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Psoriasis
on right leg
Psoriasis is a chronic skin
disorder characterized by an overproduction of skin cells that result in
flaky and patchy raised areas on the skin's surface. The plaques of skin can
appear anywhere on the body, but the lesions primarily appear the skin over
the elbows, knees and scalp. Psoriasis can cause pain, itching, burning and
emotional distress. Between 10% and 30% of
people who develop psoriasis get a related form of arthritis called
“Psoriatic arthritis,” which causes inflammation of the joints.
Plaque
Psoriasis is the most common type of Psoriasis. About 80% of people who
develop Psoriasis have plaque Psoriasis, which appears as patches of raised,
reddish skin covered by silvery-white scale. These patches, or plaques,
frequently form on the elbows, knees, lower back,
and scalp. However, the plaques can occur anywhere on the body.
The
other types are Guttate Psoriasis (small, red spots on the skin),
Pustular Psoriasis (white pustules surrounded by red skin), Inverse
Psoriasis (smooth, red lesions form in skin folds), and Erythrodermic Psoriasis (widespread redness, severe itching, and pain).
Regardless
of type, Psoriasis usually causes discomfort. The skin often itches, and it
may crack and bleed. In severe cases, the itching and discomfort may keep a
person awake at night, and the pain can make everyday tasks difficult. Research
shows that the signs and symptoms of Psoriasis usually appear between 15 and
35 years of age. About 75% develop Psoriasis before age 40. However, it is
possible to develop Psoriasis at any age. After age 40, a peak onset period
occurs between 50 and 60 years of age. Psoriasis
occurs about equally in males and females. Psoriatic arthritis usually first
appears between 30 and 50 years of age — often months to years after skin
lesions first occur. However, not everyone who develops psoriatic arthritis
has Psoriasis. About 30% of people who get psoriatic arthritis never develop
the skin condition.
Psoriasis
may be one of the oldest recorded skin conditions. It was probably first
described around 35 AD. Some evidence indicates an even earlier date. Yet,
until recently, little was known about Psoriasis. While
scientists still do not fully know what causes Psoriasis, research has
significantly advanced our understanding.
Immune
Mediated:
Researchers now believe that
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated
condition. This means the condition is caused by faulty signals in the
body’s immune system. It is believed that Psoriasis develops when the
immune system tells the body to over-react and accelerate the growth of skin
cells. Normally, skin cells mature and are shed from the skin’s surface
every 28 to 30 days. When Psoriasis develops, the skin cells mature in 3 to
6 days and move to the skin surface. Instead of being shed, the skin cells
pile up, causing the visible lesions.
Genes:
Researchers have identified genes that cause
Psoriasis. These genes
determine how a person’s immune system reacts. These genes can cause
Psoriasis or another immune-mediated condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis
or type 1 diabetes. The risk of developing Psoriasis or another
immune-mediated condition, especially diabetes or Crohn’s disease,
increases when a close blood relative has Psoriasis.
Family
History:
Some people who have a family history of
Psoriasis never
develop this condition. Research indicates that a “trigger” is needed.
Stress, skin injuries, certain medications, and sunburn
are some of the known potential triggers. There
also is a genetic component associated with Psoriasis. Approximately
one-third of people who develop Psoriasis have at least one family member
with the condition.
Quality
of Life:
All types of
Psoriasis, ranging from mild to severe, can affect a person’s
quality of life. Living with this lifelong condition can be physically and
emotionally challenging. Itching,
soreness, and cracked and bleeding skin are common. Nail Psoriasis can be
painful.
Several
studies have shown that people often feel frustrated. In some cases,
Psoriasis limits activities and makes it difficult to perform job
responsibilities. Studies
also have shown that stress, anxiety, loneliness, and low self-esteem are
part of daily life for people living with Psoriasis. One study found that
thoughts of suicide are three times higher for Psoriatics than the general
population. Embarrassment
is another common feeling.
Homeopathy has gained a
good reputation for curing Psoriasis and other chronic skin diseases. No
sticky applications and no steroids are used in the homeopathic treatment.
Homeopathy cures it naturally by increasing ones immunity and hence can cure
it permanently. Homeopathic medicines are completely harmless and when
required can be taken for a longer duration very safely. After starting the
treatment the itching, burning pain gets reduced, eruptions disappear
gradually and patient feel good in a general way.
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