Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease in which the immune system plays a role. It can show itself with red, raised plaques covered with silvery scales on the skin. Although it is not contagious, because of its appearance and chronic course it can affect a person's quality of life and psychology. Although psoriasis is not a disease that goes away completely, with correct and regular treatment the symptoms can largely be brought under control.
What is psoriasis?
In psoriasis, the renewal rate of skin cells is much faster than normal. Cell renewal that normally takes weeks falls to a few days in psoriasis; this rapid renewal leads to cells accumulating on the skin surface and the formation of the characteristic plaques. At the root of this process is the excessive response of the immune system.
Psoriasis is most frequently seen on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower-back region; however, it can appear anywhere on the body. It can also affect the nails and, in some people, the joints (psoriatic arthritis). For this reason psoriasis is evaluated not only as a skin disease but as a condition that also has systemic aspects.
The disease runs with periods of flare-up and calming. While the symptoms decrease in some periods, they can flare up again with triggers. This chronic course makes treatment a long-term management process.
What are the symptoms?
- Red, raised plaques with well-defined borders.
- Silvery-white scaling on the plaques.
- Itching, tightness or, from time to time, a burning sensation.
- Pitting, thickening and colour change in the nails.
- Joint pain and swelling in some people.
The appearance and extent of psoriasis vary greatly from person to person. While in some people only a small area is affected, in others wider areas can be involved. For this reason treatment is personalised according to the extent of the disease and the affected areas.
Triggering factors
There are many factors that can trigger psoriasis flare-ups. Determining and managing them as much as possible plays an important role in controlling the disease. The triggers vary from person to person.
Among the frequent triggers are stress, infections, skin traumas, some medications, smoking, alcohol and seasonal changes. Stress in particular can have a marked effect on psoriasis; for this reason stress management is evaluated as part of treatment.
Interestingly, new psoriasis lesions can develop in areas where the skin is damaged (the Köbner phenomenon). For this reason it is important to avoid irritating, scratching and traumatising the skin.
How is it diagnosed?
Psoriasis is usually diagnosed by dermatological examination; the typical appearance and distribution of the plaques help with the diagnosis. In doubtful cases, additional investigations such as a skin biopsy can be done to clarify the diagnosis.
Psoriasis can be confused with similar-looking diseases such as eczema and fungal infection. In addition, if there are joint complaints, evaluation for psoriatic arthritis becomes important. Correct diagnosis is necessary for the correct management of both the skin and possible accompanying conditions.
Treatment options
Psoriasis treatment is planned individually according to the extent of the disease, the involved areas, its severity and the person's general condition. In mild and limited involvement, topical treatments and suitable moisturising come to the fore. In more widespread cases, additional treatment approaches may be needed.
The aim of treatment is to bring the plaques under control, reduce itching and discomfort and lengthen the time between flare-ups. Since psoriasis is a chronic disease, treatment is not a one-off; it is a long-term and regular follow-up process.
Regular moisturising of the skin and avoiding triggers form the basis of every treatment plan. These simple but regular steps help reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.
In psoriasis the goal is not to eliminate the disease once but to provide a comfortable life by keeping it under control in the long term.
Quality of life and psychological impact
Psoriasis, when it affects visible areas, can negatively affect a person's social life, self-confidence and psychology. For this reason treatment should look not only at the skin but holistically at the person's quality of life. Even knowing that the disease is not contagious is important in reducing social anxiety.
The relationship between stress and psoriasis is two-way: stress can trigger the disease, and the disease can increase stress. To break this cycle, psychological support and stress management, when necessary, are also considered part of the treatment plan.
The patient understanding their disease and actively participating in treatment directly affects success in psoriasis management. For this reason information and regular follow-up are an inseparable part of treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is psoriasis contagious? No. Psoriasis is definitely not a contagious disease; it does not spread by contact, by shared use or by any other way. This is the most important information about the disease and the one that needs to be repeated most often.
Does it go away completely? Psoriasis is a chronic disease and cannot be permanently ‘eliminated’; however, with correct treatment, long-term control and symptom-free periods can be achieved. Many people live a comfortable life with a suitable plan.
Does diet have an effect? A healthy and balanced diet, weight control and staying away from smoking and alcohol can positively affect general health and indirectly the course of the disease. However, diet alone is not a treatment; it is evaluated within a holistic plan.
Living with psoriasis: practical recommendations
Living with psoriasis requires getting to know the disease and arranging daily habits accordingly. Moisturising the skin regularly reduces the drying and cracking of the plaques and relieves itching. This simple habit is one of the most basic steps that support the effect of treatment.
Protecting the skin from trauma is important; because new lesions can develop in damaged areas. For this reason it is necessary to avoid scratching the skin, harsh scrubbing and irritating products. In the bath, lukewarm water and gentle cleansers should be preferred.
Stress is one of the strongest triggers of psoriasis. Although managing stress is not always easy, regular sleep, physical activity and, when necessary, professional support can help reduce the frequency of flare-ups. For this reason mental well-being should not be overlooked in psoriasis management.
A healthy lifestyle can positively affect the course of psoriasis. A balanced diet, weight control, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol support both general health and the control of the disease. These measures do not replace treatment but strengthen it.
Measured and controlled exposure to sunlight can be good for psoriasis in some people; however, sunburn, on the contrary, can lead to a flare-up. The safest thing is to determine the balance and the right approach on this together with your physician.
It should not be forgotten that psoriasis can sometimes also affect the joints (psoriatic arthritis). If there are symptoms such as joint pain, morning stiffness or swelling, these must definitely be evaluated; because early diagnosis is important for protecting joint health.
All these measures, combined with regular medical follow-up, allow psoriasis to be largely kept under control. Understanding the disease and actively participating in its management is the key to a comfortable life in the long term.
At the clinic of Dr. Burcu Çelen, psoriasis treatment is carried out with correct diagnosis, personalised treatment according to the extent of the disease and regular follow-up. You can make an appointment to evaluate your complaints and to create a management plan suitable for you.