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Psoriasis
Overview:
Psoriasis is a common skin disease that affects the life cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin, forming thick silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that are sometimes painful.
Signs and Symptoms:
Psoriasis signs and symptoms can vary from person to person but may include one or more of the following:
* 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
Causes and Organs Affected:
The exact cause remains unknown. There may a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition and environmental factors. The immune system is thought to play a major role. Despite research over the past 30 years looking at many triggers, the "master switch" that turns on psoriasis is still a mystery.
Risk Factor:
Anyone can develop psoriasis, but these factors can increase your risk of developing the disease: Family history, Other medical conditions, Stress, Obesity and Smoking.
Treatment:
Psoriasis treatments aim to:
* Interrupt the cycle that causes an increased production of skin cells, thereby reducing inflammation and plaque formation.
* Remove scale and smooth the skin, which is particularly true of topical treatments that you apply to your skin.
Lifestyle Management:
Although self-help measures won't cure psoriasis, they may help improve the appearance and feel of damaged skin. These measures may benefit you: Take daily baths, Use moisturizer, Cover the affected areas overnight, Expose your skin to small amounts of sunlight, Apply medicated cream or ointment, Avoid psoriasis triggers, if possible and Avoid drinking alcohol.