Causes and Symptoms of Psoriasis Skin Disease

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Causes and Symptoms of Psoriasis Skin Disease

Friday, June 12th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

Affecting in the region of one in every 50 adults, psoriasis skin disorder is a physical condition that can cause significant psychological distress. Clinical studies have come to the conclusion that even though psoriaisis manifests itself as a skin condition, the actual onset is rooted in the immune system of the body.

The symptoms of psoriasis include skin that is salmon colored, scaly, flaky and irritated. One of the most common forms is termed plaque psoriasis where the affected area develops eliptical, round or irregular formed patches covered with scaly, silvery colored skin. The form and sizes of the patches vary widely and individual smaller areas can merge together to form one large shape of irritated scaly skin. Besides being unsightly, these bigger areas tend to crack and begin bleeding.

The area of affected skin can become really sore and feel as though it is burning. Like the shape, there is no consistency as to the length of time a specific flare-up will go on for. It could last ten days or you might have to endure it for several weeks. One of the worst aspects for sufferers is that it is a chronic condition and repeated flare-ups can happen at any time.

Areas of the body that are most often affected include the trunk, head, elbows and knees although any body part can develop symptoms of psoriasis. One strange anomaly is that flare-ups are inclined to be symmetric in as much that both sides of the body will be affected in identical areas at the same time.

It appears that hereditary factors also play a part in who is likely to develop psoriasis. Individuals whose parents or grandparents suffered with the ailment have a greater chance of developing it as well. For some obscure reason, T-cells, which are needed to produce the white blood cells which assist our bodies to fight infection, cause the skin to become inflamed. T-cells also in some way trigger the production of an overabundance of skin cells. With nowhere else to go, these excess skin cells amass on top of one another and create the telling appearance of raised areas on the skin’s exterior. The red appearance is a result of increased blood supply that is required to nourish these skin cells.

Injuries to the skin, sunlight and strep infections are frequent triggers of Psoriasis. Alterations in the bodies hormone levels as well as stress and anxiety can also spark outbreaks. People with early stages of HIV appear to have higher instances of psoriasis as well. Smokers and alcohol drinkers are thought to be at greater risk of developing psoriasis although it is not infectious and cannot be passed on.

In the absence of any known remedy for psoriasis, there are a number of effective treatments that can at least ease the symptoms. Start by keeping the affected areas moist and by resisting the temptation to scratch.

Topical treatments are applied initially with the goal of slowing down the excess production of skin cells. Commonly applied topical treatments include anthrallin, coal tar, corticosteroids, salicylic acid and synthetic vitamin D. There are also a selection of specially formulated skin moisturizers and bathing products. Systemic medications are prescribed to treat more serious cases. An additional effectual means of treating psoriasis is with the use of phototherapy, where, under strict medical supervision, the sufferer is exposed to ultra violet radiation.

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