Affecting close to one out of every fifty adults, psoriasis is a physical condition that can cause considerable psychological suffering. One of the most interesting discoveries related to what causes psoriasis is that its onset is rooted in the body’s immune system.
There are a number of various symptoms connected with a flare up of psoriasis including salmon colored skin which becomes cracked, flaky and irritated. In the case of plaque psoriasis, which is also the most common type, the afflicted areas develop circular, eliptical or irregular formed patches of red that are covered with skin that is scaly and silver colored. There is no consistence in the size or form of the patchy areas and occasionally, several smaller patches can merge together and appear as one big odd shape of irritated skin. sometimes cracks and bleeds|These areas are unsightly and sometimes crack and start bleeding].
The area of affected skin can become very sore and feel as though it is burning. Similar to the shape, there is no consistency as to how long a specific flare-up will last. It could last ten days or you may have to suffer it for several weeks. One of the worst aspects for those affected is that it is a lifelong condition and repeated flare-ups can happen at any time.
Body areas that are typically affected include the torso, scalp, elbows and knees although any body part can develop symptoms of psoriasis. One strange anomaly is that flare-ups tend to be symmetrical in as much that both sides of the body will be afflicted in the same areas at the same time.
Genetic factors play some role in psoriasis meaning that those individuals with parents or grandparents who have had psoriasis have an increased chance that they will develop it as well. For reasons that are not yet fully understood, T-cells, which are required by our bodies to produce infection fighting white blood cells, cause inflammation of the skin. T-cells also in some way set off the production of an excess of skin cells. With nowhere else to go, these extra skin cells amass on top of one another and produce the telling appearance of raised areas on the skin’s exterior. To sustain these extra skin cells, an increased blood supply is needed which results in the red appearance.
Traumas to the skin, sun and strep infections are frequent triggers of Psoriasis. Anxiousness and stress can also spark an outbreak as can alterations in hormone levels. Higher incidences of psoriasis have also been noted in those individuals with the early stages of HIV infection. Folks who smoke cigarettes who also drink alcohol increase their risks of developing psoriasis.
Presently, there is still no known remedy for psoriasis. However there are several effective treatment options that can alleviate the symptoms. Start by keeping the affected areas moist and by resisting the temptation to scratch the area.
Topical treatments are applied first with the goal of 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 selection of specially produced skin moisturizers and bathing products. Systemic medications are prescribed to treat more serious cases. Another effective method of treating psoriasis is with the use phototherapy, where, under strict medical supervision, the patient is exposed to ultra violet radiation.
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