Psoriasis is a kind of skin disease which affects the joints and the skin. If red scaly patches are noticed on the skin then the person is probably suffering from psoriasis. The scaly elements known as psoriatic plaques and generally these scales are caused by inflammation and abnormal skin production. It is mostly found in the knee region and in the elbows. Even the scalps or the genitals can be affected with this disease. The toenails or the fingernails can also be affected by this disease. Among the various types chronic plaque psoriasis is the commonest form of psoriasis.
Psoriasis Causes
The probable causes of psoriasis are still unknown and hence it is very difficult to prevent the growth of skin cells. There are conditions under which the problem can aggravate. An injury in the skin, infection in the chest, a sore throat, irritations caused by drugs, stress and last but not the least even sunburn can be instrumental in psoriasis. It is said that poor hygiene or unclean body conditions can trigger off psoriasis. Consumption of alcohol in excessive means or smoking can also lead to psoriasis. If psoriasis is anyway related to arthritis it is known as psoriasis arthritis.
Psoriasis Symptoms
There are red spots which appear like scaly flecks on the skin and the scales are so fragile that it can be scratched or scraped. An itch or an irritation might be the first indication that the scales are infectious and the spots generally occur in places like elbows or scalps and in the knee region. Guttate psoriasis is found in children and this kind of disease is common after an infection which affects the respiratory tract.
There are small patches which might appear in limbs or in the upper portion of the trunks and are thought to be the first indications for psoriasis. The patches appear as raindrops and after proper treatment it can disappear within months. In most of the cases it is seen that excessive cell growth leads to an unprecedented skin growth. This means that even before the old skin sheds the newer ones grow and new skin piles on the old ones.
Types of Psoriasis
There are various types of psoriasis depending on the forms. Plaque psoriasis is the commonest form of this kind of skin disorder. Almost 80 to 90% of the people are affected by this kind. There is an inflammation on the skin and white silvery scales are found which are commonly known as plaques. Flexural psoriasis is found in folds of the skin like in the genital region, in armpits or under breasts.
The skin takes the appearance of inflamed patches but there is no colour change and the inflammation appears to be smooth. After a throat infection if small oval dots are noticed in limbs, trunks and in the scalp region then the patient is affected with guttate psoriasis. In cases of pustular psoriasis bumps are noticed in feet or hands. The bumps are full of pus and the skin becomes reddish in colour or just becomes tender. The other three types of psoriasis are nail psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and erythrodermic psoriasis.
Psoriasis Treatment
Vitamin D derivatives, steroids, skin softeners, tar preparations, vitamin A derivatives are used for treating this kind of problem. Even systemic medications like “ultraviolet B light therapies” are also used to prevent the growth of molecules in the immune system which in the process can prevent psoriasis.
Advice
There is no such cure for this disease, but the medications help to control the conditions that may aggravate the disease. If the patches appear localized especially on the knee joints and elbows tropical medication helps to control the disease. By looking at the type of skin condition it is easier to detect whether it can be controlled or otherwise. Therapies are to be conducted on a lifelong basis to keep the disease in control.
