Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a long term skin disease characterized by inflammation and scaling. This condition can also cause dandruff. When cells in outer skin layers reproduce quicker than normal, scaling can result. When this scaling occurs, scales pile up on the surface of the skin. Almost seven million people are affected by psoriasis. Psoriasis can occur in people of all ages and those who suffer from it suffer discomfort, strained movement of their joints and emotional distress. Psoriasis is characterized by thick patches of skin that redden and become covered with silver scales. These are called plaques. They may itch and burn. Psoriasis usually occurs on the elbows, scalp, face, lower back and the soles of a person’s feet. It can also affect fingernails and toenails as well a soft tissue in the mouth or on the genital area. Researchers believe that psoriasis is an immune system disorder. T or white blood cells normally help the body fight disease and infection. They believe that the ailment causes the immune system to produce extra T Cells in the skin. These cells trigger inflammation of skin and excessive skin cells. These excess skin cells are seen on the body and psoriasis. The excess cell production leads to the inflammation and flaking of skin. Doctors diagnose psoriasis often by carefully examining the skin. Even so, diagnosis can be hard because psoriasis can seem like other skin conditions. A small piece of skin may be removed. A small piece of skin may be removed so a biopsy can be preformed. This skin may get examined under a microscope. There are a few forms of psoriasis. These are guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis and erythrodermic psoriasis. Guttate psoriasis is when lesions show up on the scalp. This type of psoriasis can be set off by respiratory or bacterial infections. Inverse psoriasis is large and dry bright red plaques that appear in folds of skin. These folds are near genital areas or under the breasts. This condition is related to greater sensitivity to friction or sweating. Erythodermic psoriasis is a scaling and reddening of the skin. Itching and pain may also be present with it. Severe sunburn or using oral steroids can cause this type of psoriasis. The way a medical doctor treats psoriasis largely depends on how serious the disease is. The treatment takes place in steps. First medicine is applied topically. Next, phototherapy is used. Lastly, medicine is taking by mouth and by injection. On occasion, skin affected by psoriasis may need to be treated repeatedly. Also, treatments affect different people in different ways. Trial and error are the only way a doctor can find what works for a particular patient. Sometimes treatments are switched every one or two years to reduce resistance. Treatment also depends on where lesions are located on the body, how much skin is affected, how the patient feels about their psoriasis and what they prefer as far as treatment. Treatment is usually tailored to a certain form of the condition. Topical treatments are oftentimes helpful in clearing up psoriasis. Some patients respond positively to certain ointments, coal tar or medicine with vitamin B3. Bath solutions and lotions can be soothing but are not usually strong enough to clear up lesions for a long period of time. They should be used in conjunction with other stronger remedies. Sunlight and corticosteroids are two topical treatments. Daily, short doses of sun can help clear psoriasis but sun exposure is not the best thing for individuals who are being treated by ultraviolet light or using if they are using coal tar. These things increase sensitivity to the sun. Corticosteroids are applied two times a day. If a small percentage of the skin has psoriasis, physicians may start treatment with a strong corticosteroid ointment such as Temovate. These steroids are used on plaques that are resistant to treatment. However, using steroids long term can cause the skin to thin. They can also cause side effects and can make psoriasis worse. Sometimes doctors who have diagnosed with severe psoriasis prescribe internal medicine. Retinoids, antibiotics and Hydra may be prescribed. Retinoids are developed from vitamin A. They include a substance known as eteretinate. Etretinate helps pustular psoriasis as well as erythrodermic psoriasis. This product is capable of causing birth defects so women of child bearing age should not take this. This chemical can cause a problem with liver function. Hydra is not as toxic as some drugs but also may not be as effective. This substance can cause anemia and a decrease in blood platelets. Though not typically used, antibiotics may be put into play when a specific infection like streptococcus triggers psoriasis. Psoriasis research is promising so treatments are improving. Scientists and researches search for genes that may contribute to the causes of psoriasis. They are also trying to figure out what occurs in the body to trigger the condition. Researchers are also trying to develop more viable psoriasis treatments such as chemicals directed at the T cell. Anyone can find out more information on psoriasis by contacting the National Psoriasis Foundation in Portland, Oregon. |
