Do you know about psoriasis, commonly known as "psoriasis"? Experts will help you get out of the "silver" shadow!

In 2004, the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) designated October 29th of each year as World Psoriasis Day, calling on countries around the world to raise people's correct understanding of psoriasis and give more attention and respect to psoriasis patients. Today, the dermatologists of Hunan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine will take you to learn about psoriasis.

1. What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis, commonly known as "psoriasis", is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory skin disease. Its onset is related to a variety of factors, including genetic factors, infection, endocrine changes, drugs, mental factors, trauma, etc.

In China, it is estimated that there are 6 to 7 million psoriasis patients, and the number of patients has been increasing in recent years. The incidence rate in the south is lower than that in the north. Because it is easy to relapse and there is no cure, it seriously affects the physical and mental health and quality of life of patients.

2. What are the clinical manifestations of psoriasis?

Erythema and scaling : Patients may have well-defined erythema, papules, and plaques covered with silvery white scaling. These scaling may be silvery white or grayish white and easily fall off.

Itch and pain : The skin around the lesion is often accompanied by itching symptoms, which may be caused by inflammation and irritation. When the lesion is cracked, damaged, infected or severely inflammatory, the patient may also experience pain.

Common areas of occurrence : Psoriasis often appears on the scalp, trunk, extensor side of the limbs, etc., and the condition tends to worsen in winter and may improve in summer.

3. Why do people get psoriasis?

1. Genetic factors Psoriasis has obvious familial clustering, and about 30% of psoriasis patients have a family history of the disease.

2. Infection factors Infection is one of the important causes of psoriasis. In addition, some patients may also develop psoriasis during the use of certain antibiotics, antiviral drugs, etc.

3. Immune factors Psoriasis is a disease caused by an abnormal immune system, that is, the immune system mistakenly attacks normal skin cells. This triggers an inflammatory response, which accelerates the growth of skin cells and causes psoriasis. The involvement of multiple inflammatory factors in the body further proves the important role of immune factors in the onset of psoriasis.

4. Mental factors Mental stress, anxiety, depression and other neuropsychiatric factors may also induce or aggravate psoriasis. For example, long-term work pressure, irregular life and lack of sleep may all cause psoriasis.

5. Environmental factors Environmental factors may also affect the onset of psoriasis. For example, air pollution, smoking, pesticides and other environmental factors may increase the risk of psoriasis. In addition, living in a humid environment and cold weather may also cause or aggravate the disease.

6. Lifestyle Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and living habits may also have an impact on the onset of psoriasis. Bad living habits, such as staying up late and smoking, may cause skin problems in the body and induce psoriasis.

7. Other factors Some psoriasis patients may also be affected by allergic factors, such as allergies caused by diet or medication, or contact with certain substances, which can often induce the occurrence of psoriasis.

4. What are the commonly used treatments for psoriasis?

Treatments for psoriasis include topical medications, ultraviolet light therapy, traditional systemic treatments, biologics, small molecule drugs , etc.

Topical medications include glucocorticoids, vitamin D3 derivatives, calcineurin inhibitors, combination preparations, etc.; ultraviolet phototherapy includes narrow-spectrum ultraviolet B, 308nm excimer laser, etc.; traditional systemic treatment drugs include acitretin, methotrexate, cyclosporine, etc.; biological agents include tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, IL-23 inhibitors, etc.; small molecule drugs include type 4 phosphodiesterase inhibitors, Janus kinase inhibitors, etc.

It should be noted that there are many different treatments for psoriasis, and the specific choice needs to be made under the guidance of a professional doctor.

5. Can psoriasis be completely eradicated?

So far, psoriasis cannot be completely eradicated. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms, reduce recurrences and improve quality of life.

It is unrealistic and irresponsible to claim that drugs or methods can completely cure psoriasis. Patients and friends should distinguish the true from the false and must not trust "secret remedies" to avoid being deceived.

6. Do you need to avoid certain foods if you have psoriasis?

Psoriasis patients need dietary management , but they should not blindly avoid certain foods. Specifically, the foods that should be avoided vary from person to person. For example, psoriasis patients with obesity, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia should adopt a low-salt, low-fat, and calorie-restricted diet strategy.

Generally speaking, all psoriasis patients are advised to quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Whether or not to avoid "irritating foods" such as fish, shrimp, crab, beef, and mutton depends on one's own condition. If it is found that the above foods aggravate the condition, it should be appropriately avoided or reduced. Otherwise, it can be consumed normally. Vegetables and fruits usually do not need to be avoided.

7. What should psoriasis patients pay attention to in daily skin care?

Excessive cleaning and drying can aggravate psoriasis lesions and symptoms . When bathing, be careful not to use water that is too hot, avoid scrubbing vigorously, and avoid excessive washing. You can take a short shower or bath in warm water. After bathing, gently dry your skin. Apply moisturizer all over your body (including the affected area). Topical ointments can be applied locally about 30 minutes after applying moisturizer.

8. What precautions should psoriasis patients take in their daily lives?

1. Try to avoid colds and fevers , especially in spring and autumn when respiratory infections are most prevalent. Avoid crowded places and wear masks when necessary. If a family member has a cold, pay attention to proper isolation;

2. Try to avoid long-term insomnia/staying up late or mental stress , pay attention to combining work and rest, relax your mood, and seek support from professional psychologists when necessary;

3. Proper exercise helps regulate the body's immune function and control the disease . Exercise should be persistent and gradual to avoid overwork and injury.

4. In autumn and winter, get more sun exposure and increase outdoor activities (except for those who are allergic to ultraviolet rays). Studies have found that ultraviolet rays in sunlight may help alleviate rashes and control the disease.

Psoriasis patients should establish a correct view of treatment. Believe in science, build confidence, and under the guidance of professional doctors, long-term, effective and safe control of the disease is an achievable goal for most psoriasis patients. In addition, following the doctor's advice and regular follow-up visits are also essential. Finally, I wish all psoriasis patients a speedy recovery and regain the beauty and hope of life!

Let us work together, heal each other with love, and build a healthier and more harmonious society!

Source: Department of Dermatology, Hunan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine

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(Edited by Wx)