Psoriasis is a WORLDWIDE phenomenon, with a negative impact in people’s lives. It can affect men and women of all ages. Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin, nails and joints disease with no clear CAUSE and CURE. It occurs when skin cells are replaced more quickly than usual. Skin cells are normally renewed every 3-4 weeks. In people with psoriasis this happens every 3-7 days. Skin cells are not normal yet. This causes flaky, crusty and red patches covered with silvery scales on the surface of the skin.

Psoriasis is not contagious.

Why psoriasis happens?

There is not known the reason why psoriasis happens, but it is suggested that it is caused by a problem of immune system. Our immune system normally attacks bacteria or germs, but in people with psoriasis it affects by mistake normal skin cells.

Psoriasis is a genetic disease. If you have a relative with psoriasis you probably are going to have it too.

How many types of psoriasis exist?

Psoriasis appears in several forms:

1. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. The skin becomes inflamed, red and covered with silvery white scales. The patches may itch and burn. The most affected areas are: elbows, knees, scalp and the lower back.
2. Guttate psoriasis is a form of psoriasis which causes small, pink, red spots on your skin, usually on your trunk, upper arm, thighs and scalp.
3. Inverse psoriasis appears where the skin touches the skin (armpits, buttocks, genitals, under the breasts ecc). It is characterized by shiny, bright, red and sore patches.
4. Pustular psoriasis is a rare condition. Comes as an allergic reaction to an infections, stress, medications or chemicals. It causes red, swollen patterns on the skin.
5. Scalp psoriasis appears on the scalp, on your forehead or in the back of your neck. It appears like powdery, silver and white patches.
6. Erythrodermic or exfoliative psoriasis is a rare condition.It affects large areas of the skin. It appears in form of bright, red and thin flakes. It can be life threatening.
7. Psoriasis nails disease.
8. Psoriasis arthritis.

What are the triggers that make this condition worst?

There are a lot of situations that make psoriasis symptoms worst. Let’s mention:

• A skin injury such as a cut, tattoo, sunburn or scraps.
• Immune disorders.
• Alcohol.
• Smoking.
• Stress.
• Hormonal changes.
• Some medicines like lithium, ACE-inhibitors and antimalarial.
• Weather.
• Allergies.
• Throat infections caused by streptococcus lead to guttate psoriasis.

Psoriasis treatment

The treatment of psoriasis is not the same in different persons. Your doctor will prescribe medicines based on your condition after he/she has examined you and after has asked you some questions about your health.

The aim is to stop skin cells from growing rapidly and removing the flakes.

Your treatment may vary in several stages:

1. Topical therapy (cream/ointments/lotions).
2. Light therapy (phototherapy).
3. Oral medication.
4. Injected medications.

Topical therapy includes:

• Corticosteroids like hydrocortisone, triamcinolone or clobetasol. They can be in form of creams, lotions or ointments. The daily use of corticosteroids thins the skin. Using corticosteroids a lot may not give the same effects after some time.
• Vitamin D analogues slow skin cells growth. We mention calcitriol and calcipotriene. It has been noticed that calcitriol causes less irritations than calcipotriene.
• Calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus and pimecrolimus reduce inflammations and plaque buildup. But these medications are not for long term use.
• Salicylic acid reduces the flakes.
• Coal tar reduces scaling, itching and inflammation. Be careful because it can irritate the skin, stains clothing and has a strong odor.
• Anthralin slows skin cells growth and removes scales and flakes. Don’t use it in the face or genitals because it causes irritations.

Light therapy is a first line treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis, or in cases where other treatments do not work. Along with its benefits repeated and long-term exposure to light therapy can increase a person’s risk of skin cancer.

Light therapy involves shining ultraviolet (UV) light on the skin, which can reduce the size, itchiness, and appearance of plaques. It may even clear them up entirely. Light therapy does not cure psoriasis, but it can help people manage their condition and improve their quality of life. Light therapy for psoriasis works by slowing down the excess growth of skin cells, which reduces plaque formation. It also limits the growth of skin cells by affecting the functioning of the DNA.

There is no cure for psoriasis, but with treatment, people are able to control the symptoms and improve their quality of life.

In our lab we try to do the best to improve your condition. Our oily ointment spreads easily on the skin. It softens and soothes the skin, from the first applications.

Its main active ingredient is dexamethasone, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties. It can slow down the rapid growth of skin cells, reducing the appearance of psoriatic skin lesions and the discomfort.

Salicylic acid is a keratolitic agent that removes the scaly appearance of patches. It can help the skin shed its outer layers. Enriched with sweet almond oil, vitamin E and other moisturizing ingredients that nourish, soothes and locks in the moisture, this ointment reduces dryness.