Psoriasis Specialists in Janpath, Delhi

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition in which the immune system causes skin cells to grow much faster than normal, leading to thick, scaly patches called plaques that commonly appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. The rapid skin cell turnover results in a buildup of cells on the skin's surface before old cells can be shed properly. It follows an unpredictable course with periods of flares and remission, and can be triggered or worsened by stress, infections, and certain medications. Beyond the skin, psoriasis is associated with joint inflammation and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Causes of Psoriasis

Caused by an overactive immune response that accelerates skin cell production, with a strong genetic component that increases susceptibility. Triggers for flares include infections, skin injury, stress, cold weather, smoking, heavy alcohol use, and certain medications such as lithium or beta-blockers.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

Thick red patches covered with silvery scales, itching or burning sensation, dry cracked skin that may bleed, thickened or pitted nails, joint pain and stiffness if psoriatic arthritis develops, scalp scaling, soreness around affected patches

Treatment & Types of Psoriasis in Janpath, Delhi

Mild to moderate psoriasis is managed with topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, and moisturizers, while moderate to severe disease often requires phototherapy or systemic treatments including biologic agents that target specific immune pathways. Lifestyle modifications such as stress reduction and avoiding known triggers help minimize flare frequency.

The most common form is plaque psoriasis, presenting as thick, scaly patches on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, but several other recognized types exist: guttate psoriasis, appearing as small, drop-shaped spots often triggered by a streptococcal throat infection; pustular psoriasis, featuring pus-filled blisters; inverse psoriasis, affecting skin folds with smooth, red patches rather than scaling; and erythrodermic psoriasis, a rare but severe form causing widespread redness and skin shedding over most of the body that requires urgent treatment.

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