Psoriasis

Psoriasis Treatment in Bangalore

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by thick, pink, or red patches of skin covered with white or silvery scales that are known as plaques. This is the most common type of psoriasis called plaque psoriasis which occurs in approximately 80-90% of people of any gender or age. In severe cases, these plaques connect and may cover a large body area. This pruritic skin concern can make people feel uncomfortable, awkward, embarrassed, and self-conscious of their looks. The most commonly affected regions are:

  • Elbows
  • Knees
  • Face
  • Scalp
  • Fingernails
  • Toenails
  • Genitals
  • Lower back
  • Palms
  • Feet

This is not a contagious condition which means it can not be passed from one person to another and it cannot develop by touching a psoriatic lesion on another person.

At DNA Skin Clinic, the skin experts provide advanced treatments for psoriasis and help one restore skin health.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

  • Inflamed patches of skin that are slightly raised but may appear different on different skin tones. These usually appear red on lighter skin tones and brown or purple on darker skin tones.
  • Silvery white scales on the red patches or gray scales on purple and brown patches.
  • Dry skin that may rupture and bleed.
  • Discomfort around patches.
  • Itching and burning sensation around patches.
  • Thick, and rough nails.
  • Painful and inflamed joints.

What are the factors responsible for causing Psoriasis?

  • Immune system - Psoriasis is considered to be an autoimmune condition wherein the immune cells (specifically the T cells that are deployed to attack and destroy invading bacteria and fight infections) falsely attack the skin cells. This wrong attack causes the skin cell production process to go into high gear, thereby causing new skin cells to develop too quickly. These cells are pressed to the skin’s surface and they get accumulated. The attacks on skin cells also give rise to red, inflamed areas of skin to develop.
  • Genetics - A person’s family history of having psoriasis may pose a risk of developing psoriasis.

Some common psoriasis triggers

  • Infections such as skin infections and the condition of strep throat can be a possible trigger of psoriasis.
  • Cold and dry weather conditions.
  • A skin injury such as a cut or scrape, a bug bite, or a severe sunburn.
  • Stress.
  • Smoking of cigarettes and exposure to secondhand smoke.
  • Heavy alcohol consumption.
  • Certain medications containing lithium, high blood pressure medications, and antimalarial drugs.
  • Rapid withdrawal of oral or systemic corticosteroids.

Dr. Priyanka Reddy, a leading skin specialist, can detect the root cause of the condition and offer the best psoriasis treatment in Bangalore accordingly.

Types of psoriasis

  • Inverse psoriasis - It may appear like thin, pink plaques without scale in skin folds such as the armpits, groin, area under the breasts, genitals, and buttocks.
  • Guttate psoriasis - This type often shows up after a sore throat. It may appear as small, red, drop-shaped scaly spots in children and young adults. A range of conditions can trigger guttate psoriasis including upper respiratory infections, streptococcal infections, tonsillitis, stress, and certain medications including antimalarials, lithium, and beta-blockers.
  • Pustular psoriasis - This manifests as small, pus-filled bumps on top of the red patches or plaques. It can be present generally all over the body but especially affects the hands and feet.
  • Sebopsoriasis - This specifically appears on the face and scalp as red bumps and plaques with greasy yellow scales and can cause large areas of inflammation throughout the body.
  • Erythrodermic psoriasis - This type is associated with burning red skin and exfoliation of scales in sheets. It is mainly triggered by severe sunburn, infections, certain medications, and the stoppage of psoriasis treatment.

Treatment options for Psoriasis offered at DNA Skin Clinic, Psoriasis treatment clinic in Bangalore:

There are various treatment plans offered at DNA Skin Clinic for Psoriasis Treatment in Bangalore, including:

