What Is Psoriasis? What Are The Symptoms of Psoriasis? What Causes Psoriasis?

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin condition characterized by red, itchy patches and thick, silvery scales. The main cause is suspected contributed due to autoimmunity, and patients usually experience alternating periods of flares and remissions. Some patients may have light symptoms which cause only annoying disturbances, while others may develop more severe symptoms that can limit movements.

What are the symptoms of psoriasis?

One of the most common symptoms of psoriasis is the existence of one or more small patches of thick skin on the elbow, knees or back regions. Even though the affected regions are not painful, but their visibility is often embarrassing. This might impose great psychological effects onto patients; disrupted social interactions and diminished self-confidence are usually seen in affected patients.

In fact, there are five main types of psoriasis, each of which characterized by different symptoms:

1. Erythrodermic psoriasis: Intense red, peeling rash affecting a large area of the body
2. Guttate psoriasis: Small, reddish pink sores or spots on the trunk, arms, legs, and/or scalp
3. Inverse psoriasis: Smooth patches of redness and irritation on the skin of the armpits and groin
4. Plaque psoriasis: Thick, red patches of skin covered with silvery white skin; this is the most common types of psoriasis
5. Pustular psoriasis: Blisters circled by irritated skin; may also develop fever, chills and fatigue.  

Apart from these five main types of psoriasis, there is also psoriasis arthritis, where it affects the joints of hands, knees and ankles resulting in pitted, discolored nails and swollen, painful joints.

What causes psoriasis?

Many researchers and physicians believe that psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder; the body's immune system does not 'recognize' normal skin cells, and thus attacking them. The affected skin cells then form, grow and build-up underneath the skin, which then rise to the surface over a certain periods of time. In psoriasis, the new-affected cells grow at abnormal fast rate, resulting in building up of dead skin cells on the skin's surface. Eventually, these develop to the red, itchy patches and thick, silvery scales.

In addition to genetic or autoimmune factors, certain environment factors are also believed to trigger episode of psoriasis, and they include:
1. Infections, such as sore throat
2. Injury, such as sunburn, cuts, or scrapes
3. Dry or cold air
4. Stress
5. Lack of sunlight
6. Smoking
7. Heavy alcohol consumption
8. Certain medications, such as lithium, beta blockers, and anti-malarial drugs

What are the available conventional treatments for psoriasis?

Since psoriasis is considered originates due to genetic factors, it cannot be totally cured. However, conventional treatments for psoriasis are available which aim to alleviate the symptoms (redness, itchiness and pain) and prevent further bad complications. Treatments of psoriasis are patient-specific; they are selected based on the disease's degree of severity. Some of the treatments include:

1. Topical medications
Apart form moisturizers, there are a wide range of creams, ointments, lotions, oils and soaps that can be applied to help alleviate mild to moderate psoriasis. These topical medications include steroids, vitamin D analogues, topical retinoids and coal tar. In case of severe psoriasis, where the topical medications alone fail or the affected areas are too big, combination with systemic medications or physical therapy should be considered.

2. Systemic medications
Systemic medications for treatments of psoriasis include pills and injections. These form of medications usually used to treat more severe or stubborn psoriasis. Examples of oral drugs include retinoids, cyclosporine, methotrexate and hydroxyurea. Injections include injectable biologics, which are new available treatments for psoriasis. They represent a new future in psoriasis therapy which can change life of many psoriasis patients.

3. Physical treatments
Physical treatments of psoriasis refer to light therapies. Natural and artificial light, as well as ultraviolet light, can be used to alleviate psoriasis. Ingestion of sun-sensitizing pills is needed prior the therapy to improve effectiveness. However, the newest light therapy which involves use of narrow-band ultraviolet B, is considered safer, more effective and does not require prior ingestion of sun-sensitizing pills.

What are psoriasis natural treatments?

In addition to the conventional treatments of psoriasis described before, some of the following psoriasis natural treatments can be cultivated among patients:

1. Dietary changes
Make sure to increase intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those contain high content of carotenoids such as mangoes, corn, sweet potatoes, carrots and squash, as well as leafy greens and tomatoes. At the same time, follow an anti-inflammatory diet and take low fat foods.

2. Exercise
Regular physical activity may help to reduce annoying symptoms of psoriasis.

3. Mind/body
Breathing techniques, yoga, visualization, or writing a journal about daily conditions can help patients to calm themselves in fighting with psoriasis. Otherwise, hypnotherapy is worth explored as the skin is very sensitive to hypnotic stimulation.

4. Traditional Chinese Medicine
Use of herbal preparations or acupuncture may be beneficial as psoriasis natural treatment.

5. Supplements
Supplements that serve as natural sources of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid)) can promote healthy growths of skin, hair and nails. Such examples include omega-3 fatty acids (1-2 grams a day) and evening primrose oil (500 mg twice a day). Besides, it is suggested to take extract of milk thistle (Silybum marianum), two capsules twice a day for at least three months.

The information given in this article may not be sufficient to cover everything about psoriasis. However, this article at least gives basic insights to help you understanding your psoriasis better. Better understanding of your disease is the first step to overcome it. To get more information regarding psoriasis, kindly click here.

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