Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects close to one in fifty adults while at the same time causing considerable mental distress to those individuals that are afflicted with the problem. One of the most intriguing discoveries related to what causes psoriasis skin disorder is that its onset is rooted in the body’s immune system.
The symptoms of psoriasis include skin that is salmon colored, cracked, flaky and irritated. One of the most commonplace types is termed plaque psoriasis where the afflicted area develops eliptical, round or odd shaped patches covered with scaly, silvery colored skin. The shape and sizes of the patches varies widely and individual smaller areas can combine together to form one large shape of irritated scaly skin. As well as being unsightly, these bigger areas are inclined to crack and begin bleeding.
Affected skin can be sensitive and frequently has a burning sensation. There are no hard and fast rules as to how long any particular flare-up will last. It could disappear within a week but on the other hand, you may have to suffer it for weeks on end. because psoriasis is classified as a lifelong complaint, the risks of recurrent flare-ups in the same or different area of the body are very high.
Body areas that are typically affected include the trunk, head, elbows and knees although any part of the body can develop symptoms of psoriasis. One unexplained anomaly is that flare-ups tend to be balanced in as much that both sides of the body will be afflicted in identical areas at the same time.
It seems that genetic factors also have a bearing on who is likely to develop psoriasis. Individuals whose parents or grandparents suffered with the ailment have a greater prospect of developing it as well. For some obscure reason, T-cells, which are necessary to make the white blood cells which help our bodies to fight infection, cause the skin to become inflamed. T-cells also in some way trigger the production of an excess of skin cells. With nowhere else to go, these excess skin cells accumulate on top of one another and produce the telltale appearance of raised patches on the skin’s exterior. The red appearance is a result of increased blood supply that is required to sustain these skin cells.
Injuries to the skin, sun and strep infections are common triggers of Psoriasis. Changes in the bodies hormone levels as well as stress and anxiousness can also spark outbreaks. People with early stages of HIV appear to have higher instances of psoriasis as well. Smokers and alcohol drinkers are considered to be at greater risk of developing psoriasis although it is not contagious and cannot be passed on.
In the absence of any known remedy for psoriasis, there are a number of effective treatments that can at least alleviate the symptoms. Start by keeping the affected areas damp and by resisting the temptation to scratch.
Localized treatments are applied first with a view to slowing the excess production of skin cells. Commonly employed localized treatments include anthrallin, coal tar, corticosteroids, salicylic acid and synthetic vitamin D. There are also a range of specially developed skin moisturizers and bathing products. Systemic medications are prescribed to address more serious cases. Another effective means of psoriasis treatment is with the use of phototherapy, where, under strict medical supervision, the patient is exposed to ultra violet radiation.
