Psoriasis Specialists in Karnataka
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 c…
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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.
Moderate
Common — affects about 2-3% of the global population
No
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 Karnataka
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.
Dermatology Specialists in Karnataka (0)
No specialists listed yet in Karnataka — browse all doctors instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is psoriasis contagious?
No, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, not an infection, so it cannot be spread to others through touch or close contact. This is a common misconception that can add unnecessary social stigma to an already visible condition.
Can psoriasis be cured completely?
There is no permanent cure since it has an autoimmune basis, but most people achieve good long-term control of flares with the right combination of topical treatment, phototherapy, or biologic medication. Many patients experience long periods of remission with consistent treatment.
Does psoriasis affect more than just the skin?
Yes, psoriasis is linked to joint inflammation in the form of psoriatic arthritis in a meaningful proportion of patients, and it also raises the risk of cardiovascular disease, so ongoing monitoring covers more than skin symptoms alone. Reporting new joint pain or stiffness to a dermatologist is worthwhile even if the skin is well controlled.
What triggers a psoriasis flare?
Common triggers include infections, skin injury, stress, cold weather, smoking, heavy alcohol use, and certain medications such as lithium or beta-blockers. Identifying and limiting personal triggers, alongside treatment, helps reduce how often flares occur.
Do biologic medications for psoriasis weaken the immune system dangerously?
Biologics target specific immune pathways involved in psoriasis and do modestly raise infection risk, but they are generally well tolerated with appropriate monitoring and screening before starting treatment. A dermatologist will weigh the benefits against this risk for moderate to severe disease that hasn't responded to other treatments.