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Psoriasis

What is psoriasis? Psoriasis (so-RI-ah-sis) is a long-term skin disease. It usually looks like red, raised, patches on your skin that are covered with silver-colored scales. Normally, skin cells mature and gradually fall off in about a month. With psoriasis, the skin cells grow faster and shed in just a few days, which is quicker than normal. This abnormal growth causes a buildup of skin cells on the surface of the skin. This buildup forms plaques (patches of scales) on your skin. The blood supply to the skin may also be affected and cause redness and inflammation (swelling). Psoriasis may occur in all age groups and may also affect the joints, nails, scalp, and the mucous membranes.What causes psoriasis? The exact cause of psoriasis is not known. Caregivers are certain that this skin disease is not something you catch or pass on to others. The following are possible causes of psoriasis and may trigger a flare-up:

Genetics: Psoriasis is more likely to occur if another family member also has psoriasis.

Immune problems: The immune system is the part of your body that fights infection. A problem with the immune system sometimes makes your body attack even its own cells. This may make you more likely to develop psoriasis.

Infections: Germs, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, may trigger a psoriasis flare-up. A flare-up of psoriasis usually follows a sore throat.

Medicines: Certain medicines, such as those used in treating high blood pressure or depression, may cause psoriasis.

Skin damage: Skin injuries, such as those caused by sunburn, scratching, or surgery, may make you more likely to develop psoriasis.

Smoking and alcohol: Cigarette smoking and drinking alcohol may increase your risk of having psoriasis. Alcohol is found in beer, wine, liquor, such as vodka and whiskey, or other adult drinks.

Stress: Emotional stress, such as feeling tired, upset, angry, or sad, may also lead to a flare-up of psoriasis.

What are the signs and symptoms of psoriasis? The signs and symptoms of psoriasis may be very different from one person to another. This usually depends on the type of psoriasis you have. You may have one or more of the following:

Plaque type: This is the most common and mildest type of psoriasis. Plaques are reddened patches covered with rough-looking silvery scales. Your knees, elbows, scalp, trunk (stomach and back), and nails are usually affected.

Guttate type: This type is the most common among children and young adults. It usually happens after a sore throat or other infections. This may look like red, raised, pea-sized drops on your skin.

Inverse type: The plaques appear as smooth red patches and are often found in the moist areas of your body. This affects the skin folds, such as under breasts or in armpits. Other areas near the genitals, like in between the cheeks of your buttocks (rear-end) or groin, may also be affected.

Erythrodermic type: This is a rare type of psoriasis where plaques replace your normal skin. It is usually very itchy and painful.

Pustular type: Pustules (blisters with pus inside) or pimple-like lesions may appear on large areas of the skin. Sometimes this type is limited to the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Psoriatic arthritis: Some people who have psoriasis may also develop psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis makes your joints swollen and painful. The joints most commonly affected are the wrists, knees, ankles, lower back, and neck. Nail changes may also be seen, such as pitting, thickening, or lifting of the nails off the nail bed.

How is psoriasis diagnosed? Caregivers will take your past and current health history. They may also want to know if other family members have psoriasis. Psoriasis is usually diagnosed after carefully examining your skin. Caregivers may also do a skin biopsy, which removes a sample from your skin. Different blood tests and x-rays may also be needed to help in diagnosing psoriasis. How is psoriasis treated? Treatment usually depends on the severity of the disease, size of the areas involved, and the type of psoriasis. You may have one or more of the following:

Medicines: Mild forms of psoriasis are usually treated with medicines, such as tar, that are applied on the skin (topical medicines). More serious forms of psoriasis, like those involving the entire body, may need medicines taken by mouth or given as a shot. Some examples of these medicines include steroids, salicylic acid, and medicines that regulate the immune system. In some cases, bandages that already have medicine on them are also used.

Phototherapy: You may need ultraviolet (UV) light treatments if your psoriasis is very bad. Your skin may be exposed to a bright UV light for the period of time your caregiver prescribes.

Surgery: Surgery may be needed to treat serious forms of psoriasis. Caregivers may use certain chemicals or tools to remove or scrape off skin that is affected by psoriasis.

With treatment, such as medicine and phototherapy, complications may be prevented and your psoriasis may be controlled.How should I take care of my skin?

Apply emollients (something that softens or soothes the skin), lubricants, or moisturizing creams to your skin regularly. Stop using them if they sting your skin. Ask your caregiver if he can suggest lotions that will keep your skin moist.

Be careful with the medicines you are taking. New medicines, including natural medicines, may trigger a psoriasis flare-up. Always check for skin changes when taking your medicines.

Protect your skin by avoiding too much sun exposure. Wear sunscreen that has a sun protectant factor (SPF) approved by your caregiver. Follow the directions on the label when using sunscreen.

Try to avoid stress. Ask your caregiver about ways to relax, such as biofeedback, deep breathing exercises, or meditation. You may also talk to your family or friends about things that upset you.

Use mild soaps and add bath oils to soothe your skin when bathing. You may also use a soft brush while bathing to scrape off the top layer of your skin. Ask your caregiver if it is OK to use oatmeal products that may be put in water to decrease skin dryness.

Where can I find support and more information? Having psoriasis may be life-changing for you and your family. Accepting that you have psoriasis may be hard. You and those close to you may feel sad, angry, depressed, or frightened. These are normal feelings. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. You may also want to join a support group. This is a group of people who also have psoriasis. Contact the following for more information about psoriasis:

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease
Information Clearinghouse
National Institutes of Health
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
Phone: 1-301-495-4484
Phone: 1-877-226-4267
Web Address: http://www.niams.nih.gov

National Psoriasis Foundation
6600 SW 92nd Ave. Suite 300
Portland, Oregon 97223-7195
Phone: 1-503-244-7404
Phone: 1-800-723-9166
Web Address: www.psoriasis.org

Sarnath	Latest page update: made by Sarnath , Nov 6 2007, 12:40 AM EST (about this update About This Update new stories by sarnath - Sarnath 1152 words added 1 image added view changes - complete history)
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