Psoriasis, definition, signs, symptoms, treatment

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What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a non-contagious, chronic skin disorder that that tends to run in families. Psoriasis is usually a mild condition. It causes red, scaling patches on the skin. It is a chronic disorder, which means that the symptoms may last for years. They may come and go throughout life. It affects men and women equally. Though it affects all races, it is more common in people of Western European and Scandinavian descent. 

Is psoriasis a common skin disorder?

Only in the United States more than 7 million people have it.

What is the cause of psoriasis? 

The exact cause is unknown. Current information suggest that psoriasis is related to the result of two main factors:

1. An inherited predisposition 

2. An autoimmune response.

In individuals with certain genetic predisposition faulty signals sent by the body's immune system accelerate the growth cycle in skin cells, which pile up on the surface and the body cannot shed them fast enough. However, many people with psoriasis have no family history of the disease. Certain genes have been linked to psoriasis. 

Why do red scaling patches occur?

Red scaling patches are caused by an increase in the number of skin cells on the most superficial layer of the skin. Normally, skin cells mature and shed from the surface of the body. This process takes approximately 4 weeks. People with psoriasis shed skin cells as fast as every 3 to 4 days. This excessive amount of skin cells form the skin lesions of psoriasis.

How is psoriasis recognized?

Symptoms of psoriasis include red, scaling patches on the skin, itching, and thickening, cracking, and blistering of the palms or soles of the feet. Symptoms may vary from mild to a severe, disfiguring, disabling condition.

What are the different types of Psoriasis?

According to the type of skin lesions and the location of the skin patches psoriasis is classified according to several types:

1. Erythrodermic - psoriasis causes extensive reddening and swelling of skin.

2. Plaque psoriasis - This is the most common form of psoriasis (about 80 percent of people with psoriasis have this type). It causes raised red skin lesions. These skin red patches develop white scales. The knees, elbows, scalp, trunk and nails are the most common locations,  although it can appear on any skin surface.

3. Inverse psoriasis - causes smooth red lesions in the folds of the skin. 

4. Guttate psoriasis - causes small skin lesions that look like drops of fluid.

5. Pustular psoriasis - forms blisters filled with thick white material.

6. Psoriatic arthritis - is a form of joint disease that is similar to rheumatoid arthritis plus psoriasis.

Are there factor that may trigger or worsen psoriasis?

Certain factors may trigger plaque development in people with psoriasis. Among these factors are: skin damage (chemicals, infections, scratching, sunburn), alcohol, hormonal changes, smoking, certain medication including beta-blockers, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, and stress. 


How is the disease diagnosed?

A physician can diagnose psoriasis based on medical history and physical examination. The characteristic skin lesions will point out what type of psoriasis a person has.


What are the long-term effects of the disease?

Psoriasis can have an emotional, as well as a physical, impact on people. Psoriatic arthritis, a form of joint inflammation that occurs in some people who have arthritis, can be painful and disabling. 


Is Psoriasis contagious?

No, psoriasis is not contagious. No one can "catch" it from another person. 


What can be done to help control the disease?

Follow these recommendations:

Avoid injury to the skin including sunburn. Limit your sun exposure to an amount that does not cause sunburn. 

Eliminate alcohol and smoking.

Avoid drugs that may worsen the condition.

Control stress (click here for stress management).

Limit the skin's exposure to water. Make showers and baths short, limit swimming. 

Avoid scratching the skin. 

Use appropriate clothing that does not rub against the skin. 

Avoid dry skin. 

See your doctor in case of infections and other illnesses.

Is diet important?

The best diet is the one that makes the individual feel the best, because people with psoriasis benefit from a healthy lifestyle and eating habits, just like everybody else. Many people report that certain foods either aggravate or improve their skin condition. 
There is no specific diet that people with psoriasis should follow. However, several dietary regimens have been suggested. 


What are the conventional treatments for psoriasis?

Psoriais treatment includes:

Removal of scales - Coal tar preparations have been in use for more than a century. Emollient creams containing alpha hydroxy acids or salicylic acid are also used. 

Steroids (Cortisone and other) - Cortisone creams, ointments, and lotions may clear the skin temporarily and control the condition in many patients. These must be used cautiously and with the dermatologist's instruction. Side effects of steroids include thinning of the skin, dilated fragile blood vessels, bruising, and skin color changes (click here to learn more about side-effects of steroids). Stopping these medications suddenly may result in a flare-up of the disease. After months of treatment, the psoriasis may become resistant to steroid medications.

Anthralin - This is a medication that used in difficult cases of psoriasis. It can cause irritation and temporary staining of the skin and clothes. 

Vitamin D - A synthetic Vitamin D, calcipotriene, is currently used. It is useful for individuals with localized psoriasis and can be used with other treatments. Limited amounts should be used to avoid side effects. It is important to note that the regular Vitamin D, as available in a drug store or health food store, is of no value in treating psoriasis.

Retinoids - These are Vitamin A-related gels used topically for treatment of localized psoriasis (prescription required). Women who are or may become pregnant should not use topical retinoids.

Immunosuppressants

Methotrexate - an oral anti-cancer drug that can produce clearing of psoriasis when other treatments have failed. It can produce serious side effects, including liver disease. It requires  regular blood tests, chest x-rays and occasional liver biopsies. Other side effects include upset stomach, nausea and dizziness.

Cyclosporine - a drug used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs. It is used for treatment of widespread psoriasis when other methods have failed. Because of potential effects on the kidneys and blood pressure, and infections medical monitoring is required.

Phototherapy ("light treatment") includes PUVA (methoxsalen plus ultraviolet A light),  ultraviolet light B, and sunlight along with topical preparations. 


"DermaBest ® Restorative Gel" is a product with virtually no side-effects recommended in mild to moderate cases of psoriasis...How should it be used?

It is applied topically on the affected area 2 or 3 times a day. It should NOT be used in combination with Caol tar preparations because this type of product will interfere with the natural healing process that develops when using "DermaBest ® Restorative Gel". It can be used alone or in combination with any of the above mentioned treatments except  coal tar preparations. Click here to learn more about this effective product made from natural sources...

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