July 8, 2024July 8, 2024 By Zero Artistic

Psoriasis in the ears

Psoriasis in the Ears: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care

Psoriasis in the ears is a rare and auto-immune condition that affects the outer and inner parts of the ears. The condition is chronic, as dead skin cells accumulate largely in the affected areas. The accumulated dead cells affect the skin in the form of scales or wax, which blocks the ear canal, leading to temporary hearing loss, which is medically termed sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Treatments are available to prevent hearing loss and severity.

Overview

What is psoriasis in the ears?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that occurs in different forms in various parts of the body. But psoriasis affecting the ears is a rare condition. It can affect any region of the ears, like the ear folds, ear lobe, inner ear (ear canal), or outer region of the ear. However, psoriasis won’t spread deep inside the ears and won’t affect delicate parts like the eardrums, which can lead to permanent hearing loss. Psoriasis in the ears can range from mild to severe, depending on the condition.

What types of psoriasis affect my ears?

Many types of psoriasis can affect the regions of the ears. The forms of psoriasis that affect the ears more commonly are:

- Plaque Psoriasis: This type of psoriasis affects the inner or outer regions of the ears as thick and scaly patches that are itchy and reddish.

Inverse psoriasis: This type of psoriasis affects particularly the ear folds as inflamed and itchy plaques.

Sebopsoriasis: This type is a condition where psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis occur together. This form causes pus-filled bumps and yellowish-scaly plaques in the inner or outer regions of the ears.

To whom does psoriasis affect the ears?

Ranging from children to adult men and women, anyone can get affected by psoriasis in the ears. However, people who are affected by other forms of psoriasis or have a genetic history of psoriasis have a higher risk of developing the condition.

Is psoriasis common in your ears?

Psoriasis in the ears is very rare, as most psoriasis affects parts like the hands, legs, back, scalp, and neck. Though it is rare in the ears, there are higher chances of developing psoriatic flare-ups in other parts of the body if you are already suffering from psoriasis.

Difference – psoriasis and eczema in the ears?

Both eczema and psoriasis cause similar symptoms of reddish and itchy plaques in the ears. Eczema is a common condition that can affect any region of the body, including the ears. Psoriasis is a complicated condition that can affect any person on any part of the body. Psoriasis in the ears is mostly experienced by people who are already suffering from other forms of psoriasis, but eczema in and around the ears is mainly caused by genetics, poor environmental factors, or other infections. In terms of symptoms, psoriasis in the ears causes flaky and scaly plaques. On the other hand, eczema in the ears causes small bumps and excess dryness. It is very hard to differentiate between these similar conditions on your own. Only experienced doctors can differentiate it thoroughly.

Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms of psoriasis in the ears

Symptoms of psoriasis in the ears mostly look like a patch that is itchy, scaly, discolored, and dry. The symptom causes a burning sensation and is medically called plaques. Scratching these affected areas will worsen the symptoms of bleeding and inflammation, which can also affect the nearby areas. The formed plaques usually accumulate largely in the affected areas and cause blocked ears or temporary hearing loss. Psoriasis in the ears also has a higher chance of spreading to other areas of the face like the eyes, mouth, and nose. In more complicated cases, it may also spread to the lips, tongue, and gums inside the mouth.

Causes of psoriasis in the ears?

The exact cause of psoriasis in the ears is not proven yet. However, the chemical process behind the condition is that it causes the immune system to overreact, which leads to the rapid production of new skin cells. For a healthy person, the skin cells usually shed and grow every 30 days. But for people with psoriasis in the ears, these new skin cells grow rapidly in 3 to 4 days. As the process is very quick, the dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of the skin instead of shedding. These accumulations affect the skin, causing inflammatory patches on it. Other conditions that trigger psoriasis in the ears include:

History of family genetics with psoriasis
Overdosage of certain medications
Any severe infections from microbes
Excess stress
Severe sunburn
Affected from other forms of psoriasis
Drinking too much alcohol
Smoking
Poor environmental factors

Can psoriasis in the ears cause hearing loss?

Psoriasis in the ears mostly affects the outer parts and ear pathways known as the ear canal. So the dead cells accumulate largely as psoriatic plaques, which block the ear and cause temporary hearing loss. This hearing loss can be treated with treatments. However, if the symptoms of psoriasis become severe and develop into psoriatic arthritis, it can affect the inner regions of the ear and cause permanent hearing loss. So it’s essential to consult with a doctor in the early stages.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is psoriasis in the ears diagnosed?

Initially, the doctor would diagnose the condition of your symptoms, followed by examining your complete medical history, including genetics. If there are excess dead skin cells blocking your ear, the doctor may use a small tool to remove the accumulation of dead skin cells using the method of Manual Extraction. If you feel your hearing ability is affected or have pain in the ear, you may want to consult an ENT specialist.

