Treating and Managing Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition which is an autoimmune disorder. In a normal person, when a foreign body enters the system, these are recognized as antigens, and antibodies are produced against them by the immune system. These antibodies fight the antigens and ensure that the body’s balance is maintained. In autoimmune disorders, the body produces antibodies against its own tissue. The exact reason for this is not known. Psoriasis is one such autoimmune skin disorder. While the skin is constantly peeling off from the top layers and being replaced by new cells, this happens at an accelerated pace, almost 10 times faster in psoriatic patients. The result is a thick, scaly skin which is itchy and painful. Managing it is extremely irritating and unpredictable.Psoriasis can cause a lot of discomfort. Managing psoriasis includes a three-pronged approach- Managing triggers Lifestyle changes Skin and scalp treatment Triggers Each person has different triggers which cause a flare-up or the scalping and itching of the skin. While it is stress for some, it is a bout of infection for others. While an occasional pain killer makes it worse for some, for others it is sunburn, and for some others, it is winter. Medications such as lithium, indomethacin, and antimalarial medications also lead to worsening of the condition.