Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, non-infectious autoimmune disease that primarily affects the skin, but can also affect the joints (psoriatic arthritis). It is characterized by accelerated proliferation of epidermal cells, leading to the formation of characteristic, red, scaly skin lesions. These lesions most often occur on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, but can appear on any part of the body.

The causes of psoriasis are not fully understood, but it is known that an abnormal immune response plays a key role. Genetic factors have a significant impact on the development of the disease, but environmental factors such as stress, infections, certain medications or skin trauma are also important. Psoriasis can significantly affect the quality of life of patients, causing not only physical discomfort but also psychological and social problems. The disease is chronic with periods of exacerbations and remissions, and its course can be very diverse - from mild, limited lesions to severe cases covering a large area of the body.

Psoriasis Prevention

While you can’t completely prevent psoriasis, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of flare-ups and improve your skin’s overall health:
Moisturizing your skin regularly to prevent it from drying out and cracking.
Avoiding skin irritants like harsh soaps and detergents.
Limit your exposure to stress and learn relaxation techniques.
Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Get moderate exposure to sunlight (under the supervision of a doctor).
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and stop smoking.
Get regular, moderate exercise.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Avoid skin trauma and excessive rubbing.
See regular check-ups with a dermatologist.
Keep your skin clean but not too dry.
Avoid infections by building up your immune system.
When possible, limit the use of medications that can worsen psoriasis.
Taking care of healthy sleep and regular rest hours.

Psoriasis treatment

Psoriasis treatment is a long-term and individualized process, aimed at controlling symptoms and improving the patient's quality of life. Therapy usually begins with local treatment, which is the basis in most cases. The most commonly used preparations are corticosteroids, vitamin D3 analogues, retinoids and calcineurin inhibitors.

If local treatment is ineffective, phototherapy is used, mainly narrowband UVB or PUVA. For patients with more extensive changes or resistant to the above methods, systemic treatment is introduced. The most commonly used drugs are methotrexate, cyclosporine and acitretin.

In severe cases or when conventional methods fail, biological drugs are used. These are modern preparations that selectively block specific immune pathways, such as TNF-α, IL-17 or IL-23 inhibitors. They are characterized by high effectiveness, but require close monitoring.

In addition to pharmacotherapy, supportive therapies such as balneotherapy or psychotherapy play an important role. Regular adherence to medical recommendations and daily skin care are key. Although psoriasis is a chronic disease, with proper treatment and self-care it is possible to effectively control its symptoms and lead a normal life.