Psoriasis guide

Introduction

Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious skin disease caused by accelerated cell division in the top layer of the skin. This disease affects millions of people worldwide and can affect not only the skin, but also nails, joints and other organs. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options for psoriasis.

Causes and risks

The exact causes of psoriasis are not yet fully understood, but it is believed that both genetic and environmental factors play a role. Risk factors include stress, certain medications, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity and infections.

Symptoms

The symptoms of psoriasis can vary from patient to patient, but typical signs include red, thickened patches of skin with silvery-white scales, itching, inflammation, cracking and bleeding of the skin, as well as painful swelling and stiffness of the joints.

Diagnosis

Psoriasis is usually diagnosed on the basis of a clinical examination by a dermatologist. Sometimes skin biopsies are performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other skin diseases.

Treatment

The treatment of psoriasis aims to relieve symptoms, control the course of the disease and prevent complications. This includes topical treatments such as ointments and creams, light therapy, systemic medications such as methotrexate and biologics, and lifestyle changes such as stress reduction, weight management and avoidance of trigger factors.

Accompanying therapy measures

In addition to medication, patients with psoriasis can benefit from therapeutic measures such as regular skin care, sun protection, relaxation techniques, a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Prevention

As psoriasis is a complex disease, there is no specific method of prevention. However, lifestyle changes such as reducing stress, avoiding alcohol and smoking and eating a healthy diet can help to improve the course of the disease.

Questions and answers

• Can psoriasis be cured?
  Psoriasis cannot yet be cured, but the symptoms can be effectively controlled with various treatments.
• Are there special diets for psoriasis patients?
  There is no special diet for psoriasis patients, but an anti-inflammatory diet can have a positive effect on symptoms.
• What side effects do psoriasis medications have?
  Depending on the active ingredient, psoriasis medication can cause side effects such as skin irritation, gastrointestinal complaints, susceptibility to infection or liver damage.
• Can alternative therapies such as acupuncture help with psoriasis?
  Alternative therapies such as acupuncture can possibly provide additional relief from psoriasis, but are no substitute for standard medical treatment.

Sources

• https://www.derma.de/patienten/krankheiten/psoriasis/
• https://www.psoriasis-netz.de/
• https://www.psoriasis-bund.de/
• https://www.hautarzt-augsburg.de/schuppenflechte/