Management and Treatment

How do I get rid of psoriasis in my ears?

Xemsis: Formulated with the purest natural ingredients, this ointment can be effective for all types of skin conditions and has no side effects.
Ear Drops: If your canal has an excess accumulation of dead skin cells and causes pain, your doctor may recommend ear drops with salicylic acid to remove the scales and reduce inflammation.
Emollients: Doctors may provide moisturizers, creams, soaps, or lotions that have vitamin D and anti-inflammatory properties. Make sure that these topical treatments can be applied inside your ear canal.
Medications: Doctors may prescribe oral drugs or biological medications if you experience severe pain and bleeding.
Phototherapy: If psoriasis is very severe with excess inflammation and is turning into chronic psoriasis, doctors may provide ultraviolet laser therapy. The therapy is effective but has some side effects. Doctors prescribe it only for severe cases of psoriasis. Make sure of safety measures, as the skin in the ears is very sensitive.

Are there side effects of the treatment?

There will be no side effects from the treatments. But it’s important to avoid sticking any material, including cotton, fingers, or earbuds, into your ears, as the plaques may flake off and fall deep into your ear, causing hearing problems. Follow the guidelines of your doctor regularly.

How soon after treatment will I feel better?

You will feel some relief from itching and discomfort right after the treatment. But it may take several weeks, or even more, to get complete relief from the symptoms. Monitor your symptoms regularly to avoid any consequences.

Prevention

How can I prevent psoriasis in the ears?

There are no proven methods to prevent psoriasis in the ears. However, you can prevent the emergence of new flare-ups with some measures.

Avoid sticking fingers or earbuds to the ears
Avoid consuming excess alcohol and tobacco products
Identify the triggers, like sunburn and stress, and manage them effectively
Maintain good hygiene and keep your surroundings clean
Eat a healthy diet with more vegetables, fruits, grains, and proteins that support your immune system.

Living With psoriasis in the ears

When should I see my doctor?

Consult with your doctor without fail if:

You are experiencing hearing loss or find it difficult to hear
There is heavy swelling, oozing of fluids, or bleeding inside the ear
You are experiencing excess pain and itching in the affected areas
Your symptoms are spreading to the face.

Always keep in touch with your doctor and consistently follow his guidelines.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

Ask how to follow your medications
Ask if there is any possibility of side effects associated with the treatment
Inquire about how to prevent plaques from entering deep into the ears
Ask how long it would take to cure the condition completely
Inquire about any lifestyle changes or any measures to be followed
Inquire if there would be any need to visit an ENT specialist

Conclusion

Psoriasis in the ears is a long-lasting condition that affects the outer and inner parts of the ears. Treatments and medications work in stages to relieve you of the condition. You may feel excess pain or even have temporary hearing loss. However, consistency in following the doctor’s guidelines, following the preventive measures regularly, and keeping hope is the best option to overcome this psoriasis.

Reference

Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314768#treatment
Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/psoriasis-in-the-ears#children-and-infants
WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/psoriasis-in-ears
4. Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24942-psoriasis-in-ears

Rakhul Mathivanan

Rakhul Mathivanan, a writer and filmmaker, focuses on creating innovative and unique content through directing short films, writing scripts, blogs, articles, case studies, and website content. He loves to watch movies, read books, listen to music, and travel. He has also had expertise in the field of writing and filmmaking for over a year and works closely with Xemsis by providing them with well-researched blogs about psoriasis.

Psoriasis Treatment

July 6, 2024July 8, 2024 By Zero Artistic

Psoriasis on the Legs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management

Psoriasis on the Legs

Psoriasis on the legs is not a separate form of psoriasis. Still, many types of psoriasis, including plaque, inverse, guttate, pustular, erythrodermic, and psoriatic arthritis, can affect various regions of the legs like the knees, feet, groins, and thighs. Though this condition looks severe and infectious, it’s not contagious and won’t spread through any medium. The symptoms are usually flaky, itchy, inflamed, and cause skin discoloration.

Overview

Appearance of psoriasis on the legs

As many types of psoriasis can occur in the legs, their appearance changes for each type of psoriasis, such as inflammation, reddish patches, silvery plaques, or skin discoloration in brown, purple, or gray. Scratching of the affected areas due to excess itching may cause permanent scars on the skin.

Symptoms

Let’s see how different types of psoriasis have different symptoms on the legs.

