Psoriasis

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin problem that results in the accelerated growth of skin cells and causes thick, white, silvery, or red patches of skin. In people affected with Psoriasis, new skin cells tend to shift rapidly to the surface of the skin within days rather than weeks. They accumulate and form thick patches known as plaques

The patches usually vary in size from small to large and frequently appear on the knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet, or lower back. Psoriasis is more common in adults.

Causes

Some of the major causes of psoriasis include:

• Overreaction of the immune system
• Family history
• Cold and dry climate
• Infections
• Stress
• Dry skin
• Certain medicines, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and medicines
• Smoking

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of Psoriasis may include:

• Small areas of rash
• Moderate or severe psoriasis results in the inflammation of the skin with raised red regions topped with loose, silvery, scaling skin.
• In severe psoriasis, the skin becomes itchy and tender
• Swollen, tender, and painful joints known as psoriatic arthritis
• Symptoms often tend to disappear without treatment, and then returns (flare up)

Treatment

Treatment basically includes creams and lotions. These are generally used with other treatments such as shampoos, ultraviolet light, and prescription medicines.

It is also important to avoid certain things that could aggravate or worsen the symptoms of psoriasis symptoms. This includes:

• Injury to Skin
• Stress and anxiety
• Infection
• Certain medicines such as NSAIDs, beta-blockers, and lithium
• Overexposure to sunlight
• Consumption of alcohol
• Smoking