What is Psoriasis:
Psoriasis is a disease whose main symptom is gray or silvery flaky patches on the skin which are red and
inflamed underneath. In the United States, it affects 2 to 2.6 percent of the population, or between 5.8 and 7.5 million people. Commonly affected areas include the
scalp, elbows, knees, palms, groin. Psoriasis is autoimmune in origin, and is not contagious. Around a quarter of people with psoriasis also suffer from psoriatic
arthritis, which is similar to rheumatoid arthritis in its effects.
Psoriasis was first given that name in complete differentiation from other skin conditions by the
Austrian dermatologist Ferdinand von Hebra in 1841, although there are what are believed to be descriptions of the disease in sources going back to ancient
Roman and possibly even biblical times.
What Causes Psoriasis:
Psoriasis is driven by the immune system, especially involving a type of white blood cell called a T Cell. Normally, T
cells help protect the body against infection and disease. In the case of psoriasis, T cells are put into action by mistake and become so active that they trigger other
immune responses, which lead to inflammation and to rapid turnover of skin cells. These cells pile up on the surface of the skin, forming itchy patches or plaques.
The first outbreak of psoriasis is often triggered by emotional or mental stress or physical skin injury, but heredity is a major factor as well. In about one-third of
the cases, there is a family history of psoriasis. Researchers have studied a large number of families affected by psoriasis and identified genes linked to the disease.
(Genes govern every bodily function and determine the inherited traits passed from parent to child.) People with psoriasis may notice that there are times when their
skin worsens, then improves. Conditions that may cause flareups include infections, stress, and changes in climate that dry the skin. Also, certain medicines,
including lithium and beta blockers, which are prescribed for high blood pressure, may trigger an outbreak or worsen the disease.
Psoriasis Treatment
Doctors generally treat psoriasis in steps based on the severity of the disease, size of the areas involved, type of
psoriasis, and the patient's response to initial treatments. This is sometimes called the "1-2-3" approach. In step 1, medicines are applied to the skin (topical
treatment). Step 2 uses ultraviolet light treatments (phototherapy). Step 3 involves taking medicines by mouth or injection that treat the whole immune system
(called systemic therapy). Over time, affected skin can become resistant to treatment, especially when topical corticosteroids are used. Also, a treatment that
works very well in one person may have little effect in another. Thus, doctors often use a trial-and-error approach to find a treatment that works, and they may
switch treatments periodically (for example, every 12 to 24 months) if a treatment does not work or if adverse reactions occur.
Treatments applied directly to the skin may improve its condition. Doctors find that some patients respond well to ointment or cream forms of corticosteroids,
coal tar or anthralin. Bath solutions and moisturizers may be soothing, but they are seldom strong enough to improve the condition of the skin. Therefore, they
usually are combined with stronger remedies.
Psoriasis Prevention
There is no way to really prevent Psoriasis, but the following things may help stop the flareups and lessen symptoms:
Keep your skin moist and lubricated. Cold weather may worsen symptoms, while hot, humid weather and sunlight may improve symptoms. Avoid
scratching and digging the skin. An injury to the skin can cause psoriasis patches to form anywhere on the body, including the site of the injury. This includes
injuries to your nails or nearby skin while trimming your nails. Avoid stress and anxiety. Stress may cause psoriasis to appear suddenly (flare) or can make
symptoms worse, although this has not been proven in studies. Avoid infection. Infections such as strep throat can cause psoriasis to appear suddenly, especially in
children..
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