Psoriasis - Symptoms & Treatment

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition. Skin cells grow deep in the skin and slowly rise to the surface. This process is called cell turnover, and it takes about a month. People who suffer from Psoriasis get a related form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis, which causes inflammation of the joints. Most psoriasis causes patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. These patches can itch or feel sore. They are often found on the elbows, knees, other parts of the legs, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet. But they can show up other places such as fingernails, toenails, genitals, and inside the mouth. There are around five different types, each with different signs and symptoms. Plaque Psoriasis is the most common type of Psoriasis. Most of the people who develop Psoriasis have plaque psoriasis , which appears as patches of raised red skin covered by silvery-white scale. The other types are guttate psoriasis (small, red spots on the skin), pustular psoriasis (white pustules surrounded by red skin), inverse psoriasis (smooth, red lesions form in skin folds), and erythrodermic psoriasis (widespread redness, severe itching, and pain). Regardless of type, psoriasis usually causes discomfort. The skin often 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. Psoriasis is a chronic, meaning lifelong, condition because there is currently no cure. People often experience flares and remissions throughout their life. Controlling the signs and symptoms typically requires lifelong therapy.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease, which is characterized by the formation of thick red patches covered with silvery scales on the surface of skin. It is common among both men and women. It is usually found among persons in the age group of 15-30 years. People with psoriasis may suffer discomfort, restricted motion of joints, and emotional distress. When psoriasis develops, patches of skin thicken, redden, and become covered with silvery scales. These patches are sometimes referred to as plaques. They may itch or burn. The skin at joints may crack. Psoriasis most often occurs on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet. The disease also may affect the fingernails, toenails, and the soft tissues inside the mouth and genitalia. About 10 percent of people with psoriasis have joint inflammation that produces symptoms of arthritis. The condition is not contagious and most people have only small patches of their body affected. The severity varies greatly. Symptoms often come and go without treatment. However a few people with psoriasis have a more severe form that requires intensive medical and nursing care.

Causes of Psoriasis

Find common causes and risk factors of Psoriasis :

• Emotional stress.
• Use of certain medicines.
• Heredity.
• Infections.
• Use of certain drugs.

Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

• Irritation on the skin.
• Skin turns reddish.
• Itching .
• Silvery scales.
• Red plaques (red scales).

Treatment for Psoriasis

Treatment may include:

• Use plenty of moisturizing cream to soothe and soften the skin. This is especially effective after washing.
• Sunlight helps some people with psoriasis. However, avoid the sun if it causes pain and avoid getting burnt.
• Phototherapy(used alone or in combination with topical therapy to treat moderate to severe psoriasis).
• After washing, pat the skin dry, don't irritate it by rubbing vigorously.
• Tazarotene (Tazorac) is a topical retinoid for treating mild to moderate plaque psoriasis.
• Wear cotton clothes next to the skin and avoid rough, synthetic mate.
• Avoid soap, which can be drying, and instead wash with aqueous cream or an emollient wash (eg E45).
• Steroid creams and ointments help reduce inflammation. They range in strength from very potent to mild. (View list of topical steroids).
• Emollients (moisturizers) help soften scales and reduce discomfort.