What you need to know about Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, long term problem of the skin causing its cells to quickly grow. This results in red, silvery or white thick skin patches.  The cells of the skin normally flake off after a gradual growth every twenty eight days or so. New cells of the skin grow replacing the skin outer layers as these get shed. In psoriasis, however, the newer skin cells rapidly move to the skin surface not in weeks but in mere days. These form thick patches of plaques after building up quickly. The size of the patches ranges from large to small. Often, they appear in the lower back, feet, hands, scalp, elbow and knees. In adults, psoriasis is more common. However, teens and children are also able to get this.

It can be an embarrassment to have psoriasis and many individuals particularly those in the teenage years avoid situations such as swimming in which the patches become apparent. Of course, there are many treatment types that can keep psoriasis controlled.

Not Contagious

Psoriasis cannot be spread by touching between people and is not contagious. The symptoms can involve small rash areas with mild psoriasis. When severe or even moderate, there is inflammation that happens to the skin with red areas that are raised topped with scaling, silvery and loose skin. With severe cases, the skin becomes tender and itchy. At times it is uncomfortable to feel the overly large patches form. These can join together covering large skin areas such as the entirety of the back or can be small spots in less visible areas. The toenails and fingernails can also be affected by psoriasis. This causes nails to separate from the nail bed, change color or to pit. At times, swollen joints happen with psoriasis and this can involve pain and tenderness. Psoriatic arthritis is the term for this. Often, even without treatment, symptoms my go into remission and disappear. At times, with no changes or apparent variables, they can flare up.

Immune System Overreacting

It is believed that this disease happens when there is an overreaction in the system of immunity, causing flaking or inflammation of skin. At times, psoriasis is genetic. Individuals that have this condition sometimes note that there are times when their condition gets worse. Flare ups of psoriasis can be caused by a dry, cold climate, taking certain medications, dry skin, stress, infections or a dry climate.

Diagnosis

Psoriasis can be diagnosed by doctors by looking at nails, scalp or skin patches. There are no necessary special tests required. Many times, treatment begins with skin care and the psoriasis cases are mild. This includes using lotions and creams to keep your skin moist. Often, these are used with other treatments including prescribed medicine by your doctor, ultraviolet light and shampoo. It is sometimes hard to treat psoriasis. You might have to attempt various treatment combinations in order to find out what suits you best. It sometimes takes the entire lifetime when it comes to psoriasis treatment.

Home Treatment

Psoriasis can be controlled by at home skin care treatments. To treat the conditions, follow instructions on the medicine prescribed for the skin. Shorter UV light exposure and doctor prescribed skin moisturizers should also be used.