Psoriasis

soriasis is a chronic skin disease. It is often characterized by scaly patches on the skin called plaques. These are caused by excessive skin production. Plaques are frequently found in elbows, knees, and even the genitals and the scalp. Fingernails and toenails can also be affected. This condition can also cause inflammation of the joints called arthritis.

No study has proven the cause of psoriasis although smoking, alcoholism, and stress can worsen the disease. Psoriasis, just like any other skin diseases, can have a degrading effect among sufferers. This can be a medium for insults and bullying. Some people have an idea that psoriasis is contagious – it is not. It can be a debilitating condition for it can greatly and negatively affect the quality of life of someone with psoriasis. Plaques found in the limbs can cause inability in some areas like sports and child care. Depending on the patient’s self-confidence, he/she can view his situation as embarrassing. Itching mainly contributes to the decreased quality life of these people.

Diagnosis of psoriasis is only through the appearance of the skin. No internal procedure is needed. The severity is graded into three specifications depending on the percentage of the body affected. It can also be based on reaction to treatment, plaque redness and the scaling condition, and the adverse psychological effect on the patient. Aside from the common plaque psoriasis, the disease also has other classifications: nail, flexural, pustular, erythrodermic, guttate, and the psoriatic arthritis.

The source of psoriasis has not been fully researched yet. The most common hypothesis as to its cause is the activity of T cells, which is naturally helpful to the body. However, in people with psoriasis, these T cells activate the cytokines which causes rapid production of skin cells. Two drugs have been developed to stop these T cells – efalizumab and alefacept. Efalizumab has already been taken out of the market, which leaves alefacept the only drug available to cure psoriasis and it is only available in a handful of countries. Cognitive behavioral therapy is used for people with psychological conditions caused by psoriasis. Topical method by using oils, ointments, and even petroleum jelly can lessen the itching and dryness of the plaques. Exposure to light (phototherapy) and ultraviolet plus light (photochemotherapy) can also lessen the effects.

Psoriasis affects 2.2% of the population of the United States based on the survey done by the National Psoriasis Foundation. It is more prevalent in people ages 15 to 25. A considerable number of people report a family history of the disease which is why genetics is closely being studied as a possible cause of the disease.

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