Stress, infections (such as streptococcal throat infections), skin injuries, certain medications (such as lithium, antimalarial drugs, and beta-blockers), smoking, and alcohol consumption are among the most common triggers for psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition. Psoriasis may present itself in several ways, but the most common one is plaque psoriasis, which looks like red, elevated areas coated in a silvery-white accumulation of dead skin cells (scales). Another kind of psoriasis is guttate psoriasis, which manifests as tiny, dot-like lesions silvery-white (Grozdev & Korman, 2021). Inverse psoriasis affects folds of skin like the armpits and groin. Pustular psoriasis involves lumps packed with pus, and erythrodermic psoriasis causes redness and scaling all over the skin.
Topical corticosteroids and vitamin D analogs are among the treatment choices for psoriasis. Systemic drugs including methotrexate, cyclosporine, and biologics are also available. The severity of K.B.’s lesions suggests that a systematic treatment may be necessary in light of her widespread recurrence. In such circumstances, biological medicines that target particular components of the immune response implicated in psoriasis, such as TNF-alpha or IL-17 inhibitors, may be beneficial. When it comes to extensive participation, phototherapy (light therapy) might also be helpful (Armstrong & Read, 2020). In addition to medication, non-pharmacological interventions such as learning to manage stress, eating a balanced diet, not smoking, and regularly moisturizing the skin can help with symptom management and preventing flare-ups.
The possibility for drug interactions between K.B.’s psoriasis therapies and her other drugs makes a comprehensive medication evaluation and reconciliation all the more important in this instance. Some drugs, such as lithium or beta-blockers, might make psoriasis symptoms worse or make it harder for therapy to work (Armstrong & Read, 2020). On the flip side, methotrexate and other psoriasis therapies may interact with other drugs and should be monitored closely for liver function issues; modifications to the treatment plan may be necessary to avoid side effects while still getting the job done.
Patients suffering from psoriasis may encounter several other symptoms and medical conditions in addition to cutaneous manifestations. Psoriatic arthritis, changes to the nails (such as pitting or detachment from the nail bed), and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and depression are some of the symptoms that may accompany psoriasis (Grozdev & Korman, 2021). The significance of holistic treatment and management that takes into account both the cutaneous and systemic components of psoriasis cannot be overstated, as the illness may affect more than just the skin.
Armstrong, A. W., & Read, C. (2020). Pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of psoriasis: a review. Jama, 323(19), 1945-1960.
Grozdev, I., & Korman, N. J. (2021). Psoriasis: epidemiology, potential triggers, disease course. Advances in Psoriasis: A Multisystemic Guide, 27-37.
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