Understanding Psoriasis – Quick Facts

Psoriasis, a chronic skin disease, is a common condition that causes red skin with thick silvery scales. Approximately 2 to 3 percent of the population is affected by it. It can occur at any age, but most commonly develops in the 20s. You can not catch it from another person or give it to someone - it is not contagious.

There are many different types of psoriasis. The most common type is plaque psoriasis, also called psoriasis vulgaris. Other types include guttate psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, psoriasis arthritis, and erythrodermic psoriasis.

What causes psoriasis? The exact cause is not known, but many different factors contribute to its occurrence. These factors may include heredity, infections, immune system abnormality, injuries to the skin, and environmental factors.

One of the common symptoms of psoriasis is thickening, scaling and redness of the skin. These patches may itch or burn and are usually found on knees, elbows, hands, arms, trunk, or scalp. Abnormal fingernails can also appear.

How is psoriasis treated? That depends on the type of psoriasis and its severity. There is a wide variety of treatments available, but no single one will work for everyone.

Topical (medicated ointments or creams), light (phototherapy) and systemic (medications) treatments are the 3 basic treatment options for psoriasis.

There is also a wide variety of alternative treatments that are becoming more and more popular. These include acupuncture, homeopathy, water therapies, traditional chinese medicine, herbology, magnets, epsom salt, neem oil, osteopathy, and climatotherapy just to name a few.

Working out regularly and a healthy and balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and grains can also be of great help. On the other hand, of course, smoking, heavy drinking, junk food and a general unhealthy lifestyle can only worsen the problem.

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August 05 2009 | Skin Care | No Comments »