Dermatological Conditions

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a condition of the skin characterized by itchy rashes which appear and disappear on its own, anywhere on the body.

How does psoriasis occur?

There is no exact cause of psoriasis but it’s known to be an autoimmune condition.There is inflammation in the skin which causes increased production of the skin cells.Normally, new skin cells are produced and replaced at a constant rate, in about 10-30 days. Psoriasis causes increased skin production leading to accelerated turnover of cells every 3-4 days.

What is the age group and other predilections to get psoriatic patches?

Psoriasis often develops between the ages of 15 to 35, but it can occur at any age. About 10 to 15 percent of those with psoriasis get it before age 10. Some infants have psoriasis, although this is a rare scenario . Men and women develop psoriasis at equal rates.

Is it a genetic or hereditary problem?

At least 10 percent of the general population inherits one or more of the genes that create a predisposition to psoriasis. However, only two percent to three percent of the population develops the disease. So having psoriasis in your family has higher risk, but getting psoriasis is not a certainty.

What are the triggers for worsening of psoriasis?

Psoriasis triggers are not universal , however established psoriasis triggers include:

Stress: Stress can cause psoriasis to flare for the first time or aggravate existing psoriasis. Winter season
Injury to skin:Psoriasis can appear in areas of the skin that have been injured or traumatized. This is called the Koebner phenomenon.Vaccinations, sunburns and scratches can all trigger such response.
Medications: Certain medications are associated with triggering psoriasis,
including: Lithium: Used to treat manic depression and other psychiatric disorders. Antimalarials: Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine may cause a flare of psoriasis, usually two to three weeks after the drug is taken.
Beta blockers for HTN
Quinidine
NSAIDs or painkillers like Indomethacin, Ibuprofen, diclofenac etc
Infections:streptococcus infection (strep throat) is associated with guttate psoriasis. Patients might experience a flare-up following an earache, bronchitis, respiratory infection, vaginal infection, urine infection, loose motions etc.

What are the co morbidities associated with psoriasis ?

Psoriasis is a skin disease and more often than not, it is limited to the skin of the patient. In around 30% of patients, joints also can get affected , known as Psoriatic arthritis. Around 50-60% patients also have co existing nail psoriasis.

Patients with severe uncontrolled psoriasis are known to be affected with co existing conditions like:
Cardiovascular disease
Diabetes
Metabolic syndrome(heart diz, high BP & abdominal obesity)
Obesity
Liver disease
Crohn disease

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• Vitiligo is a disease in which the pigment cells of the skin, melanocytes, are destroyed in certain areas.
• Symptoms and signs of vitiligo include loss of skin color in the form of depigmented, or white, patches of skin in any location on the body.
• Vitiligo can be focal and localized to one area, or it may affect several different areas on the body.
• The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, although most experts believe that it is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys certain cells within the body.
• Most people who have vitiligo will develop the condition prior to age 40; about half develop it before age 20.
• Vitiligo may have a genetic component, as the condition tends to run in families. Vitiligo is sometimes associated with other medical conditions, including thyroid dysfunction.
• There is no way to determine if vitiligo will spread or remain confined to one location.
• Vitiligo is not painful and does not have significant health consequences; however, it can have emotional and psychological consequences.
• Some medical treatments can reduce the severity of the condition, but it can be difficult to cure.
• There is no known way to prevent vitiligo.

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Urticaria, also known as hives, is an outbreak of swollen, pale red bumps or plaques (wheals) on the skin that appear suddenly -- either as a result of the body's reaction to certain allergens, or for unknown reasons. Hives usually cause itching, but may also burn or sting.

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Acne scarring can sometimes develop as a complication of acne. Any type of acne spot can lead to scarring, but it's more common when the most serious types of spots (nodules and cysts) burst and damage nearby skin. Scarring can also occur if you pick or squeeze your spots, so it's important not to do this.

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Common skin infections include cellulitis, erysipelas, impetigo, folliculitis, and furuncles and carbuncles. Cellulitis is an infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue that has poorly demarcated borders and is usually caused by Streptococcus or Staphylococcus species.

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A fungal infection, also called mycosis, is a skin disease caused by a fungus. There are millions of species of fungi. They live in the dirt, on plants, on household surfaces, and on your skin. Sometimes, they can lead to skin problems like rashes or bumps.

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Eczema is a condition wherein patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, cracked, and rough. Some types can also cause blisters. Different types and stages of eczema affect 31.6 million people in the United States, which is over 10% of the population. Many people use the word eczema when referring to atopic dermatitis, which is the most common type. The term atopic refers to a collection of conditions that involve the immune system, including atopic dermatitis, asthma, and hay fever. The word dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin.

Certain foods, such as nuts and dairy, can trigger symptoms. Environmental triggers include smoke, pollen, soaps, and fragrances. Eczema is not contagious. Some people outgrow the condition, whereas others will continue to have it throughout adulthood. This article will explain what eczema is and discuss its symptoms, treatments, causes, and types.

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Healthy nails appear smooth and have consistent coloring. As you age, you may develop vertical ridges, or your nails may be a bit more brittle. This is harmless. Spots due to injury should grow out with the nail. Abnormalities — such as spots, discoloration, and nail separation — can result from injuries to the fingers and hands, viral warts (periungual warts), infections (onychomycosis), and some medications, such as those used for chemotherapy. Certain medical conditions can also change the appearance of your fingernails. However, these changes can be difficult to interpret. Your fingernails’ appearance alone isn’t enough to diagnose a specific illness. A doctor will use this information, along with your other symptoms and a physical exam, to make a diagnosis. You should always consult your doctor if you have any questions about changes in your nails.

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