Psoriasis

Alternative Names

Psoriasis

What is Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease which affects the skin of the elbows, knees and scalp. The dry flakes and skin scales are thought to result from the rapid proliferation of skin cells that is triggered by abnormal lymphocytes from the blood . It develops from mild outbreaks, where the person may not even be aware they have psoriasis, to severe cases, which can be socially disabling and even life-threatening. People of all ages can get psoriasis, but the early-onset form of the disease is mostly seen in 16 to 22-year-olds and the late-onset form - between the ages of 50 and 60.

Signs and symptoms

• Red patches of skin covered with silvery scales
• Small scaling spots (commonly seen in children)
• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
• Itching, burning or soreness
• Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
• Swollen and stiff joints

Possible complications

• Anxiety
• Thickened skin and bacterial skin infections
• Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
• Low self-esteem
• Depression
• Stress
• Social isolation
• Folate deficiency
• Cancers
• Heart problems, obesity and diabetes
• Bad body temperature regulation

If you have psoriasis, you’re at greater risk of developing certain diseases such as metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease and even cancer.

What causes

Despite research over the past 30 years so the exact cause is still unknown. The scientists still work over this problemю

Possible causes of Psoriasis include:

• Climate changes
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Infections, such as upper respiratory infections (colds, tonsillitis, sinusitis, or strep throat)
• Skin disorders
• Skin injury
• Smoking
• Stress or anxiety
• Sunburn
• Taking certain medications, such as beta-blockers and lithium
• Weakened immune system

Prevention

There is no way to prevent psoriasis, but the following tips may help reduce the number of psoriasis flare-ups:

• Avoid stress
• Avoid infection
• Keep your skin moist
• Avoid cold, dry climates
• Avoid scratching and picking skin, and avoid skin injuries (cuts or scrapes)
• Try to avoid certain medicines
• Limit alcohol to no more than 2 drinks a day for men or 1 drink a day for women
• Don't smoke

Treatment

There are three main types of treatment which are often used in combination:

• Topical - medications that are applied to the skin and are intended to affect only a specific area of skin. Examples include creams and ointments.
• Phototherapy - the skin is exposed to specific types of light.
• Oral or injected medications - used mainly to reduce skin cell production.

There is no other treatment for psoriasis, but there are many treatment options and each of them has its advantages and disadvantages. It's not effective for everybody.