What are the causes of psoriasis and how can it be treated?
December 3, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Bernd Schlosser
Dear Sir or Madam,
My name is Hilde Binder and I have been suffering from psoriasis for some time now. It started about a year ago with small red patches on my skin, which quickly developed into scaly, silvery plaques. These plaques not only cause itching, but are also extremely uncomfortable and distressing for me.
I have already tried various creams and ointments recommended by my general practitioner, but they have only provided limited relief so far. I am concerned that my psoriasis could continue to spread and would like to learn more about the causes of this condition in order to find more targeted treatment options.
Could you please explain to me in more detail what factors can trigger psoriasis? Are there possibly genetic causes that could be playing a role in my case? I am also interested in whether stress or certain lifestyle habits such as diet and smoking can influence the onset and course of psoriasis.
Furthermore, I would like to know what different treatment options are available and which ones could be best suited for my individual case. I have heard that there are both topical therapies such as creams and ointments, as well as systemic medications. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these treatment approaches and what side effects can be expected?
I thank you in advance for your support and look forward to your detailed response.
Sincerely,
Hilde Binder
Dear Mrs. Binder,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a dermatologist. I understand that psoriasis, also known as psoriasis, can be a very burdensome condition and it is important to understand the causes as well as treatment options.
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system reacts incorrectly and produces skin cells too quickly. This leads to an inflammatory reaction in the skin, which manifests as red, scaly plaques. The exact causes of psoriasis are not fully understood, but it is believed that both genetic and environmental factors play a role. In about one third of cases, there is a genetic predisposition that increases the risk of developing psoriasis.
Stress can be a trigger for psoriasis, as it can weaken the immune system and exacerbate inflammatory reactions in the skin. Certain lifestyle habits such as an unbalanced diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption can also increase the risk of psoriasis or worsen the course of the disease. Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to better control psoriasis.
In terms of treatment options for psoriasis, there are various approaches that can be used depending on the severity of the condition and the individual needs of the patient. Topical therapies include creams and ointments that are applied directly to the affected areas of the skin and can reduce inflammation and scaling. These are generally well tolerated but can sometimes cause skin irritation.
Systemic medications such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, or biologics are used in severe forms of psoriasis and work throughout the body to modulate the immune system and inhibit inflammatory reactions. These medications can be effective in treating psoriasis but often have more side effects than topical therapies.
It is important that you work with your dermatologist to find the best treatment option for your individual case. A combination of different therapies may be appropriate in some cases to alleviate symptoms and control the course of the disease.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am happy to answer any further questions you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need additional support.
Sincerely,
Bernd Schlosser, Dermatologist
