🌿 Living with Psoriasis: More Than Just a Skin Condition

If you’re living with psoriasis, you already know it’s more than just flaky skin. It can affect how you feel, how you dress, how you meet people — even how you sleep. The stares, the constant itching, the flares during stressful times — they take a toll on both your mind and body.

At Ray & Rio’s, we understand the emotional and physical weight psoriasis can carry. You are not alone. And you deserve more than just surface-level care.

🔍 What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder where the immune system speeds up the skin’s renewal process. Normally, skin cells take about 28 days to mature and shed. In psoriasis, this happens in just 3–5 days, leading to:

• Red, raised patches (plaques)

• White or silvery scales

• Itching, burning, or cracking skin

• Common sites: elbows, knees, scalp, back, and nails

Psoriasis is not contagious, but it is inflammatory, which means it can affect deeper systems in your body — not just the skin.

🧠 The Emotional Side of Psoriasis

Let’s face it — dealing with psoriasis can be mentally exhausting.

• Some patients avoid social gatherings out of embarrassment

• Many feel judged, anxious, or even depressed

• Children and teenagers may face bullying or low self-esteem

• Sleep disruption due to itching is common

That’s why at Ray & Rio’s, our treatment focuses on both skin and emotional wellness.

🧬 What Causes Psoriasis?

While genetics play a role, certain triggers and lifestyle factors can lead to flares or make psoriasis worse:

• Stress and anxiety

• Smoking or alcohol

• Obesity

• Infections (e.g., strep throat, tonsillitis)

• Cold weather

• Certain medications

• Hormonal changes

⚕️ Treatment Options – There Is Hope

Psoriasis may be chronic, but it is very much controllable, and many patients achieve long-term clear skin with proper treatment.

💊 1. Topical Medications

• Steroid creams

• Vitamin D analogues (Calcipotriol)

• Coal tar, salicylic acid

• Moisturizers to reduce scaling

🌈 2. Phototherapy

• Narrowband UVB light helps reduce inflammation and scaling

• Safe and effective when done under a dermatologist’s care

• Regular sessions are key for long-term success

💡 3. Excimer Laser

• A targeted laser therapy ideal for localized resistant patches

• Requires fewer sessions than conventional phototherapy

• Safe for sensitive areas like face, scalp, and genitals

💉 4. Systemic Medications

For moderate-to-severe psoriasis or joint involvement (psoriatic arthritis), tablets may be prescribed:

• Methotrexate

• Cyclosporine

• Acitretin
  These must be taken under medical supervision with periodic blood tests.

🧬 5. Biologics (Immunobiologicals)

These are advanced, highly targeted injectable therapies that block specific immune pathways involved in psoriasis. These include:

• IL-17 inhibitors (e.g., Secukinumab)

• IL-23 inhibitors (e.g., Guselkumab)

• TNF-alpha blockers (e.g., Etanercept)

They are safe, life-changing, and have shown dramatic improvement even in severe cases.

🧠 Lifestyle & Co-Morbidities: The Psoriasis Triangle

Psoriasis is often connected to other health conditions — what we call the “psoriatic triad”:

• Obesity – Increases flare-ups

• Diabetes/Hypertension – Inflammatory links

• Depression/Anxiety – Mental burden worsens skin

By managing stress, eating a clean anti-inflammatory diet, staying active, and avoiding smoking/alcohol, you can greatly improve your skin and overall health.

📅 Long-Term Outlook & Follow-Up

Psoriasis is a long journey, but it doesn’t have to be a painful one.

• Many patients enjoy months or years of clear skin between flares

• Treatment needs to be personalized and adjusted over time

• Regular follow-up ensures that your skin stays healthy and glowing

• Flare-ups can be caught early and treated more effectively

💖 Never Give Up Hope

Every patient’s psoriasis is different — and so is their healing path.
Whether your psoriasis is new, recurring, or severe — there is always hope

✨ You can wear the clothes you love again
✨ You can feel confident without hiding your skin
✨ You can sleep well without itching
✨ You can smile at yourself in the mirror again

🌟 Why Choose Ray & Rio’s for Psoriasis Care?

At Ray & Rio’s Speciality Clinic, you’re not just getting a prescription — you’re getting a partner in your healing.

✅ Led by Dr. Annie Flora, a senior dermatologist with 17+ years’ experience
✅ Access to phototherapy, excimer laser, and biologics under one roof
✅ Personalized treatment plans backed by medical science
✅ Compassionate care with a focus on physical & emotional wellness
✅ Trusted by thousands across Chennai for long-term skin management

📍 Book Your Consultation Today

Don’t let psoriasis decide how you feel.
Take the first step toward clear skin and peace of mind.

📞 Call us or visit
📍 Ray & Rio’s Speciality Clinic, Egmore & Neelankarai