Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disorder that causes skin cells to build up rapidly, and cause thick, scaly patches on the surface. The main symptom of the condition is red, inflamed patches of skin covered with silvery-white scales that may be itchy, burn, or bleed.
It occurs when the immune system attacks the healthy skin cells and causes them to reproduce rapidly, then pile up on the surface of the skin. It is believed that this is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
While psoriasis can affect any part of the body, it is most commonly found on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.
There is no one treatment invented to cure psoriasis, but luckily, some treatments can be administered to manage psoriasis symptoms. Dr. Rinky Kapoor of The Esthetic Clinics can help patients realize the severity of their psoriasis conditions, and recommend the best treatment to manage it.
Some of the treatments offered include topical creams, light therapy, oral medications, and biologic drugs.
Causes of Psoriasis
While the exact cause for this condition is not fully understood, psoriasis is believed to be caused by a combination of genetics, environmental, and immune system factors.
Genetics: There is evidence that suggests psoriasis is caused by some genetic factors. That is why it is believed to run in families. Researchers have also found multiple genes including those that regulate the immune system and skin cell growth to be associated with psoriasis.
Immune system dysfunction: An autoimmune disorder is a condition in which the immune system attacks the healthy tissues in the body and psoriasis is believed to be one. In this case, an overproduction of cells is triggered by the immune system leading to symptoms such as red, scaly patches.
Environmental factors: Certain environmental factors such as those that cause infections, stress, and injuries, are believed to trigger psoriasis symptoms. So are certain medications.
Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity have also been linked to an increase in the development of psoriasis.
Other medical conditions: Type 2 diabetes, depression, cardiovascular disease, and some other medical conditions have also been linked to the development of Psoriasis.
It is important to note that the factors discussed above are said to have the potential to contribute to the development of psoriasis. It doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone with these risk factors will develop the condition.
It is also important to know that psoriasis can vary in severity and may have periods of remission and exacerbation.
Types of Psoriasis
There are different types of psoriasis treatments, each of which shows its own symptoms and characteristics. They include;
- Plaque psoriasis
This is the most common type of psoriasis condition and accounts for at least 80% of all psoriasis cases. It shows various symptoms such as red, scaly patches on the skin, itchiness, and sometimes, pain. They can appear anywhere on the body, but mostly on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
- Guttate psoriasis
This type of psoriasis appears as small, red, scaly spots on the skin, which often develops suddenly and can be triggered by a bacterial infection, such as strep throat. Guttate psoriasis is known to be common among children and young adults, but it can also occur at any age.
- Inverse psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis appears in the armpits, groin, under the breast, and in other areas of skin folds. Some symptoms of this type of psoriasis include smooth, red patches of skin that are not as scaly as the other types. It can also be painful and itchy, and aggravated by sweating and friction.
- Pustular psoriasis
This is a rare type of psoriasis that is usually found on the hands and feet. Its main symptom includes pus-filled blisters on the skin that are surrounded by red, inflamed skin. They can be painful and itchy and can also occur on any part of the body.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis
This is another rare type of psoriasis, which can also be severe. Erythrodermic can affect the entire body and is characterized by red, peeling skin that is usually painful and itchy. If it is not attended to immediately, Erythrodermic psoriasis can be life-threatening. Some factors that trigger this condition include severe sunburn, certain medications, and other types of psoriasis that are not treated effectively.
Conventional Treatment for Psoriasis
The best way to treat psoriasis is to work with a reputable professional like Dr. Rinky Kapoor, a cosmetologist, and dermatologist from The Esthetic Clinic, to evaluate the present concerns and advise on a suitable treatment.
While there may be no cure for psoriasis, there are some conventional treatments that can help manage it. Some of them include;
Topical treatments: Topical treatments like retinoids, corticosteroids, and vitamin D analogs can help alleviate psoriasis symptoms such as inflammation, itchiness, and scaling. These treatments come in the form of creams, ointments, lotions, and foams and are applied directly to the affected area.
Phototherapy: This treatment involves the use of ultraviolet light where the affected skin is exposed to the light to reduce inflammation and curb the growth of the skin cells. Some common types of phototherapy used include Narrowband UVB and PUVA (psoralen plus UVA).
