Medical facts on allergies, symptoms and diseases!
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease which affects the skin and joints.
It is a common skin problem that occurs when the skin cells replace themselves
too quickly - every few days compared to the normal 21-28 day cycle.
This leads to the characteristic scaly appearance seen in psoriasis.
There are several different types of psoriasis. They are classified according to the
appearance of the lesions or where they are on the body.
These include:
- Plaque psoriasis - larger lesions, typically on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back
- Guttate psoriasis - small, round lesions, generally widespread
- Pustular psoriasis - pustules accompany the redness and scaling seen in other types of psoriasis
- Plantopalmar psoriasis - affecting the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
Psoriasis tends to run in families but it can affect anyone.
Most often it first appears in early life, during adolescence or as a young adult,
but older adults can develop it too.
No one knows yet exactly what causes psoriasis but certain genes have been linked to it.
Other factors, such as certain drugs, throat infection and physical, or emotional stress appear to act as triggers.
A diagnosis of psoriasis is usually based on the appearance of the skin.
There are no diagnostic procedures for psoriasis or special blood tests.
What are the symptoms?
Psoriasis feels uncomfortable and may itch. The patches look red and are covered with silvery scales.
If the lesions are in the skin creases and folds they may not have these scales.
Most people with psoriasis will have only small patches that get better on their own or with little treatment.
For minority of people, the psoriasis will be severe and may need intensive treatment.
In about 10% of people the joints will be involved as well.
This is called psoriatic arthritis and generally affects the fingers, toes, and lower back.
Psoriasis tends to wax and wane and it is not uncommon to have long spells of years without a flare up.
What is the treatment?
Dermatologists often use a trial-and-error approach to find the most appropriate treatment for their patient,
because there can be a substantial variation between individuals in the effectiveness of specific psoriasis treatments.
Moisturisers or emollients help to soften the scaly skin and may reduce the itch a bit.
Steroid creams and soaps and shampoos that contain coal tar may help to reduce the iscalingn and flammation.
Vitamin D ointments may also be useful. They are thought to work by altering the rate of skin cell turnover.
Two other medicinal creams, Dithranol and Tazarotene, can also be applied to the plaques.
However, they should not be applied to healthy skin because they are irritants.
Some people are helped by ultra violet light therapy.
Related articles
Didn't find what you were looking for?
|
