Psoriasis: A Non-contagious Skin Disease

Psoriasis is an inflammatory but non-contagious skin disease. It represents erythematous reddish in color) scaly plaques. The extent of the spread of the plaques may be limited (about 5% of body surface) or widespread (40 to 50% of the body surface). The course of psoriasis has been found to be chronic and associated with remission and relapses. Psoriasis is characterized by hyperproliferation of epidermal keratinocytes. There could be abnormal differentiation of keratinocytes. The worldwide prevalence is around 3%. The racial, geographical and environmental factors do influence the prevalence of psoriasis. Male and female adults of lower, middle or higher age groups are equally affected by psoriasis. Genetic and environmental factors equally contribute to the etiopathogenesis of this disease. However, exact etiology is not known. Classical lesions start as erythematous papules, which gradually enlarge and merge together to form scaly plaques. Factors like trauma, bacterial infections, intake of drugs like antimalarials, lithium and beta blockers could aggravate the lesions. Other aggravating factors include the sunlight, hypocalcaemia (low level of calcium in the blood), alcohol and smoking. Complications apart from the disease and treatment include: itching, skin infection, eczematization, arthritis and nephritis in very chronic and poorly treated cases. The treatment of psoriasis depends on the age, sex and general health of the patient. The management of patients affected by psoriasis has to be individualized depending on the lifestyle and affordability of the treatment. The disease is effectively curable with topical application of various lotions along with anti-inflammatory drugs and to some extent with peritoneal dialysis or hemo-dialysis. Patients are advised to consult a dermatologist for further advice and treatment.