What are the signs and symptoms?


The lesions vary in appearance with the type of psoriasis. There are five types of psoriasis: Plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, and erythrodermic psoriasis. About 80% of people living with psoriasis have plaque (plak) psoriasis, also called “psoriasis vulgaris.” Plaque psoriasis causes patches of thick, scaly skin that may be white, silvery, or red. Called plaques (plax), these patches can develop anywhere on the skin. The most common areas to find plaques are the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp (scalp psoriasis).

Psoriasis also can affect the nails. About 50% of people who develop psoriasis see changes in their fingernails and/or toenails. If the nails begin to pull away from the nail bed or develop pitting, ridges, or a yellowish-orange color, this could be a sign of psoriatic (sore-EE-at-ic) arthritis. Without treatment, psoriatic arthritis can progress and become debilitating. It is important to see a dermatologist if nail changes begin or joint pain develops. Early treatment can prevent joint deterioration.

What causes psoriasis?
Psoriasis is not contagious. You cannot get psoriasis from touching someone who has psoriasis, swimming in the same pool, or even intimate contact. Psoriasis is much more complex.

So complex, in fact, scientists are still studying what happens when psoriasis develops. We know that the person’s immune system and genes play key roles. In studying the immune system, scientists discovered that when a person has psoriasis, the T cells (a type of white blood cell that fights unwanted invaders such as bacteria and viruses) mistakenly trigger a reaction in the skin cells. This is why you may hear psoriasis referred to as a “T cell-mediated disease.”

This reaction activates a series of events, causing new skin cells to form in days rather than weeks. The reason T cells trigger this reaction seems to lie in our DNA. People who develop psoriasis inherit genes that cause psoriasis. Unlike some autoimmune conditions, it appears that many genes are involved in psoriasis.

Scientists are still trying to identify all of the genes involved. One of the genes that has been identified is called PSORS1 (SORE-ESS-1). This is one of several genes that regulates how the immune system fights infection.

Scientists also have learned that not everyone who inherits genes for psoriasis gets psoriasis. For psoriasis to appear, it seems that a person must inherit the “right” mix of genes and be exposed to a trigger. Some common triggers are a stressful life event, skin injury, and having strep throat. Many people say that that their psoriasis first appeared after experiencing one of these. Triggers are not universal. What triggers psoriasis in one person may not cause psoriasis to develop in another.

Who gets psoriasis?
People worldwide develop psoriasis. In the United States, nearly 7.5 million people have psoriasis and about 150,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Studies indicate that psoriasis develops about equally in males and females. Research also shows that Caucasians develop psoriasis more frequently than other races. A study conducted in the United States found the prevalence was 2.5% in Caucasians and 1.3% in African Americans.

A family history of psoriasis seems to increase the risk of developing psoriasis. It is important to know that a family history of psoriasis does not guarantee that someone will develop psoriasis.

When do people get psoriasis?
Psoriasis can begin at any age, from infancy through the golden years. There are, however, times when psoriasis is most likely to develop. Most people first see psoriasis between 15 and 30 years of age. About 75% develop psoriasis before they turn 40. Another common time for psoriasis to begin is between 50 and 60 years of age.

Does psoriasis affect quality of life?
For some people, psoriasis is a nuisance. Others find that psoriasis affects every aspect of their daily life. The unpredictable nature of psoriasis may be the reason. Psoriasis is a chronic (lifelong) medical condition. Some people have frequent flare-ups that occur weekly or monthly. Others have occasional flare-ups.

When psoriasis flares, it can cause severe itching and pain. Sometimes the skin cracks and bleeds. When trying to sleep, cracking and bleeding skin can wake a person frequently and cause sleep deprivation. A lack of sleep can make it difficult to focus at school or work. Sometimes a flare-up requires a visit to a dermatologist for additional treatment. Time must be taken from school or work to visit the doctor and get treatment.

