Our skin comprises of cells with an average lifespan of 2-4 weeks. A skin cell life cycle has four stages: proliferation, migration, differentiation, and desquamation.
Psoriasis is a highly common skin health concern that primarily affects the proliferation stage. It fastens the process of division and growth of skin cells in the basal layer of the epidermis, resulting in skin cell accumulation on the superficial skin which makes the skin scaly.
By understanding psoriasis disease causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and available psoriasis treatment in Bangalore options, as discussed in this post, we make sure that the readers make well-informed choices regarding skin health and appearance.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease, an autoimmune condition, typically affecting the skin of the scalp, feet, hands, fingers, toenails, and genitals. The affected skin appears scaly, red, and inflamed and may itch at times.
Causes of Psoriasis
What causes psoriasis is still under research. Skin experts believe that potential psoriasis causes and risk factors are:
- Family history of psoriasis or genetic tendency for the skin to react to certain triggers like infections and stress
- Underlying health issues like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some autoimmune disorders
- Certain medications like beta-blockers, lithium-based drugs, and antimalarial medicines
- An immune system dysfunction causing overdrive of skin cell production
- Alcohol addiction
- Smoking.
Psoriasis Symptoms
Psoriatic symptoms can be beyond noticeable, mild, localized, or generalized skin plaques and rashes. They can significantly impact routine. Being aware of the potential psoriasis symptoms can help one identify the need to seek dermatologist attention.
The signs of psoriasis include:
- Discoloration, pitting, crumbling, and unusual thickening of fingernails and toenails (nail psoriasis)
- Tender, aching joints that may swell, throb, or stiffen (psoriatic arthritis)
- Itchy skin that may be severe with burning or stinging sensations
- Dry, cracked skin which when scratched could bleed
- Painful cracking during cold-dry weather.
Diagnosing Psoriasis
If suspecting itchy, scaly skin as psoriasis, see a doctor. A doctor or dermatologist helps in psoriasis diagnosis by noting the patient’s symptoms, reviewing the patient’s medical history, conducting a thorough skin examination, and sometimes performing a biopsy.
Types of Psoriasis
There are different types of psoriasis, each having unique symptoms.
- Plaque psoriasis- 90% of psoriasis patients have this type of psoriasis. It typically features as dry, thick, red, sharp-edged lesions, usually showing up on the skin of the elbows, lower back, scalp, and knees.
- Guttate psoriasis- Often noticed in young individuals who earlier had a strep throat infection. It features small, red, drop-shaped scaly spots.
- Inverse psoriasis- It is noticed as scaleless plaques in the skin folds.
- Pustular psoriasis- This type is widespread, often affecting the skin of the palms or soles. It features small, pus-filled bumps on the surface of the plaques.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis- This is the most severe type that causes widespread peeling skin rash.
- Nail psoriasis- This type only affects the nails, resulting in their discoloration, pitting, and unusual growth.
- Scalp psoriasis- It leads to itchy, inflamed, dry, flaky, reddish patches on the scalp skin that may lead to temporary hair loss.
- Psoriatic arthritis- When the small joints of the hands and toes become painful, stiff, discolored, swollen, and warm, it indicates the case of psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriasis Treatment Options
The psoriasis management is tailored based on the type and severity of psoriasis as well as the age and general health of the affected individual. Generally, the treatment for psoriasis aims to reduce the symptoms, delay the overproduction of the skin cells, and prevent flare-ups. Here are the different psoriasis treatment in Bangalore provided by dermatologist Dr. Rasya Dixit:
- Topical steroids, moisturizers, anti-itch products, hydrocor-tisone creams, controlled UV light exposure- for mild psoriasis
- Prescription ointments containing retin-oids, steroids, or Vitamin D- for mild to moderate psoriasis treatment
- Oral or injectable to suppress the immune system- for severe psoriasis cases
- Medicated shampoo- for treatment of scalp psoriasis
- Phototherapy or laser treatment.
Latest Advances in Psoriasis Treatment
The psoriasis latest treatment options for moderate to severe psoriasis include:
- Natural supplements like aloe vera extract, fish oil supplements, and plant extracts help skin inflammation, scaling, and itching
- Biologics that block skin inflammation causing proteins belonging to altered immune system
- Narrowband/ Broadband UVB and PUVA therapy and Oregon grape (barberry)
- Oral medicines that treat skin inflammation and make it healthy.
The innovative psoriasis therapies in 2025 and beyond include:
- Oral- PDE4 inhibitors, allosteric inhibitors of TYK2, JAK inhibitors, and S1PR1 agonist
- Topical- Microneedling for transdermal drug delivery and nanocarriers
- Biologics
- Drug repurposing
- Ste-m cell therapy
- Autophagy regulation.
Risks and Complications of Psoriasis
Potential risks of psoriasis or complications of psoriasis, referred to as psoriasis comorbidities, include:
- Arthritis
- Obesity
- Mental health issues
- Skin color changes
- Eye conditions like conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and uveitis
- Mental health issues including anxiety and depression
- Illnesses like kidney disease, Crohn’s disease, and liver disease
- Cardiovascular disease- including hypertension, heart strokes/attacks.
When to See a Doctor for Psoriasis?
Here are the warning signs for which one should be seeking medical advice for psoriasis:
- Fever
- Severe swelling
- Intense pain or significant discomfort
- The extreme urge to scratch the highly irritated skin
- Persistent rash or worsening of skin rash
- Over-the-counter products or home remedies are failure.
A psoriasis consultation can help in confirming a diagnosis of psoriasis and identification of appropriate treatment.
Get Help for Psoriasis
Psoriasis is the hyperproliferation of the epidermis, with no definite cause. It is thought to be an outcome of an immune system dysfunction. Its symptoms vary as per its type. Those having psoriasis need to have thorough psoriasis awareness and seek timely psoriasis care, which is available from a dermatologist.
If seeking the best approach for managing psoriasis, contact Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic to restore your skin health and beauty without straining your budget. We have top-notch dermatologists offering customized psoriasis treatment plans and guidance on healthy skincare routines.
FAQs on Psoriasis Treatment
Can psoriasis be cured?
Psoriasis symptoms are manageable with some topical and systematic treatments.
What triggers psoriasis flare-ups?
The potential psoriasis triggers include infections, skin injuries, cold/dry weather, certain medications, stress, fluctuating hormones, and unhealthy lifestyle.
How long does it take for psoriasis treatment to work?
The time taken by psoriasis treatment to show optimal results typically is several weeks to months. The exact time to expect noticing the working of psoriasis treatment is decided based on the psoriasis type and severity and the treatment undertaken.
Can psoriasis affect other parts of the body besides the skin?
Yes. Psoriasis can affect the joints resulting in psoriatic arthritis. The inflammation associated with this condition can impact the health of different organs of the body like the eyes and cardiovascular system and even cause mental issues like anxiety and depression.
Meet Dr. Rasya Dixit if you are suffering from psoriasis and want healthy skin. She is a leading psoriasis doctor in Bangalore and has helped many people to live a happy and confident life by managing this skin issue effectively and efficiently.
