Causes and Treatment of Psoriasis

While the exact cause ofpsoriasisis unknown, it's an autoimmune condition in which a faulty immune system changes the life cycle of skin cells in the body. (1)

This change causes the cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin in just a few days. (For those without psoriasis, this process usually takes about a month.)

These extra skin cells form thick, itchy, dry,discolored patches, called plaques, on the skin's surface.

While more research is needed to fully understand psoriasis, we do know that the condition is not contagious.

In other words, you can't spread the disease through touch, saliva, or during any kind of sexual contact.

In addition to your immune system, genetic factors have a lot to do with whether you'll develop psoriasis. (2)

People who get psoriasis usually have one or more family members with the condition. But having family members with the disease does not mean you'll definitely get it.

Meanwhile, it's possible to develop psoriasis even if you don't have a family history of the condition, according to theNational Psoriasis Foundation. (3)

The best explanation: The individuals who do get the disease have a certain combination or "mix" of genes and are exposed to environmental triggers — some of which are still unknown — that lead to the development of psoriasis.

While anyone can develop psoriasis, the following factors can increase your risk:

Family HistoryHaving one parent with psoriasis increases your risk, and having two parents with the condition puts you at greater risk.

InfectionsPeople withHIVare more likely to develop psoriasis. Additionally,strep throathas been linked with the development of a certaintype of psoriasis, calledguttate psoriasis. This causes small, round,scaly rashesto develop, usually on the trunk and arms. Kids and young adults with this type of recurring infection may be at increased risk. (4)

StressSince stress can impact your immune system by causing inflammation, highstress levelsmay increase your risk of psoriasis. (5)

ObesityBeing overweight or obese increases your risk, and psoriasis often develops in the creases and folds of skin.

SmokingSmoking tobacco increases your risk and theseverity of psoriasis, and may initiate the development of the disease. (6)

Most psoriasis therapies aim to stop skin cells from growing so quickly, reduce inflammation, and smooth out the skin.

Proper psoriasis treatments can help clear the condition and improve your quality of life.

What works for one person might not work for another, so keep trying therapies until you find one that’s effective for you.

Doctors typically start with the mildest approach and move on from there.

Topical treatments are applied directly to the skin and are usually the first option for treating mild to moderate psoriasis. (7)

These therapies can be divided into two categories: over-the-counter (OTC) topicals and prescription topicals.

OTC Topicals

Salicylic AcidThis medicine is a keratolytic (peeling agent) that causes shedding of the outer layer of your skin. Besides psoriasis, it is used to treat acne,dandruff, and seborrhea, and to remove corns, calluses, and warts. There are many forms and brands of topicalsalicylic acidon the market. Salicylic acid topical is available as an ointment, liquid, gel, soap or shampoo, cloth pads, sprays, and skin patches. (8)

Common side effects may include minor skin irritation,rash, and changes in the color of treated skin. The medicine can cause a rareallergic reaction, so you may choose to apply a small "test dose" initially to see how your skin responds. You should stop using salicylic acid topical and tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects, such as severe headache, stomach pain, orshortness of breath.

Coal TarThese topicals contain actual tar that comes from coal. Like salicylic acid,coal tarmedication belongs to a class of drugs called keratolytics or keratoplastics. They are prescribed to relieve itchiness, dryness, and scaling caused by various skin conditions besides psoriasis, such aseczemaand dermatitis. These drugs work by helping your skin shed dead cells from its top layer. (8)

Coal tar topicals come in various formulations and are considered one of the oldest psoriasis treatments. They are available as an ointment, liquid, cream, lotion, gel, soap, and shampoo. Your dose will depend on your condition and the type of coal tar you’re using.

Coal tar topicals will make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so use caution outdoors on days following your treatment. Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects become severe or persist: itching, burning, redness, or staining of your skin or hair Serious side effects may include signs of infection in or around the treated area, and signs ofanaphylaxis, which may include rash,hives, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or swelling of your face, mouth, lips, or tongue.

Others TopicalsAdditional OTC topical products that containaloe vera, jojoba, urea, or zinc pyrithione can help moisturize and soothe the skin.Capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers that makes them hot, is used in medicated creams and lotions to relieve muscle or joint pain, but its topical application may also be useful in the treatment of psoriasis.

Prescription Topicals

NonsteroidalTopical medicines that do not contain steroids are often prescribed to control excessive skin cell production. Syntheticvitamin D3is commonly used to slow down the growth of skin cells. It’s found in the medicinesVectical (calcitriol)and Dovonex (calcipotriene). Syntheticvitamin Ais also given to help symptoms. The medicineTazorac (tazarotene)contains a compound that’s similar to vitamin A. Another nonsteroidal topical isZithranol (anthralin), which is a synthetic form of a substance found in the bark of the South American araroba tree.