These cycles of flare-ups and remissions often lead to feelings of sadness, despair, guilt and anger as well as low self-esteem. Depression is higher in people who have psoriasis than in the general population. Feelings of embarrassment also are common.
Knowledge is power
As psoriasis is a life-long condition, it is important to take an active role in managing it. Learning more about psoriasis, seeing a dermatologist to discuss treatment options, and developing a healthy lifestyle can help people live life to the fullest.

Article source: http://www.skincarephysicians.com/psoriasisnet/whatis.html
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More Overview of Psoriasis

Psoriasis refers to a skin condition wherein the skin cells then to grow rather quickly. This is due to the faulty signals in the individual’s immune system, causing newer skin cells to deliver in a matter of days instead of weeks. Because of the shorter period of time, the body was not able to shed older skin cells which then pile up on skin’s surface. Lesions are formed due to the piling up of these skin cells.

While there are five types of psoriasis namely plaque, pustular, guttate, erythodermic and inverse, lesions usually vary in appearance. Nonetheless, approximately 80% of psoriasis sufferers are living with plaque psoriasis where thick and scaly skin may be evident. Patches, which can be found anywhere in the body, could be red, white or silver. You may commonly find plaques on areas like scalp, elbows and knees and lower back. Nails can be also affected wherein 50% of the sufferers experience changes in such. Changes in the both finger and toe nails can actually signal psoriatic arthritis. Some of these changes are: easily removing nails from the nail bed, pits and ridges are developing, turning into yellowish to orange color.

Psoriasis is not infectious but it is a very complex medical condition. In fact, the medical community is not certain on what actually happens during the development of psoriasis. Scientists only knew that the immune system as well as the genes has key roles in the development of such. In studying the latter, the medical experts were able to determine that people with psoriasis had T cells that mistakenly trigger reaction at the skin level. T cell is a white blood type which fights viruses and bacteria. Such reaction appears to lie on the person’s DNA. Psoriasis sufferers inherit psoriasis-causing genes. There are actually several genes that are involved in the development of psoriasis one of which is the PSORS1. This gene regulates the immune system’s capacity to combat infections. Having strep throat is actually one of the triggers of psoriasis. Nevertheless, the triggers to psoriasis are not necessarily universal hence one psoriasis sufferer’s trigger may not be the trigger for another sufferer’s condition.

Anyone having the ‘right mix’ of genes can develop psoriasis. In the US alone, there are about 7.5 million people who are suffering from psoriasis and approximately 150,000 cases are added annually. Psoriasis develops among males as well as females and in any age. However, it was reported that majority of the sufferer saw the first sign of psoriasis when they are 15 to 30 years old though they often mistook for something else. Caucasians are more prone of developing psoriasis compared to other races. It would be important to know that approximately 75% of the sufferers start to live with psoriasis before they hit the age of 40. Some sufferers reported the onset of their psoriasis when they reach the age of 50. This is more so when the psoriasis runs in the blood. While family increases the risk of psoriasis, this doesn’t guarantee that a family member will suffer from the condition.

MANAGE PSORIASIS WITH HOLISTIC HOME REMEDIES.

Psoriasis has been a great bother to those suffering from it.  It is an autoimmune disease and occurs when the immune system mistakes the skin cells for pathogens.  This results in a built up of a silvery-white skin at these spots.

There are five types of Psoriasis; plaque, guttate, pustular, and erythrodermic. Psoriasis is commonly seen as silvery white or red and white hues of scaly patches appearing on the skin particularly on the elbows, and knees and other parts of the body. It can be patches or widespread all over the body.  The toe and finger nails can also be affected. Others symptoms include; inflammation and exfoliation of the skin, pain and itchiness of the skin.

The side effects that come with Psoriasis include depression, hypertension, congestive heart failure, poor self image, social isolation, among others.

