What Causes Psoriasis Skin Disease

Affecting around one out of every 50 adults, psoriasis of the skin is a physical condition that can cause significant mental suffering. Clinical studies have concluded that even though psoriaisis shows itself as a skin complaint, the actual onset is rooted in the immune system of the body.

Salmon colored skin which becomes cracked, flaky and irritated is among the common psoriasis symptoms. With plaque psoriasis, which is also the most commonplace form, the afflicted areas develop round, eliptical or irregular shaped areas of red that are covered with skin that is cracked 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. As well as being unsightly, the skin in these areas sometimes cracks and starts bleeding.

Affected skin can be sensitive and frequently has a burning sensation. There are no hard and fast rules as to how long any specific flare-up will last. It could disappear within a week but then again, you may have to suffer it for weeks on end. because psoriasis is classified as a chronic complaint, the chances of recurring flare-ups in the same or different area of the body are very high.

Even though any part of the body can be affected by psoriasis, the most frequent areas are the hands, scalp, torso, elbows and knees. Flare-ups are inclined to be symmetrical, meaning that both sides of the body will experience flare-ups in identical areas at the same time.

Genetic factors play some part in psoriasis meaning that those folks with parents or grandparents who have had psoriasis have a greater risk that they will develop it also. 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. These same cells also set off some bodily process which results in the over production of skin cells. Since these skin cells are surplus to requirements, they simply pile up on top of each other and in turn create the telling raised patches on the surface of the skin. To sustain these additional skin cells, an increased blood supply is needed which results in the red appearance.

Injuries to the skin, sun and strep infections are frequent triggers of Psoriasis. Changes in the bodies hormone levels as well as stress and anxiousness can also trigger off outbreaks. Folks with early stages of HIV appear to have higher instances of psoriasis as well. Smokers and alcohol drinkers are thought to be at greater risk of developing psoriasis although it is not infectious and cannot be passed on.

Currently, there is still no recognized remedy for psoriasis. Nevertheless there are many effective treatment options that can ease the symptoms. Resisting the temptation to scratch the affected area and keeping it moist is a good start.

Localized treatments are used first with a view to slowing the excess production of skin cells. Commonly applied localized treatments include anthrallin, coal tar, corticosteroids, salicylic acid and synthetic vitamin D. There are also a selection of specially developed skin moisturizers and bathing products. Systemic medications are prescribed to address more serious cases. An additional effective method of treating psoriasis is with the use of phototherapy, where, under strict medical supervision, the sufferer is exposed to UV radiation.

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