Psoriasis is a common chronic autoimmune skin infection resulting in itchiness and discomfort. The symptoms of this disease are thick and scaly portions of skin called plaques. Although there is not a definite treatment for this disease, treatments can help manage the condition very well. Consulting the skin infection specialist in Kolkata at CK Birla Hospital will help ease the symptoms and provide appropriate treatments.
Body Parts Where Psoriasis Generally Affects?
A rash caused by Psoriasis disease can turn up anywhere on the skin however, more commonly on the following areas of the body:-
- Knees and Elbows
- Scalp
- Fingernails and Toenails
- Lower Back
- Palms and Feet
- Genitals
Symptoms and Causes of Psoriasis
- A Rash or Uplifted Area of Thick Skin
- Skin becomes Discolour
- Plaque is Scaly or Flaky
- Cracked or Dry Skin
- Skin Pain
- Joint Pain
Types of Psoriasis
There are several types of Psoriasis diseases, some of which are as follows:-
- Plaque Psoriasis
It is one of the most common skin infections affecting around 80% to 90% of people.
- Guttate Psoriasis
It may appear after a sore throat resulting from an infection called streptococcal infection. It appears as a small, red, or scaly spot affecting children and adults.
- Erythrodermic Psoriasis
It is a severe type of skin infection in people affecting a large area of the skin causing skin discoloration and shedding of the skin.
- Nail Psoriasis
Nail Psoriasis causes skin discolouration and changes to fingernails and toenails.
How is Psoriasis Diagnosed?
The skin infection specialist in Kolkata at CK Birla Hospital will try to diagnose Psoriasis after examining the skin and going through the symptoms. They will ask various questions from the patient to know exactly the reason behind Psoriasis.
Some of the Questions They Will Ask are as Follows:-
- Do you have any history of skin infections in the past or the family?
- When was the first time you noticed the symptoms?
- Are there any remedies done at home or from any other skin specialist?
- Is the outbreak of skin occurring for the first time, or has it been there before?
- Which shampoos or soaps do you use?
However, more often than not, the skin specialist in Kolkata at CK Birla Hospital diagnoses Psoriasis when the appearance of the skin plaque occurs. Sometimes, a specialist suggests skin biopsy tests to confirm diagnoses. In this test, a small sample of skin tissue is removed from skin plaque and examined under a microscope.
Treatment Options for Psoriasis
A skin specialist in Kolkata at CK Birla Hospital will suggest the following treatment options for the patients. These treatment options come into the picture when Psoriasis affects the skin majorly.
- Light Therapy
Here in this therapy, LED lights are used to decrease skin inflammation and ease in slowing skin cell production.
- PUVA
This treatment involves a medication called psoralen by exposing it to an ultraviolet light.
- Retinoids
This drug contains vitamin A, which can help ease the psoriasis symptoms but also can cause severe side effects.
- Methotrexate
This medication is recommended for patients who have severe Psoriasis. But sometimes, this medication can cause liver disease, and a skin specialist in Kolkata at CK Birla Hospital will check on the progress through blood tests. However, liver biopsies will help keep a check on your liver health.
Frequently Asked Question
Question:- How to prevent Psoriasis?
Answer:- There is not a single exact way to entirely prevent Psoriasis, but you can always reduce the risks by adhering to the advice of a skin infection specialist in Kolkata from CK Birla Hospital. A healthy lifestyle, taking care of skin, and minimizing symptoms will help manage these severe skin infections.
Bottom Line
It is a severe skin infection that comes around and goes into your life. It happens because of the overactive immune response. So, therefore, when you notice that you are having any skin changes or skin problems, then without any delay, talk to a skin specialist in Kolkata at CK Birla Hospital immediately.