Psoriasis And Its Possible Treatments

by: Jefferson Steelflex

Psoriasis is a long lasting, chronic skin ailment characterized by inflammation and scaling of outer layer of skin. The symptoms of psoriasis are chronic skin rash condition with a red or silver color and the skin has blisters. The symptoms of having the disease are recurring attacks of skin rashes, small red patches that expands and becomes scaly, red plaques and silvery scales etc.

When psoriasis occurs, patches on the skin thicken, reddens, and become covered with silvery scales referred to as plaques. These patches are itchy or have a burning sensation with crack in the skin at the joints. Psoriasis occurs in a wide variety of areas in the body including the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, palms, fingernails, and soles of the feet, toenails and even on the soft tissues inside the mouth. Psoriasis often leads to psoriatic arthritis.

Researchers have commented that, psoriasis is a disorder of the immune system. In psoriasis the abnormal immune system leads to the over-production of T-cells; a type of white blood cell that protects against infections; that in turn triggers the excessive skin cell production and inflammation. There are certain conditions that flare up the problem of psoriasis, like infections, stress, change of climate and excessive dry skin. There are certain medications that worsen the problem of psoriasis such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and medicines for treating high blood pressure or depression. Psoriasis may also be hereditary. Genetic connections with a psoriasis patient may also trigger the diseases.

Diagnosis of psoriasis requires a through examination and required diagnosis. There are various types of psoriasis. The most common type is the plaque psoriasis or psoriasis vulgaris as known scientifically. In this type of psoriasis, the lesions have a reddened base covered by silvery base. Guttate psoriasis are caused by viral respiratory infections or streptococcal infections. In this type, drop like lesions occur on the limbs, and scalp. The non-infectious pus characterizes pustular psoriasis. Sunlight allergies, medications, infections, perspirations, emotional stress, chemicals and even pregnancy cause it. Large, dry, smooth red plaques occurring in the folds of the skin near the genitals, in the armpits and under the breast, characterizes inverse psoriasis. It is related to over-sensitivity to sweating and friction. Reddening and scaling of the skin, accompanied by itching sensation and pain in the area happens in the case of erythrodermic psoriasis.

The disease, psoriasis requires a systematic treatment according to the severity of the problem and responsiveness to certain medication. The effectiveness of the treatments varies from one individual to another. The type of treatment suitable for a particular patient depends on the location of the lesion, their size, amount of skin affected, response to the undergoing treatment and most importantly the perceptions of the patient and preferences about the treatment undergoing. The treatment is according to the specific forms of disorder.

There are mainly three types of treatment provided to the patients affected by psoriasis. In the topical treatment, the patient is suggested loads of fresh air and sunlight, steroid ointments, and medicines prepared from coal tar or anthralin and vitamin D3. Other topical solutions include, bath solutions and moisturizers. Phototherapy and systematic treatment for severe cases are other forms of psoriasis treatment.