Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin condition. Psoriasis manifests itchy, scaly inflamed skin, which can take the form of many types of psoriasis. Individuals with psoriasis experience skin conditions such as itching, cracking, stinging, burning, or bleeding. These symptoms are usually worse in the winter months due to the lack of sunlight and low indoor humidity. The skin is most likely to crack at the joints where the body bends or in areas where the individual fails to refrain from scratching. Scratching can also lead to bleeding and infection, which is why it should be avoided at all costs. Psoriasis has also been known to affect fingernails and toe nails by causing pits or dents in them. There is also the possibility that the soft tissue inside the mouth and genitalia can be affected.
Usually, what happens is new skin cells take about a month or so to move from the deepest skin layer where they're produced, to the surface where they die and flake off. With psoriasis, the entire skin cell life cycle takes only days leading to an accumulation on the skin surface causing irritation, itching and redness.
Red inflamed skin lesions topped with silvery white scales would be an indication of Plaque Psoriasis. Plaque-type psoriasis is the most common form of the disease and is commonly referred to as psoriasis vulgaris. Plague psoriasis can assume many different appearances based on where it is located, the activity of the disease, and the treatment being administered. It is most commonly found on the elbows, knees, scalp, sacrum, umbilicus, intergluteal cleft, and genitalia.
Small, drop-shaped red patches or lesions characterize Guttate Psoriasis. Guttate psoriasis is most common in children and young adults who have a prior history of upper respiratory infection, pharyngitis, or tonsillitis. The lesions are not as scaly as plaque-type psoriasis and are likely to be found on the trunk and involve the face.
Smooth inflamed lesions occurring in the folds of the skin define Inverse Psoriasis. Inverse psoriasis affects the skin in the areas of the armpits, under the breast, skin folds of the groin, buttocks, and genitals.
Intense redness and swelling, exfoliation of dead skin, and pain appearing as scaly red skin over all the body would lead to a diagnosis of Erythrodermic Psoriasis. Erythrodermic psoriasis is the least common form of psoriasis. Erythrodermic psoriasis usually develops during the course of chronic psoriasis, however in some cases it may be the initial type of psoriasis even in children. Individuals with this type of psoriasis may experience chills, low-grade fever, and may be rather uncomfortable.
A large red area containing pustules, which appear as blister-like, lesions of non-infectious fluid, and intense scaling characterize Pustular Psoriasis. Individuals with pustular psoriasis are often among the most seriously ill and may have to be hospitalized.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Psoriasis in History
Psoriasis has been around since the days of Greek mythology, more than 2,500 years ago. It was considered a curse from the gods. The Bible refers to psoriasis but mistakenly calls it leprosy. For hundreds of years, people with the disease were ostracized and forced to wander as homeless beggars. Some had to wear warning bells so others could avoid their paths. Some suffered the same fate as lepers, who were burned at the stake in the 14th century.
Many cultures used herbs as medicinal preparations. A cup of chamomile tea can help soothe inflammations and fight infections. It also is a botanical that can dispel worms. The flowers can be made into a salve which has become a popular treatment for a wide variety of skin disorders, including eczema, bedsores, post radiation therapy skin inflammation, and contact dermatitis (e.g., poison ivy). Infusing the flowers in sweet almond oil, and then applying topically has helped to soothe sunburns.
Today psoriasis is still treated with herbal and medicinal preparations in an effort to control psoriasis. Today we know that psoriasis is a lifelong condition, the levels of its severity and improvement can fluctuate over time. Psoriasis is not a contagious skin condition. Instead, an individual has a genetic predisposition for psoriasis, which can be activated by certain environmental factors or emotional stress. Individuals with psoriasis may find that their condition tends to flare up due to stress, certain medications, winter weather, and infections. Most often psoriasis affects the scalp, knees, elbows, hands, and feet.
