What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes the accelerated buildup of skin cells. This overflow of skin cells form red patches & scales which are usually itchy & painful.
Our skin cells typically grow in our skin & rise up to the surface which falls off after that. This process usually takes 1 month, but in Psoriasis, it is sped up to just a few days! Hence, our skin cells do not have enough time to fall off & this leads to a buildup.
Psoriasis may develop almost anywhere.
This skin condition affects millions globally & can often be mistaken as Eczema. Seek a detailed analysis & consultation with our experienced dermatologists now!
Types of Psoriasis
There are 5 main types of Psoriasis. It is important to seek for a consultation with our dermatologists as not all treatments suit every type of Psoriasis. The wrong type of treatment may even make things worse!
This is the most common type of Psoriasis which affects approximately 80% of Psoriasis sufferers. Commonly found on your elbows, knees & scalp, these inflamed & red patches are often covered in silvery scales.
Plague Psoriasis
Happens commonly during childhood. These batches of small pink spots are usually found on the arms, legs & torso.
Guttate Psoriasis
This happens more commonly in adults. It causes pus-filled, white blisters & inflamed, red skin. They usually constrain themselves to small areas of the body such as our feet & hands, but it still can be widespread.
Pustular Psoriasis
This causes bright areas of inflamed, red & shiny skin. They’re usually found under armpits, breasts or around the groin.
Inverse Psoriasis
Though this may be rare, it is an extremely severe type of Psoriasis!
Your skin will appear sunburned & they usually cover huge sections of your body at once! It is common for sufferers to develop a fever or become very ill. Erythrodermic Psoriasis can also be life threatening, so do contact a doctor immediately!
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Cycle of Psoriasis
Most individuals with Psoriasis will experience “cycles” of symptoms. Severe symptoms may happen for a few days or weeks, and they’ll clear up after that. After a few weeks or earlier if triggered, your condition may flare up again.
What causes Psoriasis?
After decades of research, there are 2 key factors which causes Psoriasis: The immune system & genetics.
- Immune system: Psoriasis is a condition which is autoimmune. This basically means that your white blood cells mistakenly attack your skin cells.
Our white blood cells are supposed to be destroying bacteria & infections. However, this mistaken attack causes our skin-cell production to rapidly speed up. Hence, they’re pushed to our skin’s surface where they pile up.
- Genetics: Our risk of developing Psoriasis is higher if we have an immediate family member with the same condition. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), only 2% to 3% of sufferers who inherit these genes will develop Psoriasis.
5 common triggers of Psoriasis
- Stress: A high level of stress may trigger flare-ups. Learning to manage & reduce your stress can reduce & possibly prevent flare-ups. Speak to our dermatologists to find out some of the ways to reduce stress.
- Alcohol: Excessively abusing the intake of alcohol can trigger flare-ups. Reducing alcohol consumption also does better for our general health. Speak to our doctors to quit drinking if you need help.
- Injuries: Accidents, cuts, shots, sunburns & vaccines can trigger flare-ups.
- Medications: Certain medications can trigger flare-ups, such as: Antimalarial medications, high blood pressure medications & lithium.
- Infections: When we’re battling an infection, our immune system will work harder to fight the infection. This may cause some of our white blood cells to mistakenly attack our healthy skin cells, which leads to the rapid overgrowth of skin.
We’re thrilled to introduce Enbrel! It is a type of biologic medicine to treat moderate to severe plague psoriasis in patients who’re benefiting from systemic therapies.
Enbrel works by suppressing specific areas of your immune system to assist in stopping your skin cells from growing rapidly. You should expect to see 50% to 75% improvements after 3 months onwards (results may vary).
ENBREL
However, please kindly note that there are possible risks & side effects when using Enbrel. Please let our doctors know of your existing medical conditions. For the full details, please visit: https://www.enbrel.com/plaque-psoriasis/pso-enbrel-treatment-results
Psoriasis is known & linked to an overproduction of proteins, including one protein called “TNF-Alpha”. The overproduction of TNF-Alpha causes inflammation.
Humira basically targets & blocks TNF-Alpha!
Who is suitable for Humira?
Humira is a prescription medicine meant for adults with moderate to severe plague psoriasis & are ready for systemic therapies.
HUMIRA
Results? We’re glad to inform you that you can see approximately 75% to 90% psoriasis clearance as little as 4 months! Please kindly note that results may vary between each individual.
After the assessment & consultation, our doctors will guide you with regards to the exact usage of Humira (if you’re suitable for it).
It is also important that you let our doctors know of any existing medical conditions as there are possible risks & side effects from Humira. For the full list of risks & side effects, please kindly visit: https://www.humira.com/psoriasis/safety-side-effects
We have 2 other treatments to reduce the symptoms.
- Mild to Moderate Psoriasis: We’ll prescribe certain creams & ointments such as (but not limited to): Topical Corticosteroids, Topical Retinoids, Anthralin, Moisturizer & Salicylic Acids
- Moderate to Severe Psoriasis: We’ll prescribe certain medications such as (but not limited to): Methotrexate, Cyclosporine, Biologics & Retinoids.
It is also important to let our doctors know about your lifestyle. We’ll also propose dietary & lifestyle changes to help you to reduce & manage Psoriasis.
We have 2 other treatments to reduce the symptoms.
- Mild to Moderate Psoriasis: We’ll prescribe certain creams & ointments such as (but not limited to): Topical Corticosteroids, Topical Retinoids, Anthralin, Moisturizer & Salicylic Acids
- Moderate to Severe Psoriasis: We’ll prescribe certain medications such as (but not limited to): Methotrexate, Cyclosporine, Biologics & Retinoids.
It is also important to let our doctors know about your lifestyle. We’ll also propose dietary & lifestyle changes to help you to reduce & manage Psoriasis.
We’re just 1 call away from helping you to manage Psoriasis. Call us at 6221 8221 now to arrange for a consultation with our Doctors!