How to handle psoriasis19 May
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin condition that is not contagious. Psoriasis causes fast reproduction of skin cells that result in red, dry patches of skin that are thick. In most cases, Psoriasis is found on the elbows, knees, and scalp.
An individual can have mild psoriasis, which will be visible with small dry skin patches. Most individuals with mild cases do not even realize they have a skin condition. Severe Psoriasis can be seen all over the body with red scaly skin.
Some individuals with psoriasis say the symptoms are often worse in colder month and the symptoms may improve in warmer weather. In some cases, psoriasis will go into remission and not be seen for years or can come and go periodically.
Psoriasis can be seen in babies all the way through adulthood; however, the majority of cases are seen in early adulthood.
Causes of psoriasis
Although, there is no known cause, there are a few factors that are usually present in individuals with psoriasis. It is believed to be genetic as psoriasis can be found in members of the same family. It is believed that psoriasis may be caused by something in the immune system, but after 30 years of research, the link has not been discovered.
Symptoms of psoriasis
Symptoms of psoriasis are of course the red thickened patchy skin. Other symptoms include pink areas, raised skin, and dry skin. There are different types of psoriasis that look a bit different even though they are all classified as psoriasis.
Psoriasis Vulgaris – red thickened patchy dry skin
Guttate psoriasis – small droplet spots
Inverse psoriasis – psoriasis found in the naval, underarms, and buttocks
Pustular psoriasis – small blisters filled with yellowish pus
Palmoplantar psoriasis – affects the palms of the hands
Many individuals complain of pain at times.
Treatment of psoriasis
The treatment is determined by the type of psoriasis you may have. For mild cases, topical creams, lotions, and sprays along with injections have been known to help.
For moderate to severe cases usually involve total body treatments or systemic treatments.
Prevention of psoriasis
Since there are no known causes for Psoriasis, it is hard to determine prevention methods. However, there are a few things that can help reduce the flare-ups such as:
- Keeping the skin moist
- Avoid cold weather
- Avoid arid weather
- Hot humid weather and sunlight may help – in some cases, this can worsen the condition according to the type of psoriasis you may have
- Do not scratch the dry patches
- Avoid stress
- Avoid anxiety
- Avoid infections such as strep throat
- Do not take beta-blockers or lithium.
- Do not smoke
Of course, these are only measures that have helped some individuals with psoriasis. You should talk with your physician to learn what is best for the type of psoriasis you have.
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