December 10, 2020

WHAT IS PSORIASIS

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with involvement of the immune system. It is a frequent disease, it can affect up to 2-3% of the population. It can appear at any age. It is not contagious and in turn is treatable.

Only a third of patients have a family history of psoriasis. It evolves by outbreaks, with periods of exacerbations and remissions.

Genetic predisposition and environmental factors play an important role in the awakening of psoriasis. Some of the triggering factors are: stress and emotions, smoking, alcohol, certain drugs, viral or bacterial infections, among others.

In skin with psoriasis, a very accelerated growth of the epidermis occurs and manifests as red plaques, covered with whitish scales. It can affect both skin, semi-mucosa, nails and joints. In some patients there may be itching or burning as accompanying symptoms.

There are different clinical forms of expression. The most common variant is plaque psoriasis, usually with a symmetrical distribution. Other variants are guttate psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, palmoplantar psoriasis, erythroderma and psoriatic arthritis.

The forms can be mild, moderate to severe. Its classification will depend on the body extension, affected areas that limit activities of daily life and the alteration that psoriasis generates in the patient's quality of life.

Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease, not just limited to the skin. Obesity is a risk factor for psoriasis, and cardiovascular disease is more common in patients with psoriasis. Not only does it have a great impact on health, as we have just mentioned, but also on one's self-esteem and state of mind.

Treatments are indicated individually, contemplating clinical and personal variables of each patient. The evaluation of a patient with psoriasis is comprehensive and multidisciplinary.

At present we have therapeutic tools that manage to control the disease very satisfactorily. There are several treatment options, from topical or local therapy, phototherapy, systemic therapy, and biologic therapy.