Skin diseases are among the most bothersome ailments, often accompanied by symptoms like itching and redness. Since the skin affects other parts of the body, it can later lead to internal diseases. Dr. Salah Omar Al-Kharraz, a dermatologist at Moonlight Center in Dubai, with a Master's degree (UK) and American Board Certification in Cosmetic Dermatology, discusses psoriasis, its causes, and treatment methods.
Psoriasis is a common, chronic, and non-contagious skin disease. It is often caused by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors that disrupt the body's immune system. A type of immune cell responsible for fighting harmful and foreign substances mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. The body responds to this attack by rapidly and excessively producing healthy skin cells. Dead skin cells cannot shed quickly enough, leading to their accumulation in thick, scaly patches on the skin's surface. This process continues unabated unless appropriate treatment is implemented.
Patients with psoriasis are more susceptible than others to these diseases, and depending on the severity of the condition, these complications may be direct or indirect, such as: bacterial skin infections, autoimmune arthritis, eye disorders and infections, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, other autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease), kidney disease, depression, social isolation, and low self-esteem.
Dr. Salah noted that there are many cases of patients suffering from dandruff for a long time that does not respond to any traditional treatment or dandruff shampoo. Upon examination, a specialist can easily confirm that the patient has scalp psoriasis, which appears as a red surface covered with silvery or white scales, accompanied by inflammation of the scalp. The condition may be confined to a small patch or extend to include the entire scalp, forehead, and behind the ears.
Dr. Salah emphasizes that one of the most important goals of treatment is to stop the overproduction of skin cells, remove excess skin, and smooth the surface. Psoriasis treatments are thus divided into four categories: topical treatments, oral treatments, phototherapy, and injectable biological therapy.
It's important to note that the type of treatment is chosen based on the type of psoriasis, its severity, and the location of the affected area. Sometimes, these treatments are combined to achieve the desired results.
Topical treatments: These include creams and ointments that often contain corticosteroids and moisturizing agents. They are effective in treating mild to moderate cases.
Oral treatments: These are used in severe cases or those that don't improve with other treatments. These medications work by regulating the body's immune system.
Phototherapy: This treatment involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light, either natural or artificial.
Injectable biological therapy: This is one of the newest methods for treating psoriasis and is still under continuous development. It has proven effective in treating cases resistant to traditional treatments.
Dr. Salah stressed the need for the patient to be patient, strong, and have high morale during the treatment period in order to overcome the disease, as it is a chronic disease that may affect the patient’s psyche. Treatment must be continued periodically, and stress and anger must be avoided in order to achieve the desired results.