Written by: Angyelisa Hernandez
You may have come across an individual, most likely an older individual, who seems to have inflamed, dry patches of skin throughout their body. No, it is not because they do not or have not ever used any moisturizer. They most likely have a chronic autoimmune skin disease called psoriasis. Although, this disease currently has no cure yet nor is it fully understood by medical professionals.
Did You Know?:
Psoriasis affects more than 3% of the adult US population which is more than 7.5 million US adults.
Diagram 1: Illustration of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin disease that speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells within the deepest layer of the epidermis and gradually moves up to the skin's surface. As displayed in diagram 1, psoriasis forms many - or few in some cases - painful skin patches on any part of the body. Medical professionals believe psoriasis occurs due to problems within someone’s immune system (which protects your body from outside invaders). Since psoriasis causes skin inflammation, this can negatively impact other organs and tissues in the body.
Where is it commonly formed:
Psoriasis is most commonly formed on the scalp, elbows, knees, trunks, buttocks, genitals, and skin folds.
Symptoms of Psoriasis:
Itch
Dryness/ cracking
Nails ( pitting, deformation, thickening, onycholysis, discoloration.)
Swollen and stiff joints
Mental health- depression
What role does the immune system play in psoriasis?
According to Dr. Hawkes: The immune system is “essential for the development of psoriasis and associated comorbidities. Immune cells that produce tumor necrosis factor, interferon, interleukin (IL)-17, IL-23, and IL-36 appear to be the primary pro-inflammatory signals that drive psoriasis” (Psoriasis 101, n.d.).
Once the immune system in a “susceptible individual becomes stimulated, it creates a persistent, overactive immune response that results in increased inflammation in the skin, blood, and other organs. This self-amplifying immune response is difficult to shut off without medical intervention and leads to several negative health consequences when undertreated or ignored. If you dampen the immune system in certain ways, you also mute psoriasis” (Psoriasis 101, n.d.).
Diagram 2: The Skin Cycle
As illustrated in diagram 2 new skin cell is formed at the epidermis layer of the skin and moves up to the skin's surface. This means the skin cell has fully developed and quickly flakes off. A skin cycle is different for each individual and is affected by age, hormones, skin condition/health, and stress. The average skin cycle is 5-6 weeks. However, at the age of 19-21, the skin cycle process can take 14-21 days while it is estimated to be 28 days for a middle-aged adult. The older people age their skin cycle slows to about 45-60 days when people are in their 40’s and ’50s. It can further delay to about 60-90 days in people’s ’50s and ’60s.
Misconceptions:
There is a misconception that psoriasis merely only affects and is due to one’s skin. However, psoriasis goes beyond the skin as it is associated with people’s genes and immune systems.
4 Types of Treatments for Psoriasis:
Topical Medication | Phototherapy | Biologics | Oral Medications |
First line of defense when treating psoriasis. Topicals slow down or normalize excessive cell reproduction and reduce inflammation caused by psoriasis. Topicals slow down or normalize excessive cell reproduction and reduce inflammation caused by psoriasis. | Exposes the skin to ultraviolet light regularly and under medical supervision. | Targets specific parts of the immune system and are given by injection or IV infusion. | Small molecule medicines that are taken by mouth.Systematic medications are aimed at people with moderate-to-severe psoriasis and are prescription drugs that work throughout the body. |
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DISCLAIMER: Please consult your medical doctor or dermatologist regarding any health or skin concerns you may have.
Some Possible Psoriasis Triggers:
Injury to your skin (cut, scrape, insect bite, or sunburn)
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
Smoking
Stress
Hormonal changes, particularly in women
Certain medicines – such as lithium, some antimalarial medicines, anti-inflammatory medicines including ibuprofen, and ACE inhibitors (used to treat high blood pressure)
Throat infections
Other immune disorders, such as HIV, which cause psoriasis to flare up or appear for the first time
Sources:
What is a Skin Cycle? | Medifine Skin Clinic. (n.d.). Medifine Skin Clinic. https://www.medifine.co.uk/what-is-a-skin-cycle/.
Psoriasis: Causes, Triggers and Treatments. (n.d.). National Psoriasis Foundation. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/
Psoriasis 101. (n.d.). National Psoriasis Foundation.
https://www.psoriasis.org/advance/psoriasis-101-science-of-psoriasis/.
Oral Treatments for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis. (n.d.). National Psoriasis Foundation. https://www.psoriasis.org/oral-treatments/
Topicals for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis. (n.d.). National Psoriasis Foundation. https://www.psoriasis.org/topical-treatments/
Light Therapy for Psoriasis. (n.d.). National Psoriasis Foundation.
https://www.psoriasis.org/phototherapy/
Life with Psoriasis. (n.d.). National Psoriasis Foundation.
https://www.psoriasis.org/life-with-psoriasis/
Biologics for Psoriasis Treatment. (n.d.). National Psoriasis Foundation. https://www.psoriasis.org/biologics/
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