Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects in the region of one in fifty adults while at the same time causing significant psychological distress to those individuals that are afflicted with the problem. One of the more intriguing discoveries related to what causes psoriasis skin disorder is that its onset is rooted within the body’s immune system.

Salmon colored skin which becomes scaly, flaky and irritated is among the common psoriasis symptoms. In the case of plaque psoriasis, which is also the most common type, the affected areas develop round, eliptical or odd formed patches of red which are covered with skin that is scaly and silvery colored. There is no consistence in the size or form of the patchy areas and on occasions, several smaller patches can merge together and look like one large odd shape of irritated skin. besides being unsightly, the skin in these areas occasionally cracks and starts bleeding.

Affected skin can be sore and frequently has a burning sensation. There are no hard and fast rules as to how long any certain flare-up will last. It could go away inside a week but then again, you may have to suffer it for weeks on end. Since psoriasis is classed as a lifelong condition, the risks of recurrent flare-ups in the same or different area of the body are very high.

Areas of the body that are typically affected include the torso, scalp, elbows and knees although any part of the body can develop symptoms of psoriasis. One unexplained anomaly is that flare-ups tend to be symmetrical in as much that both sides of the body will be afflicted in identical areas at the same time.

It appears that genetic factors also play a part in who is likely to develop psoriasis. Folks whose parents or grandparents suffered with the complaint have a greater prospect of developing it as well. For some unknown reason, T-cells, which are necessary to produce the white blood cells which help our bodies to fight infection, cause the skin to become inflamed. T-cells also in some way set off the production of an overabundance of skin cells. With nowhere else to go, these excess skin cells accumulate on top of one another and create the telltale appearance of raised areas on the skin’s exterior. The red look is a result of increased blood supply that is required to nourish these skin cells.

Traumas to the skin, sunlight and strep infections are frequent triggers of Psoriasis. Changes in the bodies hormone levels as well as stress and anxiousness can also trigger outbreaks. Folks 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 infectious and cannot be passed on.

In the absence of any known cure for psoriasis, there are several effectual treatments that can at least relieve the symptoms. Begin by keeping the affected areas damp and by resisting the temptation to scratch.

The initial course of treatments are localized and are applied directly to the affected surface area with the ultimate aim of trying to stem the production of excess skin cells. Coal tar, salicylic acid, corticosteroids, synthetic vitamin D, tazorac and anthrallin are common localized treatment choices as are specially developed bathing products and moisturizers. For more severe cases where topical treatments maybe ineffectual, systemic medications may be prescribed by the doctor. Phototherapy, where sufferers are exposed to medically-supervised ultraviolet radiation is also effectual in the treatment of psoriasis.

Be Sociable, Share!

•