What is psoriasis?
The word "psoriasis" comes from the ancient Greek word "mange", which means scabies. Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune, non-communicable disease that causes excessive proliferation of skin cells in the upper layer of the epidermis. Simply put, the skin is replaced faster than normal, i.e. skin cell renewal (keratinisation) takes 4 days instead of 28. This results in hyperkeratosis, i.e. thickening of the skin and the formation of 'patches' that are hard to the touch. These are called psoriatic plaques and are shed from the body in the form of flakes or scales. The most commonly affected areas are the elbows, knees, skull, lower back, palms and soles. When the disease spreads, it strongly affects the sufferer's quality of life.
The condition affects 2-4% of the population and does not discriminate by gender or age, although it is mostly found in adults aged 20-35 years. The duration of the disease varies depending on the case, but most patients alternate periods of exacerbation and remission for many years of their lives. Treatment is aimed at managing the condition and keeping it in remission for a long period of time.
What are the causes of psoriasis?
The exact cause of psoriasis is still unknown. It is a complex disease with multiple potential causes. Certainly some genetic predisposition is involved, but this does not necessarily translate into a manifestation of the disease in all individuals who carry it. "It is 'triggered' by factors probably environmental and psychological. The most common factors are:
- Excessive stress or intense emotional state
- Obesity
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Medicines (beta-blockers, antimalarials, lithium, cortisone)
- Excessive sun exposure
- Some viruses
What are the characteristics of the condition?
The most common symptoms of psoriasis are rough red plaques with a shapely outline and itching. These round or oval plaques of psoriasis are covered by thick white skin, called a scaly patch. The size and number of lesions vary. Psoriasis usually occurs in areas of the skin that are subject to friction, such as the knees, elbows, abdomen and lower back. It can also occur on the scalp, hands and feet, nails and mucous membranes. Other times, the patient may develop arthritis.
How is the diagnosis made?
The diagnosis is made by taking a history and clinical
examination by the dermatologist. If there is any doubt, a skin biopsy and histological examination is done.
What is the treatment?
Psoriasis is considered a non-curable, chronic condition. It is not unlikely to suddenly subside and remain in remission, but many times the symptoms return. However, most treatments contribute significantly to symptom suppression, with long periods of disease clearance, and greatly improve patients' quality of life. So far, the treatments used are as follows:
- Phototherapy
- Topical preparations: application of medicines to the skin (creams, ointments)
- Systemic treatments: oral medications that slow down the proliferation of skin cells. They are used in more severe cases.
- Biological factors: Drugs that are used in moderate and severe forms of psoriasis. These drugs target the immune system directly. They are usually administered subcutaneously, some once a week and others every three months.
Inference
Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune, non-communicable disease that causes characteristic rough red plaques on the skin. In most patients, periods of exacerbation and remission alternate throughout their lifetime. With the right treatment, patients learn to live with the condition and ensure a good quality of life, with long periods of remission.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6471628/
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmra0804595
https://dermatologos-afrodisiologos.com/pswriash/
https://psoriasis.myderma.info/ti-einai-psoriasi
https://www.cosmeticdermamedicine.gr/δερματολογία/ψωρίαση/
https://www.iatropedia.gr/encyclopedia/psoriasi/
https://www.larocheposay.gr/article/pswriash-aitia-kai-tropoi-antimetwpishs
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