Skin Disorders – What is Psoriasis?

By Admin On November 22, 2007 Under Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disease that affects the life cycle of skin cells. It is caused by faulty signals in the immune system and cannot be passed through direct personal contact.  It normally takes new cells about a month to shift from the lowest skin layer (where they’re produced) to the outermost layer (where they die and flake off).  With psoriasis, the entire life cycle takes only days.

As a result, cells build up rapidly, forming thick silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that are sometimes painful.  It affects about one out of every 50 adults.
 
Psoriasis is a chronic (lifelong) condition because there is currently no cure. People often experience flare-ups and remissions throughout their life.

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

Psoriasis usually causes discomfort. The skin frequently itches, and it may crack and bleed.  In severe cases, the itching and discomfort may keep a person awake at night, and the pain can make everyday tasks difficult. The symptoms of psoriasis include skin that is salmon-colored, scaly, flaky and irritated. 

The most common form is plaque psoriasis, and affected parts form round-oval- or irregularly-shaped patches of red that are covered with skin that’s scaly and silver-colored.  There is no uniformity in the size or shape of the patchy areas.  Some small patches can combine together and appear as one big irregular shape of irritated skin.

Affected skin can be particularly itchy and individuals may also have a burning feeling.  There is also no consistency when it comes to the period of the flare-up.  It can range for approximately 20 days to 120 days or even more.  It is also unfortunate that because psoriasis is a chronic condition, flare-ups can happen at any given time.

Psoriasis usually affects the trunk, head, elbows and knees.  But psoriasis can actually develop on any part of the body.  Flare-ups are also likely to be symmetrical.  This means that both sides of the body will develop the psoriasis at the same areas and at the same time. 

What Causes Psoriasis?

Research has identified that genes can cause psoriasis.  Genetics determines how a person’s immune system reacts.  Therefore, the risk of developing psoriasis increases when a close blood relative has psoriasis.
 
It is still unknown why T-cells, which produce white blood cells to fight infections, cause the skin to inflame.  The T-cells also initiates excessive production of skin cells.  These excessive skin cells stack up and appear like a heap of skin.  It becomes red because there is increased blood supply to nourish the excess skin cells.
 
Some people who do have a family history of psoriasis never develop psoriasis. Research shows that a “trigger” is needed. Stress, skin injuries, a strep infection, certain medications, and sunburn are some of the known potential triggers.  Those affected with HIV (early stages) also have a higher occurrence of psoriasis.  There are also some medications that can trigger this condition.
  
At the moment, there is no cure for psoriasis.  But there are several treatments available to help ease and lessen the symptoms.  Begin by keeping the area moist and try to resist the temptation of scratching.

Treatments for Psoriasis

There are different treatments for psoriasis.  The goal is to interrupt the cycle that produces excessive skin cells.  Treatments also minimize and alleviate the symptoms as there is no cure yet. 

Topical treatments are used in the beginning with the aim of slowing down the excess production of skin cells.  Options include coal tar, salicylic acid, corticosteroids, synthetic vitamin D, tazorac and anthrallin.

Specially-formulated bathing products and moisturizers are also available.  For severe cases, systemic medications are prescribed. Phototherapy, where patients are exposed to medically-supervised ultraviolet radiation is also effective in treating psoriasis.

Again, talk to your health care provider when it comes to treatments.  Remember that treatments may not have the same effect or side effects for everyone