Psoriasis is a relatively common chronic skin disease that causes the appearance of red and dry patches, which can cause itching or light burning or pain. Although usually only affects the skin, psoriasis if it worsens can also end up affecting the joints, resulting in psoriatic arthritis, but this is only normal after 10 or 20 years.
Although it is a relatively common disease, there are still several doubts about the disease, which can end up decreasing the quality of life of the person who has psoriasis:
1. Does psoriasis have a cure?
Psoriasis is a chronic disease that has no cure, especially because it is not yet known the exact reason why it arises. However, medical treatment helps to relieve symptoms quite well, and there are also precautions that prevent the onset of new crises of the disease, such as:
- Catching sun, but not exaggerated;
- Try to avoid viral and bacterial infections that affect the body's immune system, such as influenza, for example;
- Escape from stressful situations such as family or work conflicts, which damage the mind and body;
- Try to escape the cold and dry climates, which end up aggravating the lesions, as they dry the skin even more;
- Maintain a balanced diet, which should be rich in orange and omega-3 foods like orange, sardine, tuna, salmon, carrot, papaya or pumpkin;
- Practice regular exercise as it helps to strengthen the immune system and reduces stress and rests the mind.
In addition, it is known that people who consume too much alcohol, smoke, are overweight, often experience stress or have depression, are also more likely to develop psoriasis, or in cases where the disease is present, of aggravating the symptoms of the disease.
2. Do psoriasis stains itch?
Red patches caused by psoriasis can cause severe itching in more than 70% of cases. This sensation is caused by the inflammation and excessive response of the immune system, which releases substances such as histamine, which activate some nerves that send the itchy sensation to the brain.
The itching can be relieved by using creams and other remedies indicated by the doctor, but there are also some home-made tricks that can help, such as applying a chamomile compress to the skin. See other home remedies that may help during the psoriasis crisis.
3. How do I know if I have psoriasis?
The first sign of psoriasis is usually the appearance of red patches on the skin, which disappear after some time without needing treatment but may reoccur, especially during periods of increased stress. However, other signs that help identify psoriasis patches include:
- Grayish desquamation;
- Absence of hair in the affected area;
- Intense itching or a slight sensation of pain.
When one suspects that one can have psoriasis because of the presence of any of the symptoms described, one should consult a dermatologist because this is the most appropriate professional to diagnose this disease.
The diagnosis of psoriasis is usually made by observing the symptoms on the skin and in addition to diagnosing, the doctor will also identify what type of psoriasis it has since it can manifest itself in different ways. In addition to observing your skin, the doctor will also ask you some questions, to be aware of your family history.
4. Psoriasis arises in which body sites?
Psoriasis patches are most common in places such as knees, genitals, belly and navel, on the scalp near the nape and forehead, elbows, hands, fingers and nails, coxis and bottom of the back.
5. Does psoriasis catch?
Although the specific causes of psoriasis are not known, it is known that the disease is caused by imbalance of the immune system. Thus, and as it is not caused by a virus, fungus or bacteria, psoriasis does not catch, being the result of the person's own body.
6. Why does Psoriasis appear?
The causes of psoriasis have not yet been fully elucidated, but it is known to be an autoimmune disease related to the immune system, which may be related to genetic susceptibility or even to environmental factors. This disease can occur at any age, but usually appears before age 30 and after age 50.
7. How is the treatment done?
Psoriasis can be treated with skin creams and ointments and with immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory medicines, and UVA and UVB treatments in specialized clinics may also be recommended because picking up the sun can help reduce symptoms. Check out which medicines are most used in treatment.
The treatment of psoriasis serves to control the symptoms of the disease, reducing the chances of the lesions appearing, since this, for the time being, still has no cure. In addition, there are also some home treatments, which help reduce the symptoms. See what treatments you can do at home.
