Psoriasis is primarily caused by an accelerated skin cell turnover. Normally, skin cells are replaced about once a month, but in individuals with psoriasis, this cycle shortens to just 4–5 days.

Other factors include:

• Genetics: as it often runs in families
  
  
• Infection triggers: such as strep & staph
  
  
• Stress: can make any medical condition worse
  
  
• Medications: such as beta blockers, lithium & steroids
  
  
• Nicotine & alcohol
  
  
• Foods: very rare flare factors, including gluten & acidic foods

While there's no cure for psoriasis, there are several natural remedies that can help alleviate symptoms:

• Oatmeal Baths: Relieves itching, reduces inflammation, and moisturizes
  
  
• Dead Sea Salt Baths: rich in magnesium, helping to reduce inflammation and support the skin’s natural healing process
• Probiotics: Maintains gut health, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing
  
  
• Stress Management: Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises reduce stress, a common psoriasis trigger
  
  

Always consult a dermatologist for psoriasis in Chennai before trying new remedies. Natural remedies may not work for everyone.

Lifestyle Changes:

• Maintain a healthy diet
  
  
• Stay hydrated
  
  
• Exercise regularly
  
  
• Manage stress
  
  
• Get enough sleep
  
  

By incorporating these natural remedies and lifestyle changes, you can help alleviate psoriasis symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

Summer and Winter Skin Care Tips for Psoriasis

Summer:

1. Stay hydrated
   
   
2. Protect skin from sun (SPF 30+)
   
   
3. Keep cool
   
   
4. Moisturize frequently
   
   
5. Avoid triggers
   
   

Winter:

1. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize
   
   
2. Use gentle, fragrance-free products
   
   
3. Avoid harsh soaps
   
   
4. Stay hydrated
   
   
5. Use a humidifier
   
   

Remember to consult your dermatologist, the psoriasis specialist in Chennai, for personalized advice!

 Phototherapy, also known as light therapy, uses specific wavelengths of light to treat psoriasis. Phototherapy helps improve psoriasis by:

• Reducing inflammation
  
  
• Slowing down skin cell growth
  
  
• Reducing scaling and thickness
  
  
• Combination therapy with topical or systemic treatments for better results
  
  

Common types of phototherapy for psoriasis include:

• UVB (ultraviolet B)
  
  
• Narrowband UVB
  
  
• PUVA (psoralen + UVA)
  
  

Consult your dermatologist to determine the best phototherapy treatment for your psoriasis. Schedule an appointment for psoriasis treatment in Chennai.

 Narrowband UVB phototherapy is a type of light treatment that uses a specific range of ultraviolet B (UVB) light to treat various skin conditions, including psoriasis. Narrowband refers to the specific wavelength of UVB light used, which is between 311–313 nanometers. This range is narrower than broadband UVB, which uses a wider range of wavelengths.

Home Phototherapy Devices for UV light therapy for psoriasis:

1. Handheld devices: Portable, convenient, and easy to use
   
   
2. Light panels: Larger coverage area, often used for full-body treatment
   
   
3. Cabinets: Enclosed units for full-body treatment, often used for severe psoriasis
   
   

Remember: Consult your dermatologist before starting home phototherapy to ensure proper treatment and safety guidelines.

The Excimer laser is a specialized form of ultraviolet light therapy that delivers a high-intensity beam to precisely target affected areas of the skin.  Excimer laser helps in psoriasis by:

• Reducing inflammation
  
  
• Slowing down skin cell growth
  
  
• Improving skin clarity
  
  

Benefits:

1. Targeted treatment: Only affects treated areas, minimizing side effects
2. Fast treatment: Sessions usually last between 15 to 30 minutes
3. Fewer treatments: May require fewer sessions compared to other treatments
   
   

Consult a dermatologist to determine if Excimer laser treatment is suitable for your psoriasis. MetaDerm offers the best psoriasis laser treatment in Chennai.

Vitamin A medications are available in both topical and oral forms and are commonly known as retinoids. Dermatologists use these agents not only for psoriasis but also for a variety of other skin conditions. When combined with phototherapy, retinoids can be particularly effective in managing psoriasis.

Topical vitamin A comes in the form of creams or gels and is available in different strengths. It helps regulate the excessive skin cell production seen in psoriasis and reduces inflammation, easing redness and discomfort.
Oral vitamin A tablets are typically prescribed for moderate to severe cases of psoriasis.

Vitamin A is useful for treating many forms of psoriasis, including:

• Patches of psoriasis, termed chronic plaque psoriasis
  
  
• Guttate psoriasis or small scattered lesions
  
  
• Scalp psoriasis affecting the hairline
  
  
• Nail psoriasis
  
  
• Flexural psoriasis
  
  

Hand & foot psoriasis

 Vitamin A treatments are generally safe but may cause mild side effects such as skin redness, stinging, or a burning sensation. These medications can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it's important to limit sun exposure and use broad-spectrum sunscreen while using them.

Unlike corticosteroids, vitamin A products do not thin the skin. Instead, they help reduce the thickness of psoriatic plaques.

Women who are pregnant or planning to conceive should avoid these treatments. It’s essential to speak with your dermatologist to explore safe alternatives during pregnancy.

 Vitamin D is beneficial in treating various types of psoriasis. It plays a vital role in regulating skin cell production and helps your body absorb minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. Calcipotriene, a synthetic form of vitamin D, helps control the abnormal skin cell growth that characterizes psoriasis.

 When applied once or twice daily, calcipotriol is effective for most patients and is generally well-tolerated. It can be safely used for long periods, and the benefits often become noticeable within one to two months.

For enhanced results, dermatologists may recommend combining vitamin D treatments with other therapies, such as phototherapy, to speed up skin clearance.