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Psoriasis - Causes, Symptoms, Health Insurance Coverage

Benefits

​What Is Psoriasis?

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This is a chronic and persistent skin condition that is characterized by silvery, dry, itchy, and thick patches on the skin. This skin disease usually affects elbows, scalp, knees, back, chest, arms, fingernails, toenails, and between the buttocks.

Symptoms


Symptoms vary from person to person. But some of the common signs and symptoms of psoriasis are mentioned below:

  • Rashes or patches of red
  • Inflamed skin covered with silver-colored, loose scales
  • Itchy skin
  • Scaly plaques on the scalp
  • Bleeding and pain while itching 
  • Discoloration and pitting of fingernails and toenails.  
  • Nails might detach from the nail bed.

    • If you are facing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is recommended to immediately contact your doctor. 

    ​Diagnosis​

    It is easy for your dermatologist to diagnose psoriasis based on physical examination, especially if you have plaques on elbows, scalp, ears, knees, belly button, and nails. However, sometimes it is difficult for your doctor to diagnose this disease as it showcases the same symptoms as in eczema and other skin conditions. Your doctor may ask you to go through the test mentioned below: 

    Biopsy: In this, your doctor will take a small sample of your skin and used it for testing and diagnosing whether you have psoriasis or not. 
    Blood tests: If you have symptoms like painful and swollen joints, then you might be suffering from psoriasis arthritis. In such a case, the doctor might run some blood tests on you. He/ she might also ask you to take X-rays, as they want to remove the possibility of other types of arthritis. 

    Treatment


    There are several options available when it comes to the treatment of psoriasis. Some give relief from itchiness, whereas, some slows the growth of new skin cells. Your doctor will prescribe you the treatment based on your symptoms, where it is on your body, size of your rash, age, overall health, and other things. 

    Some treatments are: 

  • Moisturizers for dry skin
  • Steroid creams
  • Coal tar is used for the treatment of scalp psoriasis. These are available in lotions, foams, shampoos, creams, and bath solutions.
  • Retinoid creams

    • Given below is the treatment for severe psoriasis:

  • Light Therapy: In this treatment, your doctor reduces the growth of skin cells by shining ultraviolet rays on your skin.
  • Methotrexate: This drug is only used in severe cases as it has many side effects. Your doctor will closely examine you, in case you have methotrexate. 
  • Biologic Treatments: When you suffer from psoriasis, your immune system becomes overactive. In this treatment a drug is given will block your body’s immune system. To control the inflammation from psoriasis. These medications are adalimumab, brodalumab, etc.

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    ​Health Insurance​

    In the 21st century, having health insurance is an important part of the financial portfolio. It not only protects you financially in case of medical emergencies, but it will also protect your savings. You should buy health insurance from a reputable insurer such as Reliance General Insurance. You can also enjoy the perks of cashless treatment at network hospitals of your insurers. You will also get tax benefits on the premium paid towards your medical insurance plan, under section 80 D of Income Tax Act, 1961.