What causes thick, scaly, and red patches on my skin?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 31 years old and have been getting thick, scaly, red patches on my elbows and scalp. They come and go, and sometimes they itch or crack and bleed. A skin specialist said it looks like psoriasis. I would like to know what causes this condition and if it is something I will have for the rest of my life. I also feel embarrassed about how it looks.

Are there treatments that can help without strong side effects?
Can stress or certain foods make it worse?
Is it contagious?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person through touch or any other means. It is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing inflammation and changes in the skin. Psoriasis is usually a lifelong condition with no known cure, but it can be effectively managed with the right treatment. The symptoms may come and go, with periods of flare-ups and remission, so ongoing care is often needed.

There are several treatments available that can relieve symptoms without causing strong side effects. Topical treatments such as vitamin D analogues like Calcipotriol, Calcitriol, and Tacalcitol can help with mild to moderate psoriasis by slowing down skin cell growth and reducing inflammation. Calcineurin inhibitors such as Tacrolimus and Pimecrolimus are also helpful, especially on sensitive areas like the face, and do not thin the skin.

Moisturizers, oatmeal baths, and aloe vera can also help soothe the skin and reduce itching. Phototherapy using narrowband ultraviolet B light is a common treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis. It helps by slowing skin cell growth and calming the immune response. For more severe cases, biologic medicines such as Etanercept, Secukinumab, and Adalimumab are available. These target specific parts of the immune system and may have fewer side effects compared to traditional immunosuppressing drugs.

Stress is a well-known trigger for psoriasis and can make symptoms worse. Many people notice that flare-ups happen during or after stressful events. Certain foods may also increase inflammation and trigger symptoms. These can include red meat, processed foods, sugar, and foods high in saturated fat. Some people are also sensitive to gluten or nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers. However, food triggers can vary from person to person, so it is important to notice what affects your symptoms. Probable cause and diagnosis are psoriasis.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer.

For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.