What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a long-term autoimmune skin disease that causes red, scaly areas on the skin due to the skin cells growing quickly. Al Hilal Hospitals in Bahrain are dedicated to giving people with psoriasis complete care by providing specialised treatments and assistance.
Psoriasis Causes
Psoriasis undoubtedly has a variety of causes, including intricate relationships between immunological, genetic, and environmental factors:
-Immune System Dysfunction
- Activation of T-cells: T-cells, a subset of white blood cells, are inappropriately activated in response to triggers in psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder that causes an inflammatory response in the skin.
- Cascade of Inflammation: These activated T-cells cause inflammation and fast skin cell proliferation by releasing cytokines, especially interleukins and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).
-Genetic Predisposition
- Genetic Links: An important factor is family history. The chance of inheriting psoriasis rises if one or both parents have the ailment.
- Psoriasis-Associated Genes: Variations in some genes, such as immune system and HLA-C, have been associated with an increased risk of psoriasis development.
-Environmental Triggers
- Pressure: Because emotional stress affects the immune system, it can aggravate or precipitate flare-ups of psoriasis.
- Contagions: Guttate psoriasis can be brought on by streptococcal infections, such as strep throat, especially in people who are genetically predisposed to the condition.
-Lifestyle Factors
- Tobacco use: Smoking is linked to a higher chance of getting psoriasis, especially plaque psoriasis, and of it getting worse.
- Drinking Alcohol: Overindulgence in alcohol can also make psoriasis symptoms worse and reduce the efficacy of treatment.
-Injury or Trauma to the Skin
- Koebner Phenomenon: Sunburn, scrapes, or skin traumas can cause psoriasis lesions in parts of the skin that had not previously been affected.
- Tattoos or Piercings: Psoriasis can develop in places of the body where skin harm has been caused by tattoos or body piercings.
-Hormonal Factors
- Hormonal Changes: Psoriasis symptoms may be influenced by fluctuations in hormone levels during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
- Hormonal therapy and medications: In those who are vulnerable, some drugs or hormone-based therapy may cause or exacerbate psoriasis.
Understanding Triggers
Although these elements play a role in the onset or aggravation of psoriasis, research is still ongoing to determine the precise mechanisms causing the immune system to malfunction and result in psoriasis. Identifying and controlling these triggers is crucial to controlling and minimising flare-ups and symptoms of psoriasis.
– Individual Variation
It’s crucial to remember that each person may have very different psoriasis triggers and causes. Although these variables are significant, each individual’s experience with them may vary, and not everyone who is exposed to these triggers will have psoriasis.
-Seeking Professional Guidance
Effective management of psoriasis requires knowledge of its causes and triggers. Al Hilal Hospitals in Bahrain provide psoriasis sufferers with specialised care, professional assessments, and individualised treatment regimens with the goal of reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Common Symptoms
1. Plaques (Red Patches): Elevated, thickened areas of skin coated with silver-white scales. The elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back are common places for these plaques to develop.
- Irritation and Itching: There may be an intense need to scratch as well as discomfort from the affected areas itching or feeling inflamed.
- Dry, Cracked Skin: In extreme circumstances, the skin inside and surrounding the plaques may become dry and crack or bleed.
Additional Symptoms and Effects
- Burning or Soreness: Some people report feeling burned or sore in the impacted areas.
- Joint Pain: A similar disorder called psoriatic arthritis can result in joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
- Affect on Emotions: Because psoriasis lesions are visible, they can cause emotional distress that can negatively impact mental health and self-esteem.
Severity and Flare-Ups
– Variable Symptoms: There may be periods of remission and flare-ups, and symptoms may sporadically get better or worse.
– Switches: Flare-ups can be brought on by stress, infections, weather changes, or certain drugs.
Consultation and Assessment: Make an appointment to talk about individualised treatment options with one of our dermatologists.
Types of Psoriasis
Plaque Psoriasis
– Silvery Scales: The appearance of silvery scales on top of red spots is a hallmark sign of plaque psoriasis.
– Thickness: The accumulation of skin cells in afflicted areas may result in thicker skin.
Guttate Psoriasis
– Tiny Red Spots: Tiny red spots on the scalp, limbs, and trunk that resemble teardrops.
– Unexpected Onset: frequently brought on by bacterial illnesses, such as strep throat.
Inverse Psoriasis
– Smooth, Red Patches: Usually located in skin folds such as the groyne, underarms, or armpits, these patches are smooth, red, and inflammatory.
– Incomplete Scales: Inverse psoriasis frequently lacks the characteristic scaling observed in other kinds.
Scalp Psoriasis
– Scaly spots on the Scalp: These are red, scaly, itchy spots on the scalp that are sometimes confused for really bad dandruff.
– Silvery Scales: Scalp psoriasis can result in the buildup of silvery-white scales on the scalp.
Nail Psoriasis
-Pitting: Tiny dips or pits in the nail bed.
– Thickened Nails: Nails may detach from the nail bed, thicken, or change colour.
Seeking Medical Attention
When psoriasis symptoms are severe or persistent, it’s imperative to get medical attention and treatment. Bahrain’s Al Hilal Hospitals provide professional dermatological consultations and individualised treatment programmes to effectively control psoriasis, reduce symptoms, and enhance skin health and quality of life.
Management and Treatment
-Is Psoriasis Curable?
Although there isn’t a permanent cure, there are a number of treatments that try to effectively control symptoms and enhance quality of life.
-Treatment Approaches
- Salicylic acid, retinoids, or corticosteroids as topical treatments to lessen scaling and inflammation.
- Phototherapy: UVB radiation exposure to reduce the rate at which skin cells divide.
- Systemic Medications: Drugs used orally or intravenously that affect the immune system.
-Is Psoriasis Dangerous or Contagious?
Despite not being communicable, psoriasis can have a major negative influence on a person’s quality of life because of its noticeable and occasionally uncomfortable symptoms. Severe cases may raise the risk of other illnesses like psoriatic arthritis or cardiovascular problems, even though they are not life-threatening.
-Al Hilal Hospitals’ Approach to Psoriasis
Our psoriasis specialists at Al Hilal Hospitals in Bahrain provide the following services:
Dermatology Consultation: Dermatologists provide professional assessment and personalised treatment programmes.
Advanced Treatments: Availability of state-of-the-art medicines and techniques for the treatment of psoriasis.
