Best Psoriasis Doctors in Kolkata

Psoriasis greatly impacts a person’s psychological and social status, affecting their quality of life. Individuals with psoriasis often have anxiety and depression, exhibit suicidal behaviour, and may engage in substance abuse. Getting help from your loved ones and support groups is crucial for coping with your condition effectively.

Engaging yourself in regular exercises and physical activity may improve psoriasis flares and increase the remission period. However, consult your doctor before starting any new regimen. Some people with psoriasis may benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help them change their negative thoughts and behaviors related to their condition.

Light therapy, or phototherapy, involves exposing the affected skin to UV light. This can be done using natural sunlight or artificial sources of UV light. The light helps to slow down the rapid growth of cells and reduce inflammation, improving psoriasis symptoms.

Apart from the skin, psoriasis can also affect joints, leading to psoriatic arthritis. It can cause joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness, potentially leading to joint damage if left untreated.

Yes, there is a genetic component to psoriasis. Research suggests that certain genes play a role in increasing the risk of developing psoriasis. However, having these genes does not guarantee that a person will develop psoriasis. Environmental factors also play a major role in triggering the condition.

Psoriasis is considered difficult to treat because it is a complex immune-mediated disease. It involves an overactive immune system that mistakenly starts attacking healthy skin cells, leading to the rapid growth of new skin cells. This abnormal immune response makes psoriasis challenging to control and manage.

No, psoriasis is not contagious and does not spread by touch. It is a noninfectious condition caused by an abnormal immune response and cannot be spread from person to person.

Yes, some treatments for psoriasis can have side effects. Topical medications may cause skin irritation or thinning of the skin with prolonged use. Phototherapy can increase the risk of sunburn and may have long-term effects on the skin. Hormonal changes and obesity can also trigger or worsen psoriasis. Systemic medications and biologic therapies may have potential side effects, such as liver and kidney problems, increased risk of infections, and other immune-related complications. However, the benefits of treatment usually outweigh the risks.

Psoriasis is a chronic condition, which means that there is no known cure. However, with appropriate treatment, psoriasis can be managed effectively, significantly improving symptoms and quality of life for most individuals.

A dermatologist usually diagnoses psoriasis through a physical examination of the affected skin. Sometimes, a small skin sample (biopsy) may be taken to confirm the diagnosis. Your medical history and family history of psoriasis will also be considered during the diagnosis.

The actual cause of psoriasis is not yet known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain triggers like stress, infections, injury to the skin, smoking, and alcohol consumption can worsen or trigger psoriasis in susceptible individuals.

Dermatologists are the specialists who primarily treat psoriasis. They have expertise in diagnosing and managing skin conditions, including psoriasis. In some cases, rheumatologists may also be involved in treating psoriatic arthritis, a condition that can occur in people with psoriasis.

Psoriasis symptoms include red patches of skin covered with silvery scales, dry and cracked skin that may bleed, thickened or pitted nails, itching or burning sensation in the affected areas, and swollen or stiff joints in some cases of psoriatic arthritis.

The treatment options for psoriasis include topical medications, phototherapy, systemic medications, and biologic therapies. Topical medications, including corticosteroids and vitamin D analogues, are commonly prescribed for mild to moderate conditions. Topical medications also include coal tar, salicylic acid, and calcineurin inhibitors. In phototherapy (light therapy), the affected skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, either with natural sunlight or artificial sources. Systemic medications and biologic therapies are used for severe cases and work by targeting the immune system.