Managing Psoriasis Can Be Challenging, Here's Some Coping Strategies
In a growing number of cases, people with psoriasis are reporting skin pain as a common symptom. According to a 2020 study, as many as 92.9% of individuals with the condition have experienced skin cancer. This statistic underscores the importance of understanding and managing this often overlooked aspect of psoriasis.
Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition, is not contagious but can be triggered by various factors such as cold, dry weather, stress, illness, skin injury, certain medications, smoking, and alcohol consumption. It is associated with joint and musculoskeletal pain due to psoriatic arthritis, a related condition that affects around 30% of psoriasis patients.
The exact cause of psoriasis remains unknown, but it appears to be linked to genetics and an overactive immune system. In a 2015 study, about 44 percent of participants with plaque psoriasis reported experiencing skin cancer in the last week. This pain can interfere with daily activities, sleep, and general well-being.
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to manage psoriasis and its associated pain. Good skin care, including gentle cleansing and adequate moisturizing, is recommended. Skipping exfoliation and using your hands to soap up are recommended for gentle skin care when managing psoriasis. The American Academy of Dermatology also advises limiting baths and showers, using gentle soap, and applying moisturizer immediately after bathing to prevent dryness and irritation.
Common treatments for psoriasis include topical steroid medication, oral medications, injections, and biologics like Humira, Enbrel, Taltz, Cosentyx, and Stelara. For painful psoriasis, topical creams with urea, salicylic acid, aloe vera, or omega fatty acids are often prescribed. Controlled UV light therapy (phototherapy), often combined with psoralen creams, is also used. Laser therapy for stubborn plaques and sulfur baths based on sulfur’s anti-inflammatory properties are other treatment options. These treatments target reducing skin inflammation, scaling, and redness, aiming to alleviate symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
If psoriasis is moderate or severe, or doesn't get better with topical medication, other treatment options may include methotrexate, fumaric acid esters, ciclosporin, and more. Regular bloodwork and discussions with your doctor are necessary when taking medications for psoriasis to understand potential side effects and health risks.
It's essential to discuss skin cancer with your doctor, as it may indicate risk of infection, potential psoriatic arthritis, or rapid worsening of psoriasis. In addition, by tracking symptoms, individuals may uncover patterns of flare-ups related to allergies, certain foods, alcohol consumption, or weather changes.
Psoriasis affects more than 7.5 million adults in the U.S., making it a significant health concern. However, with the right treatments and care, the impact of psoriasis on individuals' lives can be significantly reduced.
