Psoriasis is a skin disease that is non-contagious and it is estimated that the ailment affects approximately 10 million individuals in North America. Psoriasis is manifested in various forms and the most common type is chronic plague psoriasis. The condition is characterized by the development of red patches of different sizes on various areas of the skin which are covered with dry and silvery scales. The skin lesions may be itchy and agonizing, along with occasional inflammation.
Doctors do not have a very clear understanding of what exactly causes chronic plaque psoriasis, they only have a basic understanding of the disease's anatomy. It is understood that the T-Cells of the immune system are responsible for the inflammation, and the theory suggests that these cells become overactive.
Despite the fact that doctors suspect there may be a genetic aspect to psoriasis, the ailment does affect children who do not have a family history of the condition. However having said that there is a greater chance that an individual will be affected if one parent suffers from the problem and an even greater chance if both parents are affected by the disease.
As with regards to the inflammation caused by the psoriasis, it is clearly understood under normal circumstances, skin cells will reproduce in order to replace worn out cells on the skin's surface so as to sustain an even number of layers of the skin. But in cases that the skin is damaged or wounded, the process is quickened so that skin cells will reproduce at a faster rate, and extra blood is delivered to the area to help heal the wound. This results in inflammation and redness. In the case of chronic plaque psoriasis, the skin that is not damaged underneath goes through the wound-healing cycle and new cells develop and they are forced onto the skin's surface at a faster rate than the dead skin is shed. This results in a raised area due to the extra skin cells.
These will die quickly to develop scaly white crusts that are common in psoriasis lesions. Under normal healthy conditions, the process of skin regeneration takes between 28 and 30 days, but this process is hastened in psoriasis to take 3-5 days.
Other triggers of psoriasis flare-ups include allergic reactions to medicine, cold weather, alcohol consumption, diseases that deteriorate the immune system such as HIV, hormonal imbalances, bacterial or viral infections, physical trauma and skin injury, severe sun burn, and smoking.
There are various forms of psoriasis. These are basically manifestation in the form of varying symptoms of the same disease. In chronic plaque psoriasis, an individual will present more than one type of the condition.
In plaque psoriasis, the skin lesions are characterized by a highly defined red region that is covered in silvery or white scales. It is the most common form of psoriasis and the most frequently affected areas include the knees, scalp, outer areas of the legs and arms, elbows and the trunk.
The other form of psoriasis is Guttate psoriasis and it is characterized by teardrop shaped lesions and it is provoked by medication or illness. Lesions usually appear on the arms, legs, and the trunk.
The other form of psoriasis is inverse psoriasis and it is especially painful and characterized by lesions that affect where the skin is folded such as the armpits, or the groin. These areas tend to sweat as well as rub together frequently thus adding to the pain and discomfort. These areas are also more prone to fungal infections.
Erythodermic psoriasis is characterized by lack of individual lesions and the whole affected region becomes red and inflamed. The entire body may be affected in serious and extreme cases.
Besides the physical complications associated with the ailment, the most common discomfort is psychological. It dents an individual's self-esteem, quality of the individual's life, and the individual's sociability.
In order to diagnose chronic plaque psoriasis, no laboratory tests are required. The doctor is able to diagnose the disease by examining the area affected quickly as well as the types of the lesions and inflammation. Therefore, by conducting a basic physical examination, the doctor is able to determine if it is a case of psoriasis. In rare circumstances, the doctor may need to conduct a skin biopsy so as to eliminate the possibility of other skin conditions that may present.
There are various forms of treatments which are available for managing the symptoms associated with chronic plaque psoriasis. There are natural methods that are used that have good results.The main aim of treatment is to prevent the occurrence of lesions through the modification of the immune system. There are both remittive as well as suppressive treatments. Relief from the flare-ups associated with the problems which go on after treatment has been abandoned is acknowledged as remission. This implies that individuals with the ailment can take a leave from medication.
One treatment procedure is known as phototherapy. This is basically exposure to direct sunlight. However having said that this should be administered carefully as it may lead to worsening the condition. It is advisable to seek medical advice before attempting the remedy. Light therapy may also constitute UVB, PUVA (psolaren Plus Ultra Violet A light) and laser treatments in conjunction with certain medications so as to enable the skin become more sensitive to light.
Moisturizers are also very ideal for managing the condition as they will help in minimizing the discomfort associated with pain and the itching. In addition, certain lotions and creams such as coal-tar are very effective at enabling the skin to become more sensitive to light.
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