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ABSTRACT –

Psoriasis is a skin condition that accelerates the life cycle of skin cells. It causes the skin into bumpy red patches which are covered with white scales. It mostlyappears on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back but can grow anywhere on skin. Since it is not contagious, it can’t be passed from one person to another. It usually occurs in early adulthood. It mostly affects fewer skin areas but in severe cases, it can also affect larger parts of the body.

Types –

1. Pustular Psoriasis
2. Guttate Psoriasis
3. Inverse Psoriasis
4. Erythrodermic Psoriasis

CAUSES –

• Hormonal changes
• Alcohol Abuse
• Smoking
• Stress
• Low immunity
• Certain medications like lithium, heart and high BP medicines and antimalarial drugs
• Pre existing diseases like HIV worsens Psoriasis
• Other skin and body infections because of bacteria and other microbes

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –

• Patchy red rashes and inflamed skin covered with silvery scales
• Painful, cracked skin which may bleed
• Itchiness, scratched rough skin texture
• Discoloration of nails
• Scaly patches on the scalp
• Inflamed joints

COMPLICATIONS –

• Psoriatic Arthritis
• Obesity
• Eye Disorders
• High BP and heart diseases
• Depression and highly self-conscious

DIAGNOSIS –

• Skin biopsy to know about the type of disorder
• Physical examination of skin, nails and scalp
• Medical history

TREATMENT –

• Salicylic acid to smoothen the skin and remove psoriatic patches
• Creams containing steroids
• Calcitriol
• Coal-tar helps in reducing itching, inflammation and scales
• Prescribed retinoids containing Vitamin A can help in improving the condition
• Oral medications

Phototherapy / Light Therapy for Psoriasis:

• Sunlight Therapy
• Ultraviolet B light (UVB) and phototherapy
• Narrow band UVB Therapy
• PUVA (Psoralen Plus Ultraviolet A) Treatment

Natural Psoriasis Treatments:

• Aloevera
• Fish Oil
• Healthy diet

RISK FACTORS –

• Genetics and family history
• Obesity
• Cold weather
• Sunlight and sunburn
• Skin injuries which triggers itchiness can also result into Psoriasis
• Excessive alcohol
• Smoking

EPIDEMIOLOGY –

• Prevalence of occurrence of this condition is more in adults than children.
• On a global level, it affects 2-3% of population. It is not gender specific.