Systemic medications: These medications are taken orally or by injection and work throughout the body to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. Some of the most commonly prescribed systemic medications for psoriasis are Methotrexate, cyclosporine, and acitretin.
Biologic drugs: These are a newer class of medications that work by targeting specific immune system molecules that support the development of psoriasis. They are usually administered through injections or infusions and may include drugs like adalimumab, etanercept, and ustekinumab.
Each patient’s case of psoriasis is unique and a professional needs to assess the symptoms before prescribing the appropriate treatment. Keep in mind that if one treatment works for one patient, it doesn’t mean it will work for everyone.
Systemic Treatment for Psoriasis
Systemic treatments are medications that are taken orally or by injection and work from the inside of the body. Some systemic treatments for psoriasis include:
Methotrexate: Methotrexate works by reducing the activities of the immune system, hence reducing the potential development of psoriasis. It is an immunosuppressant that is often prescribed for severe psoriasis conditions that haven’t responded to other treatments. Some side effects of methotrexate include nausea, fatigue, and liver damage. This makes regular monitoring of blood tests vital.
Cyclosporine: This is another immunosuppressant that works like methotrexate and is often prescribed for severe psoriasis cases. Some of its side effects are high blood pressure, kidney damage, and increased risk of infection.
Acitretin: This medication is similar to vitamin A and is often prescribed for severe psoriasis cases. It works by slowing down the growth of skin cells which leads to the development of psoriasis. It comes with side effects such as dry skin, hair loss, and liver damage.
Biologic agents: Biologic agents work by targeting specific parts of the immune system that support the development of psoriasis. They are given by injection or infusion and may include drugs such as etanercept, adalimumab, ustekinumab, and secukinumab. Some side effects of biological agents include an increase in the risk of infection and allergic reactions.
Apremilast: Apremilast is administered orally and works by inhibiting an enzyme involved in the immune system’s response to psoriasis. It can be prescribed for both moderate cases to severe psoriasis. Some side effects of apremilast include nausea, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy, also known as light therapy, is a type of conventional treatment that can be used in different methods. Generally, it uses ultraviolet (UV) light to slow the growth of skin cells and reduce inflammation.
The type of phototherapy used depends on the different factors of the conditions such as the extent. Patients should visit psoriasis treatment clinics and work with a specialist to pick the appropriate treatment for them.
Some types of phototherapy treatments for psoriasis include:
UVB phototherapy: This treatment involves the use of UVB light, where the surgeon exposes the affected skin to the light, which then penetrates the skin’s surface and slows the growth of skin cells.
PUVA phototherapy: In this treatment, the practitioner administers a medication called psoralen, then exposes the affected area of the skin to the UVA light, hence the name PUVA Phototherapy. Psoralen is given to the patients to make the skin more sensitive to UVA light.
Excimer laser therapy: This treatment involves the use of a laser to deliver a high-intensity beam of UVB light directly to the affected area of the skin. Excimer laser therapy is mostly prescribed for mild psoriasis, in small areas such as the scalp, elbows, and knees.
Generally, phototherapy is safe and effective for treating psoriasis. However, patients should know that it comes with potential risks and side effects. These may include redness, itching, and burning of the skin.
It is important for patients to take their time to find the best practitioner in Mumbai or anywhere near them who has the necessary experience to carry out the procedure successfully.
Natural Remedies
There are various natural remedies that may help manage psoriasis symptoms. Some of them include;
Moisturizing: Something as simple and as basic as keeping the skin moisturized can help alleviate some psoriasis symptoms like the itching and scaling associated with the condition. Make sure to use a natural moisturizer such as coconut oil or shea butter.
Oatmeal baths: Patients can add colloidal oatmeal to a bath to help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. They can purchase colloidal oatmeal at just about any drugstore or make it by grinding regular oatmeal into powder.
Aloe vera: Aloe vera gel is known for its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat and alleviate multiple different symptoms. Apply it topically to reduce redness and inflammation, and help soothe and moisturize the skin.
Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has natural anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties and may help relieve some symptoms of psoriasis. To use it, dilute the oil with a carrier oil, then apply it to the skin.
