Psoriasis can be defined as a chronic (long-lasting) skin problem with main features of scaling and inflammation of the skin. Scaling happens when cells in the outer layer of skin reproduce more quickly than normal and pile up on the surface of the skin.

Psoriasis affects 2-2.6% of the US population or almost 5.8-7 million people. It affects all age groups and about evenly in males and females. People having psoriasis may suffer discomforts, restricted motions of joints, and emotional stress.

When psoriasis arises, there would be patch of skin that thickens, reddens, and becomes covered with silvery scale. Such patches are sometimes cited to as plaques. They might itch or burn and the skin at joints might crack. Psoriasis most frequently occurs on the elbow, knee, scalp, lower back, face, palm, and any sole of the foot. The disease can also strike the fingernail, toenail, and the soft tissue inside the mouth and even genital organs. About 10% of people with psoriasis suffer from joint inflammation that develops symptoms of arthritis. This condition is known as psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriasis is not communicable disease in any way. It is impossible to "catch" psoriasis by touching any person infected with it.

The causes of psoriasis

There are many researches indicate that psoriasis might be a disorder of the immune system. The immune system involves particular type of white blood cell, called a T-cell that generally helps protecting the body against infections and diseases. Scientists now believe that psoriasis concerned to an abnormal immune system, which produces too many immune cells, called T-cells, within the skin. These T-cells then trigger the inflammations and excessive skin cell reproductions seen in people suffering from psoriasis. This will then lead to inflammation and flaking of dermal layers.

Some also think this as hereditary disease. Changes in climate, infection, distress, and dry skin can trigger the condition. Also, some medicines like the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin and medicines know to treat high blood pressure or depression might trigger an outbreak or worsen the condition.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

In general, one or more of the following symptoms are noticed:

• Generalized tire
• Tenderness, pain and swelling over any tendon
• Inflamed fingers and toes
• Stiffness, pains (throbbing type of), swelling and tendered one or more joint
• A reduced range in motions
• Psoriatic plaques incline to appear on both the sides of the body at same places.
• The plaque area on the skin gets elevated.
• Morning stiffness and fatigue is common
• Nail changes—for instance, the nail gets separated from the nail bed and/or turns pitted and mimics fungal infections
• Redness and pain in the eyes, such as conjunctivitis

Treatment of Psoriasis

Retinoids are the drugs derived from vitamin A and include etretinate and isotretinoin. Etretinate is very effective against pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis. Isotretinoin is also useful against pustular psoriasis. Both drugs can produce birth defects and are not recommended for the lady of childbearing age. At higher doses, etretinate can cause liver dysfunction. Therefore it is often compound with UVB phototherapy or PUVA so that lower, lesser toxic, doses can be taken.

UVB Phototherapy is sources of UVB light those are similar to sunlight. Some physicians begin with UVB treatments rather than topical agents. UVB phototherapy also is used treating widespread psoriasis and lesions those resist topical treatments. Such type of phototherapy is generally administered in a clinic by using a light panels or light boxes, although under expert’s guidance, some patients might use UVB light box at home. UVB phototherapy also might be combined with other therapies. One combined therapy program, cited to as the Ingram regime, includes a coal tar bath, UVB phototherapy applying with an anthralin-salicylic acid paste that is left onto the skin for 6-24 hr. A similar regime, the Goeckerman remedy, includes application of coal tar lotion and UVB phototherapy.

Some of the natural healing herbs can also be used in psoriasis management. Herbs such as turmeric, neem, Acacia, Rubia are considered to be good treating such condition. Ayurvedic therapy called as Panchakarma is said to be very beneficial that includes external and internal therapy both. The patient is massaged with certain herbal extract oils and also given some medications that remove the toxic substances of the body responsible causing skin diseases such as psoriasis.

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