Psoriasis is a condition that causes rashes and inflammation on the skin. It is an auto-immune disease with patches of discolored skin covered with scales. Although these patches may appear on any body part, they mostly develop on the elbow, knee, and scalp. These thick and scaly areas are called plaques. Psoriasis happens because of rapid skin cell growth. Generally, our skin cells grow and shed in a month, but in psoriasis, the duration of this cycle is reduced to 3-4 days. Instead of shedding, the old skin accumulates on the skin's surface and may burn, itch, or sting.
The inflammation caused by psoriasis can also impact other body parts. One of the associated conditions is Psoriatic Arthritis which causes swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints and the surrounding areas.
There are several different types of psoriasis which can affect multiple locations on the body. Common sites are genitals, scalp, face, hands, feet, nails, and skin folds.
The various types are known:
While psoriasis can start at any age, according to Psoriasis.org, it often starts between the ages of 15 and 25. Common symptoms of psoriasis are:
The symptoms also vary as per the type of psoriasis.
Psoriasis's exact cause is unknown, but we know that the immune system is responsible. The immune system is supposed to fight any alien presence in the body and protect it. The problem arises when the immune system mistakes the healthy cells for unknown entities and starts attacking them. This causes the inflammation in healthy cells to swell and turn into plaque. The over-active immune system changes the development period of new skin cells to 3-4 days instead of the regular 30 days, which causes deposits of old skin over the new skin.
Genes also play an important role. If a family member has psoriasis, there is a higher chance that you or a loved one might also develop this disease.
Early research suggested that the psoriatic skin contains a gene mutation. Later it was discovered that this gene mutation alone is not responsible for passing the disease to the family. Although genetic studies can now indicate the chances of a person developing this condition, there is no concrete answer regarding how genes pass this skin disease on to another family member.
Sometimes, psoriasis is triggered by certain other factors, including:
If you have severe symptoms, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. Your doctor will determine the treatment depending on the type, severity, and area affected. There are 3 levels of treatment:
Topical treatment is the first treatment given for mild to moderate psoriasis. It includes:
Other treatments which can be helpful for psoriasis are:
Medline Remedy Olivamine Skin Repair Cream
Psoriasis has multiple effects on one's life, from deciding which clothes to wear and how to manage the symptoms to managing the skin condition and emotional, mental, and overall health. Psoriasis can affect relationships, and even going out in public becomes a challenge because of the itch and the appearance of the skin. To manage psoriasis and its effects, taking medication on time and regularly using moisturizers and creams is important. If the condition worsens, consult a healthcare provider.
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Akanksha Nigam has been a Health Products For You contributor since 2021. With a Masters Degree in Finance, she began her Marketing career in the banking industry. However, her interest in human ...
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