Many cultures used herbs as medicinal preparations. A cup of chamomile tea can help soothe inflammations and fight infections. It also is a botanical that can dispel worms. The flowers can be made into a salve which has become a popular treatment for a wide variety of skin disorders, including eczema, bedsores, post radiation therapy skin inflammation, and contact dermatitis (e.g., poison ivy). Infusing the flowers in sweet almond oil, and then applying topically has helped to soothe sunburns.
Today psoriasis is still treated with herbal and medicinal preparations in an effort to control psoriasis. Today we know that psoriasis is a lifelong condition, the levels of its severity and improvement can fluctuate over time. Psoriasis is not a contagious skin condition. Instead, an individual has a genetic predisposition for psoriasis, which can be activated by certain environmental factors or emotional stress. Individuals with psoriasis may find that their condition tends to flare up due to stress, certain medications, winter weather, and infections. Most often psoriasis affects the scalp, knees, elbows, hands, and feet.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Psoriasis-Ltd Defines Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a non-contagious disorder which affects the skin. As a result, symptoms including itchy, scaly red patches appear, often on the elbows, hands, feet, and scalp, but they can show up on other parts of your body. Usually, what happens is new skin cells take about a month or so to move from the deepest skin layer where they're produced, to the surface where they die and flake off. With psoriasis, the entire skin cell life cycle takes only days.
Individuals with psoriasis experience skin conditions such as itching, cracking, stinging, burning, or bleeding. These symptoms are usually worse in the winter months due to the lack of sunlight and low indoor humidity. The skin is most likely to crack at the joints where the body bends or in areas where the individual fails to refrain from scratching. Scratching can also lead to bleeding and infection, which is why it should be avoided at all costs. This skin condition has also been known to affect fingernails and toe nails by causing pits or dents in them. There is also the possibility that the soft tissue inside the mouth and genitalia can be affected. In some cases, individuals experience joint inflammation, which can lead to the development of arthritis symptoms. This condition is known as psoriatic arthritis.
There are many beliefs as to the cause of psoriasis. Although no one knows for sure, many scientists believe that a biochemical stimulus triggers the abnormally high skin growth, which in turn causes the symptoms of skin lesions. Heredity also plays a role in the development of psoriasis symptoms. Individuals who have a family member with a severe case of psoriasis tend to experience early onset of the disease. Recent research studies indicate that psoriasis may be a disorder of the immune system. The T cell, a white blood cell, normally works to fight off infection and disease. Scientists believe that having an abnormal immune system causes abnormal activity by T cells in the skin. These abnormally active T cells cause skin inflammation and increased cell production. Diet and vitamin influences have also been thought to play a role in psoriasis development and progression.
Individuals with psoriasis experience skin conditions such as itching, cracking, stinging, burning, or bleeding. These symptoms are usually worse in the winter months due to the lack of sunlight and low indoor humidity. The skin is most likely to crack at the joints where the body bends or in areas where the individual fails to refrain from scratching. Scratching can also lead to bleeding and infection, which is why it should be avoided at all costs. This skin condition has also been known to affect fingernails and toe nails by causing pits or dents in them. There is also the possibility that the soft tissue inside the mouth and genitalia can be affected. In some cases, individuals experience joint inflammation, which can lead to the development of arthritis symptoms. This condition is known as psoriatic arthritis.
There are many beliefs as to the cause of psoriasis. Although no one knows for sure, many scientists believe that a biochemical stimulus triggers the abnormally high skin growth, which in turn causes the symptoms of skin lesions. Heredity also plays a role in the development of psoriasis symptoms. Individuals who have a family member with a severe case of psoriasis tend to experience early onset of the disease. Recent research studies indicate that psoriasis may be a disorder of the immune system. The T cell, a white blood cell, normally works to fight off infection and disease. Scientists believe that having an abnormal immune system causes abnormal activity by T cells in the skin. These abnormally active T cells cause skin inflammation and increased cell production. Diet and vitamin influences have also been thought to play a role in psoriasis development and progression.
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