Psoriasis: Know the Symptoms, Causes, and available Treatments from Dermatology Specialist

Key points on psoriasis (from the dermatologist)

• What it is: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune, non-contagious skin condition where the immune system becomes overactive and triggers faster skin-cell turnover. This leads to thick, scaly, often itchy or painful plaques.
• Why it’s chronic: There is no cure mentioned, so it requires long-term management. With modern treatments, many patients can reach very clear skin.
• Risk factors (causes/triggers):
  • Genetics/family history (but not everyone with genetics develops psoriasis)
  • Environmental/lifestyle triggers:
    • Stress
    • Cigarette smoking
    • Alcohol
    • Infections/illness
    • Skin trauma
  • Medications and weather changes may trigger flares for some people

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How psoriasis can affect overall health (multi-system)

Psoriasis is described as multisystemic, not only skin-deep.

Common associated conditions mentioned

• Psoriatic arthritis / arthritis (rheumatologic disease)
• Cardiovascular/metabolic risks:
  • Hypertension
  • Diabetes
  • High/“unhealthy” cholesterol
  • Cardiovascular disease
• Obesity (also increases risk and can worsen control)
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Eye problems
• Liver and kidney problems (also mentioned)

Quality-of-life impacts

• Stigma/misconceptions
• Mental health effects: anxiety, depression, and reports of suicidal thoughts (as noted in the discussion)

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Wellness, self-care, and prevention strategies discussed

Early detection + early treatment

• If you notice suspicious plaques/lesions (or you already have psoriasis), see a board-certified dermatologist early to prevent worsening/complications.

Lifestyle adjustments to reduce flares

• Manage stress (noted as a common trigger)
• Avoid smoking
• Limit alcohol (moderation mentioned: about 1 glass/day for females, 2 glasses/day for males)
• Maintain a well-balanced diet to support overall metabolic health
  • No single “proven food” was singled out as directly causing flares, but overall health and associated metabolic conditions matter.

Weight management

• Obesity increases risk of comorbidities and can make psoriasis harder to control.

Medication adherence with doctor supervision

• Especially with topical steroids:
  • Don’t use indefinitely on your own.
  • Topical steroids can have side effects (e.g., skin thinning).

Partner with specialists for monitoring

• Because psoriasis may involve other organs, patients should work with dermatology and monitor associated risks (arthritis, eyes, metabolic disease, etc.).

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Productivity/management tip (treatment approach)

• Treat-to-control, not “one-and-done”
  • The dermatologist emphasizes long-term management and close monitoring rather than stopping treatment when symptoms improve.

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Treatment options mentioned (as “types”)

Topicals (creams/ointments)

• Anti-inflammatory options (examples mentioned: steroid preparations, including for scalp like scalp solutions/shampoos)
• Must be used as properly prescribed, due to possible steroid-related side effects.

Oral medications

• Example mentioned: Methotrexate (also commonly used for arthritis; described as useful for psoriasis)
• Others mentioned:
  • Antihistamines for itchiness
  • Cyclosporin for certain cases

Phototherapy (UV therapy)

• Narrow-band UVB described (specific UVB range noted)
• Usually 2–3 times/week, with frequency reduced over time once controlled
• Requires time commitment and monitoring

Biologics (injectable medications)

• Presented as the newest category mentioned
• Often used for more extensive disease; may be combined with other approaches

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Diagnosis method highlighted

• Clinical diagnosis by a board-certified dermatologist using characteristic plaques in common locations (e.g., elbows, knees, lower back, scalp) and nail changes.
• Skin punch biopsy if diagnosis is uncertain:
  • A minor procedure involving a small-sample collection sent to a specialist for confirmation.

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Presenters / sources (credited in the subtitles)

• Dr. Sarah Barbacabiel (host)
• Dr. Anjali Eloise Torres Paulino — Dermatologist, Photomedicine Specialist, Makati Medical Center
• World Health Organization (WHO) (used as a source for prevalence/background statements)