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Skin Disorders – Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a physical condition that can cause significant psychological distress. Affecting approximately one out of every 50 adults, one of the most interesting discoveries related to the skin disorder, psoriasis, is that its onset is rooted in the body's immune system. Psoriasis is not contagious so there is no risk of passing it on.
The symptoms associated with psoriasis can include salmon-colored skin, scaly skin, flaky and irritated skin. The most common form or psoriasis is plaque psoriasis. Affected areas develop into round-shaped, oval-shaped or even irregularly-shaped patches of redness that are covered with skin that is scaly and silver-colored. There is no consistency in the size or shape of the patchy areas. In fact, several small patches can eventually merge together becoming one big area of irritated skin. In some instances, these areas crack and cause bleeding causing it to become very unsightly.
Itchy and burning are common sensations and can become very extreme. Like the inconsistencies in shape, there is no consistency in how long a flare-up will last. It can last 20 days or it can last 120 days or longer. What's worse for those affected is that it's a chronic condition so recurring flare-ups can happen any time.
Flare-ups tend to be symmetrical, meaning that both sides of the body will experience flare-ups in the same areas at the same time. Affected parts of the body most commonly include the head, elbows and knees. These are the most common, however any body part can develop psoriasis.
As with many skin disorders genetics can play a role in psoriasis. Therefore, individuals with parents or grandparents who have had psoriasis have an increased chance that they will also develop it. For reasons still unknown, T-cells, which are needed to produce the white blood cells that help our bodies fight infection, cause the skin to become inflamed. T-cells also trigger the production of an overabundance of skin cells. These excess skin cells pile up on top of one another and create the telltale appearance of raised patches on the skin's exterior. With the increas in blood needed to nourish these skin cells, a red coloration will appear.
Excess sunlight, streptococcal infections, or even bodily injury are common triggers of Psoriasis. Stress can also trigger an outbreak as can changes in hormone levels. Individuals with early stages of HIV seem to have higher instances of psoriasis as well. Those who smoke cigarettes and who consume alcohol increase their risks of developing psoriasis.
Currently, there still is no cure for psoriasis. However there are many treatments that are effective at alleviating the symptoms. Start by keeping affected areas moist and by resisting the temptation to scratch the area. If this means for you to apply a gauze wrapping after applying a prescribed lotion to prevent scratching, than it is advised to do so. In addition, trimming fingernails when a flare-up occurs will help limit the damage if a scratching session does take place.
In an attempt to slow down the excess production of skin cells, topical treatments should be used first. Coal tar, salicylic acid, corticosteroids, synthetic vitamin D, tazorac and anthrallin are common topical treatment options. Bathing products and moisturizers are sometimes specially formulated and can help alleviate discomfort. Systemic medications are prescribed to treat more severe cases. Phototherapy, where patients are exposed to medically-supervised ultraviolet radiation is also effective in treating psoriasis.
Overall and common to many forms of skin irritations, self-awareness and efforts to provide comfort can assist in minimizing the inconveniences and longevity of flare-ups.
Link to this article:
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