Psoriasis Explained - Causes And Psoriasis Treatment

Psoriasis (IPA pronunciation: [sə'raj.əsɪs]) is a disease which affects the skin and joints. It commonly causes red scaly patches to appear on the skin. The scaly patches caused by psoriasis, called psoriatic plaques, are areas of inflammation and excessive skin production. Skin rapidly accumulates at these sites and takes a silvery-white appearance. Psoriasis Symptoms are no always that easy to identify and diagnose. For centuries it has commonly been inadvertently mistaken for leprosy, and for centuries people have been suffering the fall out of this wrong diagnosis. For a full and correct diagnosis you should visit your doctor so he can do the correct analysis and suggest the correct treatments to the patient.

There are five types of Psoriasis to look out for :-
. Plaque Psoriasis
. Guttate Psoriasis
. Inverse Psoriasis
. Erythrodermic Psoriasis
. Pustular Psoriasis

What causes psoriasis?

Research indicates that psoriasis may be a disorder of the immune system. The immune system includes a type of white blood cell, called a T cell, that normally helps protect the body against infection and disease. Scientists now think that psoriasis is related to an abnormal immune system that produces too many of the immune cells, called T cells, in the skin. These T cells trigger the inflammation and excessive skin cell reproduction seen in people with psoriasis. This leads to inflammation and flaking of skin.

What are the symptoms?

Psoriasis usually appears as red, scaly patches that reveal fine silvery scales when scraped or scratched. These patches may itch and feel uncomfortable.

Psoriasis is most common on the knees, elbows and scalp, but can appear anywhere on the body.

Some people with psoriasis become withdrawn and don't socialise or form relationships because of the way people react to the appearance of their skin.

Diagnosis

There are several forms of psoriasis, and each form has unique characteristics that allow dermatologists to visually identify psoriasis to determine what type, or types, of psoriasis is present. Sometimes a skin biopsy will be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Is psoriasis contagious?

No. You can't catch psoriasis from another person or give it to someone by touching them, and you can't spread it to other parts of your body.

Treatment

Currently, there is no cure for psoriasis. However, there are many treatment options that can clear psoriasis for a period of time.Therapy for psoriasis ranges from conservative to aggressive treatment. Due to the chronic nature of the disease, many patients try several therapies over time. Guttate psoriasis usually is managed more easily and complete remission typically occurs. In addition to standard treatment, patients with guttate psoriasis are given a course of oral antibiotics to eradicate the strep infection.

Sunshine - Sunshine may help to clear psoriasis; in many people it improves dramatically during sunny holidays. Take care, as psoriasis may develop in areas of sunburn, and fair skin exposed to ultraviolet radiation becomes prematurely aged and may develop skin cancer.

Baths - Soaking in warm water with a bath oil or tar solution can soften the psoriasis and lift the scale. Bland soaps or soap substitutes are useful. Antiseptics are not necessary and may irritate.

Prevention

There is no known prevention. Keeping skin clean and moist and avoiding your specific psoriasis triggers may help reduce the number of flare-ups.

Doctors recommend daily baths or showers for persons with psoriasis. Avoid scrubbing too hard, because this can irritate the skin and trigger an attack.

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