Psoriasis: Causes, Types and Treatment
 

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease in which skin cells renew far too quickly: the result is well-defined red plaques covered with silvery-white scale. Two things need saying in the first paragraph: psoriasis is not contagious — it does not spread by touch, hugging or shared objects — and it is not "just a cosmetic problem": it is a medical condition that deserves serious treatment, not embarrassment.

Why it happens

The cause is multifactorial: genetic predisposition plus an immune system that sustains inflammation, with triggers that can start or worsen flares — stress, infections (especially streptococcal in guttate forms), skin trauma (the Koebner phenomenon: new lesions on scratches), certain medications, cold dry weather, smoking and alcohol. The disease typically runs in waves: quiet periods and flares.

The common types

• Plaque psoriasis — the classic form: elbows, knees, scalp, lower back

• Scalp psoriasis — often mistaken for "stubborn dandruff"; thick, adherent scale

• Nail psoriasis — pitting, thickening, separation of the nail; sometimes the only manifestation

• Guttate psoriasis — small scattered lesions, typically in younger people after a throat infection

• Inverse psoriasis — in the folds (armpits, groin), without classic scale — frequently misdiagnosed as a fungal infection

• Severe forms (pustular, erythrodermic) — rare, but dermatological emergencies

One important point: in a proportion of patients psoriasis also affects the joints (psoriatic arthritis) — joint pain or morning stiffness must be mentioned at the consultation. And as a systemic inflammatory disease, psoriasis deserves a whole-health look, not just a skin look.

Treatment: stepwise, by severity

Honest from the start: psoriasis is not "permanently cured" with current medical knowledge — but it is controlled better today than ever before, and the realistic goal is clear or almost clear skin with increasingly rare flares.

• Topical therapy — the foundation of mild-to-moderate disease: correctly dosed topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, modern combinations; dedicated formulations for the scalp

• Phototherapy (NB-UVB) — a well-documented option for more extensive disease, in planned series

• Systemic therapy — for moderate-to-severe disease: conventional agents and, in recent years, modern targeted therapies that have radically changed the outlook for patients with severe psoriasis; what suits you is decided after assessment, laboratory work and a full history

• Daily care — regular emollients, avoiding skin trauma, managing triggers — the "boring" part that decides whether flares are frequent or rare

What does not work: miracle creams from the internet, potent steroids used chaotically without supervision (worse in the long run), and stopping treatment abruptly.

Living with psoriasis

The psychological burden is real — at the beach, at the barber, in a handshake. It is not weakness; it is part of the disease, and part of the conversation at the consultation. The good news, stated plainly: with the right plan, the large majority of patients reach good control.

For international patients

Dr. Kağan Cingöz's clinic is in Kırklareli, Turkey — 2 hours from Istanbul, 1 hour from Edirne, and an easy drive from the Bulgarian and Greek borders. A single visit covers full assessment (skin, nails, scalp, the joint questions), a treatment plan and written care instructions, with photo follow-up via WhatsApp between visits — practical for patients who travel. Send photos (+90 555 209 09 39) for a preliminary assessment and a euro estimate before you travel; English spoken.

Frequently asked questions

Is it contagious? — No. Categorically not — neither by touch nor through shared objects. Can it be cured permanently?— No, but it is controlled excellently; the modern target is clear or almost clear skin. Do sun and sea help? — In many patients moderate exposure and seawater bring relief — but sunburn can trigger a flare (Koebner); the balance is discussed individually. Does diet matter? — Healthy weight, less alcohol and stopping smoking have documented effects on the course; "miracle diets" have no evidence. Can children have psoriasis? — Yes; the forms and treatments are adapted to age.

Appointments

☎ WhatsApp: +90 555 209 09 39 · ✉ info@drkagancingoz.com · İstasyon Mah. Edirne Cad. No:102, Kırklareli, Turkey

⚠️ Results vary between individuals. A detailed consultation is recommended before any treatment.