Psoriasis and Dry Eye

Psoriasis is a skin disease and the eye can be affected during psoriatic disease. About 10% of psoriasics have ophthalmological problems. Among these problems, dry eye and blepharitis are presents.

Blepharitis can cause itching of the eyelids and give a feeling of a foreign body in the eye. A cleaning of the eyelids is often recommended in this case. Several products exist on the market. You will find the LidHygenix and Ocusoft products at the dry eye store.

Psoriasis is a disease with inflammatory involvement and can affect the eyelids

As mentioned earlier, ophthalmologic infections can affect up to 10% of patients and are more subject to when there is a joint damage. Ophthalmologic disorders include blepharitis, conjunctivitis, ocular dryness, keratitis and uveitis in extreme cases.

You should know that most medications prescribed to treat psoriasis can not be applied to the eyelids. They are too irritating for this part of the anatomy. If you suspect psoriasis on the eyelids, consult your dermatologist or ophthalmologist immediately, who may prescribe a treatment appropriate to your case.

Ocular affections during psoriasis are most often associated with severe forms of the disease

Anthropathic psoriasis and generalized pustular psoriasis are considered more serious forms of psoriasis. The prognosis of ocular involvement is increased in the presence of this type of psoriasis. Uveitis should be suspected in patients with a sharp decrease in visual acuity during a psoriatic episode.

Psoriasis on the elbow

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin. There are several types. The most frequent is patches psoriasis, which is manifested by the recurrence of red patches covered with whitish dandruff that are detached from the skin (dander). From one individual to another, the disease can have different manifestations, ranging from the formation of localized plaques to a generalized attack of the skin. Psoriasis patches often sit on the elbows, scalp, buttocks and knees. They can also appear on other parts of the body such as the face, hands, and feet.

What is the origin of psoriatic disease?

This condition is neither contagious nor allergic, but is transmitted by heredity. It is also linked to a reaction of the immune system (defense system of the organism) and to environmental factors. For example, changes in seasons and friction can affect the appearance of lesions. Infection, psychological stress and certain medications are also part of the triggering factors. In a person with psoriasis, the surface of the skin is renewed faster than in an individual who does not suffer from the disease. Dead cells accumulate on the surface of the skin, which causes the appearance of scales or thin white patches.

What are the symptoms ?

Some areas of the skin become rough, dry and thick. Often, the skin under the psoriatic plaques is pink. Itching is present in nearly 70% of patients. In addition to the most commonly affected body parts, the disease can also reach the nails of the feet and hands. Symptoms may range from mild to severe.

How to treat psoriasis?

By treating the lesions as soon as they appear, one can slow the progression and the severity of it. The treatment aims to control psoriatic episode by reducing the accumulation of scales, redness and inflammation and by regulating the growth of skin cells. Although the treatment of psoriasis is the subject of much research, the disease can not yet be cured.

Topical medications

Topical medications (applied to the skin) are normally used as a first-line treatment. They slow down or regulate the production of skin cells and reduce inflammation and redness. When choosing a topical medication, it is important to consider not only effectiveness but also characteristics such as spray solution, cream, ointment, etc. Numerous shapes and dosages are available. Ask your doctor or pharmacist. Other treatments are also available under prescriptions.

Moisturizers

An important aspect when treating this disease is to hydrate your skin daily. Excellent hydration helps reduce redness and itching and promotes the healing of psoriatic lesions. Dermatologists recommend applying a moisturizer as soon as you leave the shower or bath to maintain optimal hydration. Other applications during the day may be required. Perfume-free products are also recommended to avoid contact with any irritant.