Types	Symptoms
Inverse Psoriasis	This type causes shiny, itchy, and reddish rashes in the skin fold area of the legs, i.e., the groins.
Erythrodermic psoriasis	This type is rare and severe and causes reddish, scaly, and itchy patches that are inflamed and spread to larger areas. It can occur in any part of the leg.
Guttate Psoriasis	This type causes several drop-like, reddish lesions that can spread to any part of the legs. This condition usually occurs with a throat infection as the first sign.
Pustual Psoriasis	This type causes pus-filled bumps that can be itchy and painful. Mostly, it occurs in the feet but can also occur in other regions of the legs.
Psoriatic Arthritis	This is a dangerous type of psoriasis that causes excess swelling and inflammation with silvery scales in the joints of the legs. This condition develops severely over time and causes corrosion in the bones. This condition can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Causes and triggers

The exact cause of psoriasis on the legs has not been proven yet. However, the condition causes the immune system to overreact, which leads to the rapid production of new skin cells. For a healthy person, the skin cells usually shed and grow every 30 days. But for people with psoriasis, these new skin cells grow rapidly in 3 to 4 days. As the process is very quick, the dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of the skin in the legs instead of shedding. These accumulations affect the skin, causing psoriasis on the legs as inflammation, patches, flakes, scales, or plaques.

Other conditions that can trigger the growth of psoriasis on the legs are:

High dosages of certain medications
Overexposure to UV rays from the sun
Excess Stress
Hormonal changes
Allergic reactions from bacterial or viral infections
History of family genetics with psoriasis
Poor environmental factors
External injuries like wounds, cuts, burns, or insect bites
Consumption of alcohol and tobacco products.

Treatment for psoriasis on the legs

Topical Medicines: If you have small and less severe symptoms of psoriasis on the legs, doctors provide effective ointments like Xemsis or lotions and creams that have anti-inflammatory properties and reduce psoriatic symptoms. Oatmeal has excellent soothing properties and can be taken as an oatmeal bath to reduce the irritation caused by psoriasis on the legs.
Oral Drugs: If your symptoms are a little severe, doctors may provide medications containing methotrexate or immunosuppressants that have ingredients to calm down your psoriatic flare-ups. These medications may have complex dosages and side effects. So doctors may recommend avoiding some food types. It’s crucial to follow their guidelines.
Injections: To relieve you from excess pain and itching, doctors may recommend biological treatments or injections with antibiotics and pain medications.
Phototherapy: If your symptoms in the legs are fatal, doctors may recommend this phototherapy treatment. This treatment involves the process of passing ultraviolet lasers to your affected areas on the legs. The process is complex and may have some side effects.
Other than these, it is crucial to follow home remedies like maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress through meditation or yoga, and preferring acupuncture therapy with a licensed practitioner.

Summary

Psoriasis on the legs can be very challenging, affecting self-confidence and quality of life, depending on the type of psoriasis. Medications and treatments work in stages to relieve you of the condition. This condition can also be life-threatening if it is not treated properly. So it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s guidelines and stay positive.

Xemsis is an ointment formulated with effective natural ingredients after many years of research. It is prescribed by many dermatologists across India to treat psoriasis. Get relief from psoriatic symptoms in the legs today with Xemsis.

Reference

Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psoriasis-on-legs
2. My Psoriasis Team: https://www.mypsoriasisteam.com/resources/psoriasis-on-the-legs-how-it-looks-and-what-it-feels-like

psoriasis type

July 6, 2024July 8, 2024 By Zero Artistic

Genital psoriasis

Understanding Genital Psoriasis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Genital psoriasis is an inflammatory auto-immune condition that causes smooth, flaky, and itchy patches on and around the genital areas that are painful. This condition ranges from mild to severe and is more difficult to manage than other forms of psoriasis, as genital areas are usually moist and sensitive. Genital psoriasis usually looks like a sexually transmitted disease or yeast infection and may affect the love life of the affected person. However, if you and your partner are comfortable, you can engage in sexual activities. It’s not contagious and can be managed effectively with proper treatments.

Overview

What is genital psoriasis?

Genital psoriasis, also called vulvar, vaginal, or penile psoriasis, is a type of psoriasis that affects the genital areas like the groin, penis, vulva, creases between buttocks, pubis, and thighs. This condition is difficult to manage, so it is essential to consult a doctor.

Who gets genital psoriasis?

Mostly, genital psoriasis affects people who already have other forms of psoriasis. But it can also affect people of any age who are without psoriasis. Research says that 63% of people suffering from psoriasis get genital psoriasis at least once in their lifetime.

Is genital psoriasis the same as chronic psoriasis?

Chronic psoriasis is a common form of psoriasis, such as plaque psoriasis, that occurs in the skin as thick and scaly patches in various regions. Genetic psoriasis is a location-specific condition that occurs particularly in genital areas as shiny, flaky, and smooth patches. However, genital psoriasis is a form of chronic psoriasis that is slightly different from it in symptoms and treatments.

What’s the difference between genital psoriasis and eczema?

