Psoriasis

What causes this condition 

The cause can be genetic or sporadic (non genetic) occurring out of the blue. The prevalence of the condition varies in different populations and ranges from 0.44 to 2.8% in India.

How serious is the disease?

The severity of the disease varies from one person to another. It depends upon the type of psoriasis. It can be, Palmoplantar - limited to palms and soles, Extensors - knees and elbows, Scalp psoriasis - flaking of scalp and inside the ears or, Generalised - in others it can be present as patches spread throughout the body. The severity again depends on the genetic and environmental factors. Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease and in patients with severe disease, there can be a certain amount of organ involvement.

What are the triggers of the disease?

Stress and disturbance in sleep pattern, sunlight exposure (helpful in many, can aggravate in others ), smoking ,alcohol use, infections especially soreness of throat, unsupervised steroid usage (both topical and systemic ), polypharmacy and physical trauma - so scratching the patches and trying to peel off the scales can worsen it, are all aggravating factors.

What symptoms?

Red Patches with scales are characteristic lesions of psoriasis. It can be distributed only on the scalp, or soles and palms or the extensors. In Generalised type new lesions occur as showers of smaller patches all over the body which can be itchy and cause burning sensation. As mentioned above, infections, stress and other triggers can cause the aggravation. This has to be addressed immediately. Symptoms other than patches are pain in the joints- both large joints like knee joints and smaller joints like finger joints. Nail involvement, pustular skin lesions can also occur.

What are alterations in the food intake to be adhered to?

The importance of  maintaining BMI within normal range cannot be emphasised. Overweight increases the severity of the disease  and the dosage of medications required and therefore the side effects of it. Vit D and omega 3 fatty acid rich foods, Carrots, tomatoes, fresh fruits, fish oils, low energy diets and adequate water intake (3-4 liters per day ) all have an anti-inflammatory role in the body and help bring down the severity of the disease. No studies emphasise on strict or specific dietary restrictions when it comes to psoriasis.

Is there a cure?

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with problems in the genetic makeup combined with environmental triggers. Childhood psoriasis can  show remission in many cases. In many others there is a resolving and recurring pattern. There are many promising treatment options ranging form the time tested methotrexate  to the latest biologicals. The newer modalities of treatment  can give long term disease free intervals.