Have you noticed red, scaly patches on your skin that don’t seem to go away? Or perhaps you have dandruff affecting your clothing choices? Or maybe even changes in your nails that make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious? Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition, might be the culprit. The good news is that effective treatments are available to help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
At Lumine Dermatology, we can provide personalised care for psoriasis and other skin conditions. Our team is here to guide you along the way—from diagnosis to treatment. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about psoriasis and how to get the help you need.
Psoriasis is a chronic condition that causes the rapid build-up of skin cells, leading to scaling, redness, and inflammation. Unlike healthy skin cells that renew over weeks, psoriasis triggers an accelerated cycle that results in thick, scaly patches of skin. These patches can appear anywhere on the body and vary in severity from mild to severe.
This condition is not contagious and doesn’t spread from person to person. However, it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, especially if left untreated.
Psoriasis often presents as red or pink patches of skin covered by silvery-white scales. It may appear differently based on the type and location. For instance:
The affected areas may feel itchy, dry, or cracked especially on the hands and feet. In severe cases, the entire body may be covered in inflamed red patches.
Psoriasis is a common chronic skin condition, affecting approximately 2-3% of the global population, which translates to over 125 million people worldwide. In Singapore, at least 40,000 individuals or 1-2% of the population is affected. It can develop at any age but frequently presents in 2 peaks. The first peak is between 20 to 30 years of age, with the second peak between 50 to 60 years of age.
While psoriasis affects men and women equally, it is more common in individuals with a family history of the condition. Additionally, certain ethnic groups, such as Caucasians, tend to have slightly higher prevalence rates compared to others.
Psoriasis symptoms vary widely but often include:
These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may flare up periodically.
Different types of psoriasis manifest in unique ways. For instance, plaque psoriasis shows thick, scaly patches, whereas pustular psoriasis presents with white pustules surrounded by redness. Guttate psoriasis’s small, drop-shaped lesions are distinct from the smooth, inflamed areas of inverse psoriasis.
Psoriasis can lead to other health issues, including:
Addressing these complications early with a dermatologist can help minimise their impact.
Psoriasis often runs in families. If you have a parent or sibling with the condition, your chances of developing it increase. Certain genes have been linked to the condition, though having these genes doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop psoriasis.
Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition. It occurs when the immune system affects healthy skin cells, triggering inflammation and speeding up the skin’s production cycle. This results in the build-up of skin cells, causing the characteristic scaly patches.
Several external factors can trigger or exacerbate psoriasis symptoms, including:
Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing psoriasis, such as:
Topical treatments are often the first line of defence for mild to moderate psoriasis. These include:
Phototherapy, or light therapy, involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of ultraviolet (UV) light. It slows down the overproduction of skin cells and reduces inflammation. This treatment is typically used for moderate to severe psoriasis.
For cases that don’t respond to topical treatments, systemic medications are often prescribed. These include oral or injectable drugs like:
Biologic therapies are targeted treatments that block specific immune system pathways involved in psoriasis. These include drugs include but are not limited to risankizumab (Skyrizi ®), ixekizumab (Taltz ®), secukinumab (Cosentyx ®), which are safer adn effective options for the manage of moderate to severe psoriasis with or without concomitant arthritis and nail changes.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Making certain lifestyle changes can help manage psoriasis symptoms:
While there is no permanent cure for psoriasis, effective management is possible with a combination of treatments and lifestyle adjustments. Working closely and consistently with a dermatologist to develop a tailored treatment plan can help you achieve long-term remission and lead a more comfortable life. Your visit to the swimming pool or clothing choices need not be limited by psoriasis if the right treatment is given.
At Lumine Dermatology, we provide expert guidance and state-of-the-art treatments designed to help you manage psoriasis effectively.
Yes, you can live a normal and fulfilling life with psoriasis. The key lies in early diagnosis, consistent treatment, and adopting healthy habits. While flare-ups can be challenging, maintaining open communication with your dermatologist and sticking to your treatment plan can significantly improve your quality of life.
Psoriasis doesn’t have to control your life. At Lumine Dermatology, we combine advanced medical treatments with compassionate care to help you achieve clearer, healthier skin. Whether you’re seeking relief from mild symptoms or need help managing a severe condition, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation today, and let us create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs!
Psoriasis is typically diagnosed through a physical examination of the skin. In some cases, a dermatologist may perform a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other skin conditions.
Yes, stress is a significant trigger for many people with psoriasis. High-stress levels can lead to flare-ups or worsen existing symptoms. Stress management techniques like mindfulness, exercise, and therapy can help reduce the impact of stress on psoriasis.
Yes, psoriasis can have a profound impact on mental health. The visible nature of the condition can lead to self-consciousness, anxiety, and depression. Managing psoriasis with medical treatments and seeking emotional support from professionals or support groups can help improve mental well-being.
Yes, psoriasis can affect children, though it is less common. Guttate psoriasis is the type most frequently seen in younger individuals, often triggered by infections like streptococcal throat infection. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing the condition in children effectively.
There is currently no permanent cure for psoriasis. However, various treatments can manage symptoms effectively. These include topical treatments, light therapy, systemic medications, and biologic therapies. Our dermatologist can help create a personalised treatment plan for long-term symptom control.