Both eczema and genital psoriasis cause similar symptoms of reddish and itchy patches on the skin. Eczema is a common condition that can affect any region of the body, including the genitals. Genital psoriasis is a specific form of psoriasis that affects only the genital regions. Genital psoriasis mostly affects people who are already suffering from other forms of psoriasis, but eczema in the genital regions is mainly caused by genetics, poor environmental factors, or other infections. In terms of symptoms, genital psoriasis causes milder itching with a heavy burning sensation. On the other hand, eczema in genital regions causes only itching that is heavy and may even result in bleeding. It is very hard to differentiate these similar conditions on your own. Only experienced doctors can differentiate it thoroughly.

Symptoms and Causes

Genital psoriasis symptoms

Symptoms of genital psoriasis include:

Thin, shiny, and smooth silvery scales in genital regions.
The color of the affected skin is usually pink or red.
The affected areas are cracked, causing itching, burning, and discomfort.
Depending on the affected areas of the genital region, the skin may either be moist or dry.
The silvery scales shed off as skin in genital areas rubs against each other when we move.

As some other conditions, like eczema and microbial infections, cause similar types of symptoms, it’s essential to consult a doctor to identify the condition.

Causes of genital psoriasis

The exact cause of genital psoriasis has not been proven yet. However, having a family history of psoriasis can be transferred through genetics. Firstly, the immune system malfunctions in the body, attacking its healthy cells rapidly instead of foreign particles. This results in the rapid production of new skin cells, which grow faster than normal. So the body can’t shed dead cells as quickly as new cells grow. This results in the accumulation of dead cells that settle on the surface of the skin instead of shedding. The buildup of dead skin cells causes inflammation and forms psoriasis. Other than this, a lot of other conditions trigger genital psoriasis, including:

Overgrowth of yeast
Skin injuries or microbial infections
Friction from certain types of clothing fabrics
Obesity
Drinking too much alcohol
Smoking
Poor environmental factors
Stress and
Certain medications.

Is genital psoriasis contagious?

No. Genital psoriasis isn’t contagious. However, it may look similar to other skin conditions, like sexually transmitted diseases, eczema, yeast, or microbial infections. So it is essential to consult your doctor to identify the condition and get advice from him about your sexual health.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is genital psoriasis diagnosed?

Doctors usually identify psoriasis by looking at the symptoms and medical history of your genetics. But as genital psoriasis looks similar to many other skin conditions, doctors may do a skin biopsy test to identify the condition exactly.

Management and Treatment

How do you get rid of genital psoriasis?

As the skin around genital areas is very sensitive, the treatment is usually different from other forms of psoriasis.

Topical Medicines: Doctors provide effective ointments like xemsis, lotions, gels, or corticosteroid creams that reduce the inflammation of patches.
Oral Drugs: If your symptoms are uncontrolled, doctors may provide medications like cyclosporine or infliximab. These medications may have complex dosages and side effects if taken over the long term. So doctors may recommend avoiding some food types. It’s crucial to follow their guidelines.
Injections: To relieve you from excess pain and itching, doctors may recommend biological treatments or injections such as cyclosporine or methotrexate. These drugs have high dosages, so the medications should be followed only under the supervision of professional doctors.

How soon after treatment will I feel better?

Genital psoriasis is a long-lasting condition that has no proven cure. Following the medications regularly will reduce the severity of the symptoms. The severity of the condition, skin sensitivity, dosage of medications, and underlying medical conditions, if any, will determine the effectiveness of treatment. Also, it’s important to follow your doctor’s guidelines for avoiding certain things.

Prevention

Can genital psoriasis be prevented?

There are no proven measures to prevent genital psoriasis. However, there are some ways to prevent new flare-ups.

Apply Xemsis regularly, as prescribed
Maintaining a clean environment
Using mild and chemical-free soaps that are recommended by doctors
Moisturize your affected areas using pure coconut oil
Wearing loose-fit pants and underwear
Limiting shower times
Managing stress
Have a balanced diet with rich nutrients
Avoid consuming alcohol and tobacco products

Living With Genital Psoriasis

When should I see my doctor?

You should visit your doctor without fail if:

Your symptoms are getting worse day by day
You have severe pain and itching in the affected areas
You experience discomfort while using toilets or having sex
You are experiencing new medical conditions like nausea or fatigue.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

Ask about the potential triggers and risk factors associated with your condition
Ask about how you can manage your sexual activities. If you are comfortable, visit the doctor with your partner.
Ask how often you should take your medications
Ask about any possible side effects of your medications
Ask how you can change your lifestyle to treat your condition more effectively
Ask if there are any foods to be avoided
Ask about warning signs so that you can be cautious about your condition

Conclusion

Genital psoriasis is a long-lasting condition that affects the sensitive genital areas and impacts the quality of life. Treatments and medications work in stages to relieve you of the condition. You may feel low self-esteem and embarrassment in public places. However, consistency in following the doctor’s guidelines, following the preventive measures regularly, and keeping hope is the best option to overcome this psoriasis.