1. Topical therapy

  • Corticosteroids: These are used for treating mild to moderate psoriasis. They are accessible as ointments, creams, lotions, gels, sprays, and shampoos. For sensitive areas including the face and the treatment of widespread patches, mild corticosteroid ointments that are gentle on the skin are recommended. Stronger corticosteroids are prescribed for smaller, less-sensitive, or tougher-to-treat areas
  • Vitamin D analogues: These are synthetic forms of vitamin D that are used to slow down the growth of skin cells. This drug may be used alone or with topical corticosteroids.
  • Retinoids: These are Vitamin A derivatives that are available in the form of a gel or cream. They play a role in immunity, regulate epithelial cell growth, stimulate angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), and promote collagen production which all together improve the skin's appearance. Common side effects associated with it are increased sensitivity to light and skin irritation which can be managed with the guidance of a dermatologist. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using retinoids.
  • Calcineurin inhibitors: They help to reduce inflammation and plaque buildup especially in areas of thin skin such as around the eyes. These are also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Patients must not use them for the long term and without consulting a dermatologist as they can have a potential risk of skin cancer and lymphoma.
  • Salicylic acid: This is a chemical peel that works by removing the affected topmost skin layer and helping reduce the scaling of scalp psoriasis. It may be used alone or with other medications to enhance the ability to penetrate the skin.
  • Coal tar: This is known to bring down the scaling, itching, and inflammation of the skin, however, it can irritate the skin. The treatment is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. When this is combined with light therapy (known as Goeckerman therapy), it is more effective as the coal tar makes skin more responsive to UVB light.
  • Anthralin: It is a synthetic topical medication made from the natural substance present in the goa powder. When applied to the skin, it can delay the process of skin cell growth, clear away scales, and make the skin smoother. It should not be applied to sensitive body parts like the face or genitals. It can irritate the skin and it stains almost anything it touches.

2. Light therapy

It is a first-line treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis that can be used alone or with medications as an adjunct.

  • UVB broadband: Controlled doses of UVB broadband light from an artificial light source can treat single psoriasis patches, extensive psoriasis, and psoriasis that do not get treated with topical treatments. Short-term complications might include redness, itching, and dry skin.
  • UVB narrowband: This light therapy might be more effective than UVB broadband treatment. It is usually administered two or three times a week until the skin improves and then less frequently as maintenance sessions. However, it may cause dreadful and long-lasting burns
  • Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA): In this treatment, a light-sensitizing medication (psoralen) is applied to the skin before exposing it to UVA light. The UVA light penetrates deeper into the skin than UVB light, and psoralen makes the skin more responsive to UVA exposure. This treatment enhances skin’s appearance and is used for critical conditions of psoriasis.
  • Excimer laser: In this form of light therapy, a strong UVB light is targeted on the affected skin. As more powerful UVB light is used, it requires fewer sessions as compared to traditional phototherapy.

General Tips to manage Psoriasis

Following are the tips shared by Dr. Priyanka Reddy that can help one to manage psoriasis effectively:

  • Proper diet - Dietary supplements may help facilitate psoriasis symptoms from the inside. The intake of foods that are known to trigger psoriasis such as red meat, saturated fats, carbohydrates, refined sugars, and alcohol must be discontinued to help reduce flare-ups. The dermatologists recommend foods that can reduce skin inflammation. These include cold-water fish, seeds, nuts, and omega-3 fatty acids. Apple cider vinegar is also considered a good detoxifier for the body.
  • Prevent skin injuries - Skin injuries can provoke the development of psoriasis lesions in areas of the body where people usually do not get psoriasis. Bypassing skin injuries wherever possible may help prevent psoriasis flare-ups. People can reduce the likelihood of skin injuries by taking care when cutting nails or shaving, and by avoiding tattoos or piercings.
  • Stress – This can worsen psoriasis symptoms and even cause flare-ups because the body survives with stress through inflammation. The immune system of people suffering from psoriasis condition can release various chemicals that are released during an infection or injury. Stress levels can be reduced by practicing meditation, yoga, and exercising.
  • Turmeric – It has been found to help minimize psoriasis flare-ups and can be taken in pill or supplement form or sprinkled on food.
  • Avoid tobacco - Smoking cigarettes may increase the risk of psoriasis. If a person already has psoriasis, smoking can make their symptoms more severe, hence it is best to quit smoking.
  • Maintain a healthy weight - Being overweight or obese puts a person at a greater risk of developing psoriasis. Obesity is also related to more severe psoriasis symptoms.
  • Avoid fragrances – Nearly all scented soaps and perfumes have dyes and other chemicals in them that may irritate the skin and worsen psoriasis, hence avoid their usage.
  • Try Aloe Vera - Aloe Vera has been shown in some cases to reduce redness and irritation caused by psoriasis.
  • Prevent dry skin – Psoriasis patients often complain of dry skin. To prevent it from happening, the patient must keep the air in their home or office moist by using a humidifier. For sensitive skin, the use of moisturizers can keep the skin supple and prevent plaques from forming.
  • Limit alcohol consumption - Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of prescribed treatment plans. The treatment may either stop working or not work as effectively as it ought to.
  • Use sunscreen - Sunburn causes injury to the skin, which then may cause psoriasis to flare up. Water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended to prevent sun damage.

To know about the cost of psoriasis treatment in Bangalore, one can schedule a consultation with Dr. Priyanka Reddy, a skin expert at DNA Skin Clinic.

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