The cause of the disease has not yet been determined, at times certain things trigger and aggravate the problem while at times the diseases heals.  Though there is so much high level of uncertainity as regards this disease, it is equally true that research has shown over time that one can manage the disease and get relieved of the disease torment.

There are prescribed medications for this disease, but the much better option to consider is the natural remedy, it is cheap,  without any side effects and is readily available in most of the home healthy stores.

Here you will find simple but effective natural remedies to Psoriasis that have proven effective for others.  It should be noted that it is important though to confirm with a physician as you undertake these natural remedies.

The first remedy is to maintain your skin moist enough as Psoriasis thrives more under dry conditions.  You could consider soaking your skin in slightly lukewarm water and sufficiently apply a moisturizer to your skin immediately after drying yourself.  This helps remove the built up of dry dead skin that will otherwise hinder any external healing applications and UV rays on the skin. Hot water and shower scrubs may serve to drain the skin of natural oils that are meant to keep the skin moist, it is important that you keep off agents that will dry your skin. Moisturizers reduce inflammation and improves flexibility and mobility. They also make the scales less noticeable and heavey moisturizers lock in water into the skin. The other way to keep your skin moisturized is to take a lot of water, usually 6 to 8 glasses of water every day.  This renews, rejuvenates and eliminates easily wastes that would otherwise build up.  While other remedies are meant to work from without, water effectively works from within. Also note that dry indoor air is associated with dry skin, be sure to go out for the benefit of sunshine that works to improve Psoriasis but be careful not to be extreme as to get sunburned in the process. A vinegar dip has served to help the toe and finger nails in healing.

One can also warm some olive oil and pass it over the affected area by massaging it into the skin or the affected part. This will soften the dry area. You can then wash the area gently and rinse. Other oils that have a healing effect include mineral oils and vegetable oils. These oils reduce inflammation, they are added to the bathing water.

Be sure to cover up the affected area with an available material like a plastic wrap or any other cover up that can be gotten over the counter.  It holds the applied medication in place and also helps to retain the moisture. Do not keep the wrap for so long to allow for the area to become soggy as it may lead to secondary infection.

Studies also have shown that dietary changes could also help manage Psoriasis.  A low energy diet, vegetarian and certain fruits diet, and fish oils rich in omega-3 and code liver oil supplements have proved to alleviate the suffering of Psoriasis victims.

Lifestyle changes also play a major role in the healing process. An alcoholic and smoking lifestyle will increase infection.

Use of baking soda helps reduce the itchiness and pain that are experienced at the affected area. 1 ½ cup of baking soda is mixed in 3 gallons of water, using a small towel, soak the cloth into the mixture and press it against the affected area.

Tar-containing shampoos creams and birth additives are the best for widespread Psoriasis on the body. They help loosen up the Psoriasis scales.

Avoid injuring your skin, sunburns, scratches, or even irritation from tight clothing may cause irritation on the skin and lead to worsening of the Psoriasis.

Also remember to check on an oil rich soap as compared to ones which could irritate your skin. They should be able to moisturize your skin. Go for milder ones, they are good.

You will need to be careful with certain medications that could aggravate the Psoriasis condition.  These medications are like ant malarial medication, beta blockers, lithium among others. Be open about your skin condition to all doctors who will treat you for other ailments so as to prevent worsening of the situation.

Other remedies include use of dead sea salts, their effect may not last long enough, but for the short time that it is used it is effective.  Use Epsom salt baths, wheat germ oil, tea tree oil, salt water bath and sea water bath among others.

Always to remember to keep the infected areas clean as this will help prevent the area from having anymore infections.

The disease may not have a cure and certainly will re-occur over the lifetime period of the one who has contacted the disease. But this does not mean that we despair.  Acceptance of the disease will go a long way to ease emotional and psychological pain.  Members of the family to which the person with disease comes from should be supportive enough so as to aid the person not to feel isolated. Keep yourself updated with much information on the disease, it will help you make informed decisions.