections, particularly streptococcal throat infections, can trigger psoriasis flare-ups.

Stress: Elevated or long-term emotional stress and anxiety can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms.

Medications: Certain medications, such as lithium, beta-blockers, and antimalarial drugs, have been linked to psoriasis flare-ups.

Skin Injuries: Cuts, scrapes, sunburns, and other skin injuries can trigger a psoriasis response known as the “Koebner phenomenon”.

Symptoms and Identification [3]

 Common Symptoms

Psoriasis symptoms can vary in severity and appearance depending on an individual’s type of psoriasis and the individual themself. Common symptoms include:

Red Patches: Raised, inflamed red patches on the skin, often covered with silvery scales.

Itching and Burning: The affected areas can be intensely itchy, and some people may experience a burning sensation.

Dry, Cracked Skin: The skin can become dry and cracked, sometimes leading to bleeding.

Thickened Nails: Psoriasis can affect a person’s nails, causing them to become thickened, pitted, or ridged.

Joint Pain: Some people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain and swelling.

Identifying Psoriasis vs. Other Skin Conditions

Distinguishing psoriasis from other skin conditions like eczema can be challenging. That said, here are some key differences:

Location: Psoriasis typically affects the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, while eczema is more common in the creases of the elbows and knees.

Appearance: Psoriasis plaques are thick, red, and covered with silvery scales, whereas eczema patches are often red, inflamed, and may ooze or get crusty.

Itchiness: While both conditions can elicit an itchy sensation, the itching associated with eczema is oftentimes more intense.

It should be noted that for those with darker complected skin, psoriasis symptoms can manifest differently. In individuals with darker skin, psoriasis may appear as purple, gray, or dark brown patches rather than the typical red or pink seen in lighter skinned people. These patches are oftentimes accompanied by silvery or whitish scales.

In addition, the inflammation experienced by people of color may cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which can leave dark spots even after the psoriasis lesions have healed. Unfortunately, this variation in psoriasis symptoms can sometimes lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, highlighting the importance of recognizing how psoriasis presents across varying skin tones.

Treatment Options [4] [5] [6]

Over-the-Counter Solutions

For mild to moderate cases of psoriasis, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments can be effective in managing symptoms. These include:

Moisturizers: Keeping the skin hydrated with thick creams and ointments can help reduce dryness and scaling.

Salicylic Acid: This ingredient has been shown to soften and remove scales.

Coal Tar: Coal tar products can slow down the rapid growth of skin cells and reduce inflammation.

Sulfur: Sulfur-based remedies have a long history of being used to help manage psoriasis symptoms. When sulfur penetrates the skin, it oxidizes to form hydrogen sulfide which triggers an anti-inflammatory response in the skin to reduce inflammation while at the same time having an anti-proliferative effect on keratinocyte accumulation.

Prescription Medications

For more severe cases of psoriasis, prescription medications may be necessary. These include:

Topical Treatments: Prescription-strength creams and ointments like corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and retinoids, can help reduce inflammation and slow skin cell growth.

Oral Medications: Drugs like methotrexate, cyclosporine, and acitretin can suppress the immune system and reduce psoriasis symptoms.

Biologics: Biologic drugs target specific parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation and prevent flare-ups. These are often used for moderate to severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Other Therapies

In addition to medications, other treatments can also help to manage psoriasis symptoms such as:

Phototherapy: Exposure to certain frequencies of ultraviolet (UV) light has been shown to slow down the rapid growth of skin cells. This treatment is typically administered in a medical setting but can also be done at home with a doctor-prescribed UV lamp.

Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help to manage psoriasis. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, not smoking, abstaining from excessive alcohol consumption, and managing stress/anxiety.

When to See a Dermatologist

If you suspect you have psoriasis or if your symptoms are not responding to OTC treatments, you should make an appointment to go see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can provide a proper diagnosis, recommend appropriate treatments, and monitor your condition to avoid complications.

Prevention Strategies

While psoriasis cannot be cured, certain strategies can be employed to help prevent flare-ups and manage symptoms. These include:

Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support overall health and potentially reduce inflammation.

Simple Skincare Routine: Crafting a gentle, fragrance-free skincare routine which includes moisturizing regularly can help keep your skin healthy and happy while reducing irritation.

Stress Management: Practicing stress-reducing techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help manage psoriasis symptoms.

Avoiding Triggers: Identifying and avoiding personal triggers such as certain foods, medications, or environmental factors, can also help prevent flare-ups.

Myths and Facts

There are, unfortunately, several misconceptions when it comes to psoriasis. Here are some common myths debunked:

Myth: Psoriasis is contagious.

Fact: Psoriasis is not contagious. You cannot catch it from, or give it to, someone else through physical contact.

Myth: Psoriasis is just a skin condition.

Fact: Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects the whole body. It is associated with other health conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Myth: Psoriasis can be cured with home remedies.

Fact: While home remedies can help to manage symptoms, there is currently no cure for psoriasis. Medical treatments are necessary to effectively control the condition.

FAQ

Will I get psoriasis if my parent has it?

Having a parent with psoriasis increases your risk of developing the condition, but it is not a certainty. Genetics play a significant role, but environmental factors and immune system function also contribute to the development of psoriasis.

 At what age does psoriasis usually start?

Psoriasis can develop at any age, but it most commonly appears between the ages of 15 and 35. It can, however, also occur in children and older adults.

 What usually triggers psoriasis?

Common triggers for psoriasis include infections, stress, skin injuries, certain medications, and lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol consumption. Identifying and avoiding personal triggers can help to manage symptoms.

 Who is prone to psoriasis?

Anyone can develop psoriasis, but it is more common in individuals with a family history of the condition. Other risk factors include having an overactive immune system, experiencing frequent infections, and leading a lifestyle that includes smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

 What deficiency causes psoriasis?

There is no specific deficiency that causes psoriasis, but studies have suggested that low levels of vitamin D may be linked to the condition. Vitamin D plays a role in immune system function and skin health, so maintaining adequate levels through diet, supplements, or sun exposure may help manage psoriasis symptoms.

Conclusion

Psoriasis is a complex and chronic skin condition that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. While it has a strong genetic component, environmental factors and immune system dysfunction also play important roles in its development. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for psoriasis can help individuals to effectively manage the condition. If you suspect that you might have psoriasis, or if your symptoms are not well-controlled, it is important to seek advice from a dermatologist. With proper diagnosis, treatment and management those suffering from psoriasis can nevertheless lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

 Call to Action

For those looking to effectively manage their psoriasis symptoms, consider trying the following products:

SHAANT® BODY SCRUB: The combination of salicylic acid together with our patented ShaantComplex® technology allows for gentle exfoliation to help soften and remove psoriasis scales while introducing much needed hydration to help replenish and maintain the skin barrier.

SHAANT® SPOT TREATMENT: Due to the presence of sulfur, this highly effective acne spot treatment is also recommended to help manage psoriasis symptoms based on its ability to oxidize into hydrogen sulfide and trigger both an anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative response within the skin.

SHAANT® BALANCING OIL CONTROL CREAM: This luxurious cream contains two of nature's most effective retinol-like ingredients when it comes to managing psoriasis, blackjack and Bakuchiol. These ingredients not only soothe irritation, but also help reduce the formation of raised patches on the skin, a hallmark psoriasis symptom.