CorticosteroidsThese anti-inflammatory medicines, generally referred to as steroids, are the most frequently used treatments for psoriasis. Topical steroids are made from the natural corticosteroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands. They come in various brands and strengths, depending on the specific condition. (9)

Long-term use of powerful steroids can cause thinning of the skin and treatment resistance, so your doctor will have to weigh the benefits and risks of prescribing this therapy. There is a low risk of the topical steroid causing systemic effects unless applied to the entire body at high strength.

Biologic drugs are protein-based medicines that are derived from living cells cultured in a laboratory. (8)

通过注射这些药物管理ion or IV and target parts of the immune system.

Biologicswork by blocking the action of a specific type of immune cell and proteins in the immune system that play a major role in the development of psoriasis.

The following medicines are examples of biologics:

• Cosentyx (secukinumab)
• Enbrel (etanercept)
• Humira (adalimumab)
• Remicade(英夫利昔单抗)
• Siliq (brodalumab)
• Stelara (ustekinumab)
• Taltz (ixekizumab)
• Tremfya (guselkumab)

Psoriasis Drugs: Systemic Medication

Systemic treatments for psoriasis are drugs that work throughout the body.

They’re usually used in people with moderate to severe psoriasis who don’t benefit from topical medicines or UV light therapy.

Systemic medicines can be taken by mouth or given by injection.

Traditional systemic drugs include:

• Neoral (cyclosporine)
• Trexall (methotrexate)
• Otezla (apremilast)
• Soriatane (acitretin)

Sometimes drugs can be given off label, which means your doctor will prescribe them even if they aren’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for your specific condition.

Examples of off-label systemic medicines for psoriasis include:

• Hydrea (hydroxyurea)
• 6-thioguanine
• Accutane (isotretinoin)
• CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil)
• Azulfidine (sulfasalazine)

Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is a treatment that focuses specific types of light onto the skin. (10)

Your doctor may suggest one or more of the following phototherapy or combination therapy approaches:

Ultraviolet B (UVB)This is an effective choice and can be delivered as either broadband UVB (BB-UVB) or narrowband UVB (NB-UVB). UVB phototherapy is a good course of treatment for people with moderate to severe cases of psoriasis, patients with plaque psoriasis, those with thin plaques, and people who are generally responsive to natural sunlight.

PUVA (Psoralen and Ultraviolet A)For advanced cases of psoriasis, a physician might suggest combining exposure to ultraviolet A light with prescribing psoralen, a light-sensitizing medication that is most commonly administered orally. Taken shortly before light treatment, psoralen seems to boost the therapeutic effect of light on the immune system. People with moderate to severe cases of plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, and psoriasis of the palms and soles are good candidates for PUVA.

The therapy is done in a doctor's office, psoriasis clinic, or at home with a phototherapy unit. The FDA regulates medical devices used in the application of phototherapy. Laser treatments, using a device known as an excimer laser, can administer highly targeted beams of ultraviolet light to treat select areas of affected skin.

Before starting phototherapy, tell your doctor about any new drugs you are taking. Light therapy may not be recommended for people with certain medical conditions, such aslupusand porphyria, that require avoiding exposure to sunlight.

Patients undergoing phototherapy should pay special attention to their skin. Minor side effects can include redness and itching, and a patient's psoriasis may worsen temporarily. Skin should also be monitored for suspicious lesions and any other earlysigns of cancer.

Complementary and alternative therapies are sometimes used to improvesymptoms of psoriasis.

Although most of these approaches are safe, you should talk to your doctor before trying any new treatment or technique.

Examples of complementary and alternative methods commonly used to treat psoriasis include:

Diet and NutritionSome people report improved symptoms by altering their diets or taking certain supplements. You can also try avoiding specific dietary triggers that may increase inflammation and worsen your symptoms.¹¹

SunlightExposure to small amounts of sunlight can reduce some symptoms of psoriasis. But too much sun can worsen outbreaks and increase yourrisk of skin cancer. Talk to your doctor about how much sunlight exposure is safe for your situation.

Daily BathsSoaking in mineral water baths may help hydrate and soften the skin. You can add colloidal oatmeal, Epsom salts, or Dead Sea salts to bathwater to help calm inflamed skin. But stay away from hot water and harsh soaps, which can worsen your symptoms.

MoisturizerSome people report fewer symptoms when they apply moisturizer to affected areas. Ointments can help lock in moisture better than creams.

Yoga and Meditation这些实践可以清晰的头脑和减少stress, which may ease symptoms of psoriasis. (5)

ExercisePhysical activity increases the production of chemicals known asendorphins, which improve mood and energy. Exercise can also help you sleep better and reduce anxiety.

AcupunctureThis ancient Chinese practice is sometimes used to relieve psoriasis symptoms. Scientific research about its effectiveness has been inconclusive, but patients report that it can offer relief.

Support GroupsTalking with others who have the same condition and symptoms can be therapeutic. You can connect with other people who suffer from psoriasis atTalkPsoriasis.org. (12)

Additional reporting byGeorge Vernadakis