Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a condition in which skin cells build up and form scales that are itchy and dry. Psoriasis is chronic, meaning it can last for years or be lifelong. However, it does not get worse overtime but you may experience whole-body challenges, ranging from aging skin to related health conditions, that may signal to your dermatologist to adjust your psoriasis treatment as you get older.
If left untreated, patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis could develop psoriatic arthritis, which affects 40% of people with psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis is similar to rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause pain, disability, and permanent joint deformities.
Many people who have psoriasis can start having their symptoms become worse from a trigger. A trigger can be anything from an injury to your skin using certain medications. This condition cannot be spread from person to person, so therefore it’s not contagious.
Treatments for psoriasis
Treatment for psoriasis aims to stop skin cells from growing so quickly and to remove scales. Treatment options include creams and ointments, light therapy to oral or injected medication.
The treatments you use depend on how severe your psoriasis is and how responsive it has been to treatments. You may end up needing to try different drugs or a combination of treatments before you find one that works for you and your dermatologist will help to determine what is best for you.