What is Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a disease whose main symptom is gray colored patches on the skin which are red and inflamed underneath. In the United States, it affects 2 to 2.8 percent of the population, or between 5.8 and 7.8 million people. Commonly affected areas include the scalp, knees, elbows, groin, palms. Psoriasis is autoimmune in origin, and therefore it is not contagious. Around a fourth of the people with psoriasis also suffer from a form pf arthritis, called psoriatic arthritis, which is similar to rheumatoid arthritis in its symptoms.



What Causes Psoriasis: Psoriasis is powered by the immune system, involving a type of white blood cell called a T Cell. Normally, T cells help protect the body against infection and disease. In the case of psoriasis, T cells are put into action by mistake and become so active that they trigger other immune responses, which lead to inflammation and to rapid turnover of skin cells. These cells pile up on the surface of the skin, forming itchy patches or plaques. The first outbreak of psoriasis is often triggered by emotional or mental stress or physical skin injury, but heredity is a major factor as well. In about one-third of the cases, there is a family history of psoriasis. Researchers have studied a large number of families affected by psoriasis and identified genes linked to the disease. People with psoriasis may notice that there are times when their skin worsens, then improves. Conditions that may cause flareups include infections, stress, and changes in climate that dry the skin. Also, certain medicines, including lithium and beta blockers, which are prescribed for high blood pressure, may trigger an outbreak or worsen the disease.

Psoriasis Treatment: Doctors generally treat psoriasis in steps based on the severity of the disease, size of the areas involved, type of psoriasis, and the patient's response to initial treatments. This is sometimes called the "1-2-3" approach. In step 1, medicines are applied to the skin (topical treatment). Step 2 uses ultraviolet light treatments (phototherapy). Step 3 involves taking medicines by mouth or injection that treat the whole immune system (called systemic therapy). Over time, affected skin can become resistant to treatment, especially when topical corticosteroids are used. Also, a treatment that works very well in one person may have little effect in another. Thus, doctors often use a trial-and-error approach to find a treatment that works, and they may switch treatments periodically (for example, every 12 to 24 months) if a treatment does not work or if adverse reactions occur.

Psoriasis Prevention: There is no way to really prevent Psoriasis, but the following things may help stop the flareups and lessen symptoms: Keep your skin moist and lubricated. Cold weather may worsen symptoms, while hot, humid weather and sunlight may improve symptoms. Avoid scratching and digging the skin. An injury to the skin can cause psoriasis patches to form anywhere on the body, including the site of the injury. This includes injuries to your nails or nearby skin while trimming your nails. Avoid stress and anxiety. Stress may cause psoriasis to appear suddenly (flare) or can make symptoms worse, although this has not been proven in studies. Avoid infection. Infections such as strep throat can cause psoriasis to appear suddenly, especially in children.

There is a website that provides cures, facts and other great information on Psoriasis and numerous medical conditions, the website is called: All About Health, and can be found at this url:

http://www.rb59.com/medical-health-info

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2007

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