Psoriasis is a condition of the skin that is caused by an overactive immune system of the sufferer. In this condition, the skin develops inflammation, slaking, and thick, white, silver or red patches. It can be managed with steroid creams, occlusion, and some therapies with light and oral medications such as biologics. Psoriasis is one of the most unpredictable and irritating skin diseases where the cells start to grow faster than their usual growth rate. This disease generally affects our immune system and metabolism, which cause such abnormalities. Further, the underlying cells reach the surface of the skin and get accumulated causing red plaques which are covered with white scales. It basically occurs on the knees, nails, skin folds, scalp, torso and sole of the feet.

Diagnosis of psoriasis
Diagnosing a disease is a crucial task in order to correctly treat it. In most cases, your doctor or dermatologist could easily identify psoriasis by examining your skin. However, sometimes he/she cannot do so because this disease looks much like eczema. In such cases, he may have to perform certain tests so that he can be sure of the disease and severity of it.

• Biopsy
  In a biopsy, a doctor removes a small sample of your skin and examines it under a microscope to understand the changes in the skin. This helps to establish and determine the fact that a person is suffering from psoriasis or not.
• X-rays
  If a person shows symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, which are swollen joints and painful joints, an X-Ray can be taken. The doctor may also ask for a blood sample to perform a blood test. X-Ray is done because there are some forms of arthritis which cannot be found only with a blood test.

Treatment for  psoriasis
Psoriasis cannot be totally cured but there are ways which could ease the symptoms of this disease. One could opt for a combination of certain treatments so as to increase the chances of relief. Some of the ways include:

• Phototherapy
  In this treatments method, the skin is exposed to a certain degree of radiation from the sun or any ultraviolet light, which helps in easing the symptoms of this disease. One could do this at home rather than a doctor’s unit. There are many new methods such as Xtrac laser or highly focused UVB light available these days.
• Medications
  These are opted for only when other treatments fail to have any positive impact. Such pills are given under high supervision because these medicines are more likely to have a harsh side effect on the patient.
• Moisturizers and emollients
  One could use moisturizers to control inflammation and itching to a great extent. Greasy lotions, when applied as a thick layer, could help trap moisture inside your skin, which works best for this disease.
• Coal tar
  This could help in encouraging the normal growth of skin cells and can also make your skin look much better.

The doctor is likely to suggest creams, lotions, sprays, and ointments that could be directly applied to the affected area. But getting an early diagnosis is essential so that psoriasis doesn’t lead to other skin complications.