The one thing you need to understand about psoriasis is that it starts from within the body. It is not caused by an allergy or reaction to any external irritants. This particular disease is not a skin disorder, although it does affect the skin. It is an embarrassing complaint that, in its most severe form, causes pain, discomfort and social isolation for many people. This article looks at the causes and latest treatments of psoriasis to help people better deal with it.

What is psoriasis?

It is an immune system disorder where skin cells or keratinocytes multiply faster than their normal 28-30 day cycle. These extra skin cells then build up on the surface of the skin forming red inflamed plaques or lesions with silvery scales, which can be found on all parts of the body, but more commonly on the elbows and knees and occasionally on the scalp, arms and legs.

Psoriasis is not fussy whom it attacks! Everyone, regardless of sex, race or age may develop it. However people can be affected quite differently. Some people only ever have one outbreak and are never troubled again while others suffer a severe form and are in constant discomfort. The severity of psoriasis is measured by a system called PASI, or psoriasis area and severity index which is based on the skin area affected and the level of inflammation and redness present.

Causes of psoriasis

An immune system malfunction is believed to be the most common cause. When the immune system is wronly alerted it causes an increase in the white blood cell count leading to inflammation. Stress, especially prolonged stress can also be a trigger. Psoriasis can be passed down from generation to generation according to some doctors. Certain medications can also bring on an attack.

Is psoriasis contagious?

The answer to this is a definite no. It cannot be passed on to others on contact or in any other way.

How can I find a psoriasis treatment

Many treatments have been tried but most have only a temporary effect as they are treating the disease from outside and not from within. The most common medical treatment is topically applied cortisone cream followed by coal tar ointment, anthralin and calamine lotion.

Calamine lotion is probably the safest of these, but the effects are only temporary. While providing some temporary relief, coal tar can be messy to apply and it may also irritate the skin. Cortisone products can causes thinning of the skin when used consistantly so avoid these if possible.

Moisturizing the skin brings relief for some people. If you are trying this only use a moisturizer with natural ingredients as one containing mineral oil can do more harm than good.

Exposure to sunlight or ultra violet A rays (UVA) is one of the latest treatments of psoriasis, but the side effects can be skin cancer and premature wrinkling of the skin. Exposure to UV should be monitered very carefully.

There are internal drug treatments, for instance cyclosporine or methotrexate. I like to say "if you can't pronounce it - don't eat it" Well nowhere is this more true than these two examples! Among side effects of Methotrexate are headaches, hair loss, miscarriage and less resistance to infection. Side effects associated with cyclosporine include insomnia, acne, stomach pains and nausea.

Is there anything that's safe to use to treat psoriasis? Since the disease is triggered by the immune system the logical answer is to treat the immune system. Herbal remedies can nurture our skin from the inside making them very effective. Simple remedies like drinking enough water and ensuring your diet is healthy can also help.

Because psoriasis comes from within, it will always respond better to an internal treatment. Treat the body from within and use a natural anti itching cream or lotion on the skin itself. No we can't cure psoariasis yet, however we can manage it so it doesn't have such a dramatic effect on our lifestyle.