Knowhow-Now Article

What Causes Psoriasis?

There are several types of psoriasis, each type unique in its own way. Doctors look for signs during a physical exam so they are better able to distinguish one type of psoriasis from another. Signs of psoriasis include descriptions of the location and shape of the lesions. Typical symptoms of psoriasis include itching, pain, and increased sensitivity of the affected skin. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis and is named for the lesions that are characteristic of this type of psoriasis. Plaques tend to grow slower and are more stable as they may remain unchanged for long periods of time.

Psoriasis is a disorder of the skin that affects over 6 million people in the United States alone. Research has not definitively established what exactly causes psoriasis, but recent studies have indicated that it may be an immune mediated disorder. Psoriasis occurs when the body generates too many skin cells and may change from one type to another within a matter of days. It may improve, flare up, and even go into remission only to return at a later date. When alternative treatments are used in conjunction with other treatments the patient is given a feeling of control over the negative mental aspects associated with psoriasis. Weather is another strong factor in triggering psoriasis. Exposure to direct sunlight tends to help improve psoriasis, but cold and shorter days, as seen in the winter months, can trigger the rash to worsen.

Tip: Using a moisturizer each day is crucial for keeping skin healthy. The ingredients of the moisturizer will keep the skin from becoming dry.

Psoriasis is a common skin condition where the skin develops areas which become thick and covered with silvery scales. A common problem in the United States, the course of psoriasis varies greatly, but in most sufferers it is a chronic problem which continues for many years. The presence of psoriasis can cause emotional distress in most sufferers. Considered a skin disorder, psoriasis is actually the result of a disordered immune system. The T-cells are a type of white blood cell and become over stimulated. The cells then direct the skin to attempt to heal a non-existent injury. The skin reacts in the same way it does when there is a fungus infection present. It then grows very quickly, trying to grow the infection off of the skin. These areas then become the reddened and inflamed patches with white scale on them.

There are several ways in which psoriasis may start. In most sufferers, psoriasis is inherited, typically through multiple genes. It is not always clear from whom one inherits it as inherited psoriasis usually starts in older childhood or as a young adult. In some cases, children may be stricken with psoriasis due to a virus or strep throat which triggers a brief attack of tiny spots of psoriasis. Psoriasis flare ups are often triggered by changes in climate, stress, infections, excess alcohol, or a drug related rash and dry skin. Medications may trigger a flare up weeks to months after starting them and may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. All treatments used for widespread, severe psoriasis have side effects when used for a long period of time. In this case the treating physician will switch to another treatment.

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