Affecting around one out of every fifty adults, psoriasis is a physical condition that can cause significant mental suffering. One of the most intriguing discoveries related to what causes psoriasis is that its onset is rooted in the body's immune system.
The symptoms associated with a flare-up of psoriasis include skin that is salmon colored, cracked, flaky and irritated. One of the more predominant types is termed plaque psoriasis where the affected area develops oval, circular or irregular formed patches covered with cracked, silvery colored skin. The form and sizes of the patches varies widely and several smaller areas can merge together to form one bigger shape of irritated scaly skin. Besides being unsightly, these larger areas tend to crack and start bleeding.
The area of affected skin can become really sore and feel as though it is burning. Like the shape, there is no consistency as to how long a particular flare-up will last. It could go away within a week but then again, you may be suffering for weeks on end. because psoriasis is classified as a lifelong condition, the prospects of repeated flare-ups in the same or different area of the body are very high.
Even though any part of the torso can be affected by psoriasis, the most common areas are the hands, head, torso, elbows and knees. One unexplained anomaly is that flare-ups are inclined to be symmetrical in as much that both sides of the body will be affected in identical areas at the same time.
Genetic factors play some role in psoriasis which means that those individuals with parents or grandparents who have had psoriasis have an increased chance that they will develop it as well. For some unidentified reason, T-cells, which are needed to produce the white blood cells that assist our bodies to fight infection, cause the skin to become inflamed. These same cells also set off some bodily process which results in the over production of skin cells. With nowhere else to go, these excess skin cells amass on top of one another and produce the telling appearance of raised patches on the skin's exterior. To sustain these additional skin cells, an increased blood supply is necessary which results in the red look.
Injuries to the skin, sunlight and streptococcal infections are common triggers of Psoriasis. Alterations in the bodies hormone levels as well as stress and anxiousness can also trigger outbreaks. Individuals with early stages of HIV appear to have higher instances of psoriasis as well. Smokers and alcohol drinkers are considered to be at greater risk of developing psoriasis although it is not contagious and cannot be passed on.
Presently, there is still no known cure for psoriasis. However there are many effective treatment options that can alleviate the symptoms. Begin by keeping the affected areas moist and by resisting the temptation to scratch the area.
The first course of treatments are topical and are applied directly to the affected surface area with the ultimate goal of trying to stem the production of surplus skin cells. Commonly used localized treatments include anthrallin, coal tar, corticosteroids, salicylic acid and synthetic vitamin D. There are also a range of specially formulated skin moisturizers and bathing products. For more severe cases where topical treatments maybe ineffective, systemic medications may be prescribed by the doctor. Another effectual means of psoriasis treatment is with the use phototherapy, where, under strict medical supervision, the sufferer is exposed to UV radiation.
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