Turmeric: Another natural remedy with anti-inflammatory properties. Patients can apply turmeric topically or consume it to help alleviate some symptoms of psoriasis.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flaxseed oil, may help reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis.
Stress management: Patients can practice stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and regular exercise to prevent triggers of psoriasis flare-ups
Keep in mind that it is not a guarantee that these natural remedies would help alleviate psoriasis symptoms. It is important to seek medical and professional help immediately if symptoms persist. Patients can always reach out to Dr. Rinky Kapoor of The Esthetic Clinic for help and the best treatment recommendation.
Lifestyle Changes
Even with treatments from a reputable psoriasis treatment clinic in India, patients need to observe some lifestyle changes to help manage psoriasis treatments. Some lifestyle changes recommended include
Avoiding triggers: Factors such as stress, skin injuries, cold weather, and infections can trigger psoriasis symptoms. Avoiding these triggers can be beneficial in managing psoriasis symptoms.
Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of many health issues including the severity of psoriasis symptoms. Patients are urged to maintain a healthy weight through regular exercises and diets to help reduce the symptoms.
Quit smoking: Smoking not only worsens psoriasis symptoms but also increases the risk of developing other health conditions. Patients are urged to quit smoking to improve their overall health.
Moisturize the skin: Regular moisturizing of the skin can help soothe dry, itchy skin and reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms.
Use gentle skincare products: Harsh soaps and skin care products can irritate the skin and worsen psoriasis symptoms. Patients should choose gentle, fragrance-free products to help reduce irritation and inflammation.
Get enough sleep: Sleep deprivation can increase stress levels, which in turn can worsen psoriasis symptoms. Getting enough sleep can help manage these symptoms and improve overall health.
Other Complimentary Therapies
There are other therapies that can be used with conventional and other psoriasis treatments to help alleviate its symptoms and improve the patient’s overall health and quality of life. Some of them are;
- Dead Sea salt
Dead Sea salt baths have been shown to help improve the symptoms of multiple skin conditions including psoriasis. This is possibly due to the high concentration of minerals in the salt. This type of salt is popular for its high mineral content, which includes magnesium, calcium, potassium, and bromide.
The high concentration of minerals in the salt may help reduce inflammation, soothe irritation, and improve overall skin hydration.
Note that, while Dead Sea salt baths may help improve the appearance of the skin and reduce the symptoms of psoriasis, patients should not use them as a substitute for proper medications. All instructions issued by the professionals should be adhered to for better results.
- Mind-body therapies
Mind-body therapies have been proven to help alleviate multiple symptoms for multiple conditions and disorders. Exercises such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing, may help reduce stress, which is a common trigger for psoriasis flare-ups as well as the patient’s overall well-being.
By helping to reduce the body’s response to stress, mind-body therapies may help reduce inflammation and other symptoms associated with psoriasis. For instance, yoga may help reduce stress and improve flexibility, which can help reduce the stiffness and joint pain associated with psoriasis.
Meditation and deep breathing exercises, on the other hand, may help calm the mind and reduce stress, which may help reduce the frequency and severity of psoriasis flare-ups.
More research is still ongoing to determine the exact role that mind-body therapies play in managing psoriasis but incorporating these techniques into one’s self-care routine may help improve the overall quality of life.
It is important to always involve a healthcare provider even in these decisions to get proper advice from a medical point of view.
Psoriasis Treatment Cost in India
There are many different factors that affect Psoriasis treatment costs in Mumbai and the whole of India at large. One of the major factors is the type of treatment. Different types of psoriasis treatments are used to treat different types of psoriasis, some of which are more complex and therefore more expensive than others.
The physical location is another major factor that affects the cost of psoriasis treatments. Patients getting treatments in major cities like Mumbai and other big towns may incur more costs than patients in smaller cities due to economic factors.
Different clinics also have different treatment options, terms and conditions, and different levels of services, all of which makes the difference in costs. Additional services like consultations and follow-up appointments after treatments can also add to the overall psoriasis treatment.
The Esthetic Clinics in India offer patients multiple treatment recommendations for psoriasis treatment, depending on the severity of the condition. Patients can hold an appointment with Dr. Rinky Kapoor to assess their needs and get a favorable quote for a suitable treatment.