Psoriasis – an auto-immune disorder - Complete Health at Crossways

Psoriasis – an auto-immune disorder

By Dr Raya Grishina-Gunn

Psoriasis is an auto-immune disorder which is characterized by distinctive lesions. These typically start as red and scaling papules that then merge to oval plaques. These plaques can be small or wide spread. The scale can become extremely thick, especially on the sculp.

Whilst it can occur at ANY age the 2 most common age brackets are:

15 to 25 years of age
50 to 60 years of age

Psoriasis is caused by:

Genetic factors
Multiple genes
Family history

Environmental factor
Infections
Injuries
Obesity

Compared to the general population patients with Psoriasis are at a higher risk of other conditions.

Other autoimmune conditions:
1. Ulcerative colitis and
2. Crohn’s disease
3. These are 3.8 to 7.5 more likely in people with Psoriasis
Cardiovascular disease
Hypertension
Diabetes
Hypercholesterolemia
Hyperlipidemia
Obesity
Metabolic syndrome
Psoriatic arthritis
Lower Vitamin D levels especially in those who have BMI greater than 27
Depression and Anxiety – the prevalence is as high as 60%
Poor self-esteem
Sexual dysfunction
Increased use of alcohol and/or smoking
Poor quality of life.

Psoriasis erodes self-image, and forces people into a life of concealment and self-consciousness. People tend to avoid social activities including being in the sun, which is not helpful as it is the very activity that can help clear the disease. Even if patients have only a few plaques, Psoriasis appears to others more serious than it actually is – psychological effects must always be considered.

The presence of other disorders (or diseases) in addition to the Psoriasis (Comorbidities) tend to increase with age, so nearly half of patients with Psoriasis aged over 65 have at least 3 comorbidities. There are different types of Psoriasis:

Plaque
Guttate
Erythrodermic
Flexural

Treatment:

There are a number of therapies.

Locally applied therapies (Topical Therapies):

Steroid creams,
Calcipotriol
Coal Tar

Light therapy – A combination of Red & Blue light

LED Red light helps to reduce inflammation
LED Blue light helps to treat redness and the skin rash (Erythema)
Treatment is usually a total of 8 to 10 sessions
2 sessions weekly.
Since Psoriasis is a chronic condition, “Light Therapy” may need to be repeated during flare-ups.

Oral medications:

Methotrexate
Cyclosporine
And others

New therapies:

Biologicals and immunotherapy

Most of the time Psoriasis is a mild disease and responds well to light therapy and medicines applied directly to the affected area. New therapies are also very effective and have been shown to be safe to use. It is very important to treat associated conditions as they DECREASE the severity of Psoriasis. Prevention of the following will decrease the onset of Psoriasis