Psoriasis

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition. It is a skin disease that causes scaling and swelling. Skin cells grow deep in the skin and slowly rise to the surface. This process is called cell turnover, and it takes about a month. With psoriasis, it can happen in just a few days because the cells rise too fast and pile up on the surface.

Most psoriasis causes patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. These patches can itch or feel sore. They are often found on the elbows, knees, other parts of the legs, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet. But they can show up other places such as fingernails, toenails, genitals, and inside the mouth. It effects both sexes equally.

There are five types of psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis is the most common one. About 80% of people who develop psoriasis have plaque psoriasis.

What are the causes of Psoriasis?

It is commonly believed that there is a genetic trait that causes one person to be more likely to be affected by Psoriasis , many people can live out their lives either blissfully unaware that they have the disease or have symptoms that appear so minor that they never discover that they have Psoriasis.

There are a number of potential triggers that may cause a person with the trait to suffer a "flare-up" or sudden increase in the number or size of areas of skin affected by the disease.

These triggering factors may range from throat infections caused by the bacteria, Group A Streptococci (commonly referred to as Strep Throat ), an inverse reaction to certain drugs, damage to the skin (Koebner Effect) or by the introduction of increased stress levels.

What are the symptoms of Psoriasis?

Small red patches - these gradually expand and become scaly.
Red plaques (red scales).
Silvery scales.
The upper scales fall off in large quantities, while the lower layers of scales are firmly fixed.
When the scales are scraped off, a number of small, bleeding points can be seen underneath.
Psoriasis of the nail often manifests itself as small indentures in the nails. The outbreak can be so severe that the nail thickens and crumbles away.
Flexural psoriasis occurs in skin folds (flexures). Red, itchy plaques appear in the armpits, under the breasts, on the stomach, in the groin or on the buttocks. The plaques are often infected by the yeast-like fungus candida albicans.

What is the treatment done for Psoriasis?

There are several common-sense ways to help minimize psoriasis flare-ups:

Where possible, avoid anything known to trigger the condition, especially stress.
Do not scratch or pick at the skin: it may bleed and become infected, and psoriasis may then develop in that area.
Avoid soap, which can be drying, and instead wash with aqueous cream or an emollient wash (eg E45).
After washing, pat the skin dry, don't irritate it by rubbing vigorously.
Use plenty of moisturizing cream to soothe and soften the skin. This is especially effective after washing.
Sunlight helps some people with psoriasis. However, avoid the sun if it causes pain and avoid getting burnt.
Wear cotton clothes next to the skin and avoid rough, synthetic mate.