Beauty & Health Suggestions

Of the many categories of skin rashes that exist, psoriasis is considered by many to be the least desirable. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that will cause the skin to thicken and redden, leaving flaky patches commonly known as skin scales. This is brought about by an accelerated growth of skin cells that rise up to the epidermis, the upper layer of the skin. The standard for skin cell growth is that they cultivate deep within the skin, normally ascending to the surface once every month. Throughout psoriasis, the immune system sends out faulty signals that increase the speed of the growth cycle of skin cells to about two weeks instead of the healthy duration of four weeks. The dead and dying skin cells show up on the surface with these red and white tints of scaly patches that are irritable and itchy.

The extent of the skin condition will vary from minor and localized patches to the whole body being covered. For most cases it is a mild skin disorder that does not extend beyond 3% of the body. Having more than 3% to 10% of the body covered is regarded as moderate while anything beyond 10% is considered severe. Those most predisposed for suffering severe bouts of psoriasis are individuals going through chemotherapy or having any form of autoimmune disorder. In addition, arthritis sufferers make up up to one third of those who suffer psoriasis. This ailment is called psoriasis arthritis, and what happens is one or more joints will become stiff and swollen resulting in great pain. Sausage like swelling will emerge on the toes and fingers due to the inflammation stemming from psoriasis arthritis.

It could impact people of any age, but psoriasis usually strikes between the ages of 15 to 35. It can arrive both slowly and suddenly. Where the condition appears often is on the fingernails and toenails, causing the nails to thicken and in the worst-case scenario breaking off the nails from their base. Elsewhere on the body psoriasis' redness can come on the elbows, knees and trunk, genitals, and the palms of both the hands and feet. On top of it all, it can also affect the scalp where it will lead to large amounts of dandruff to appear. This is a dormant skin condition that can suddenly appear in between long periods of time of not suffering any symptoms. Due to its high recurrence rate like skin hives, it is challenging to effectively cure.

At the least psoriasis is not a contagious skin condition. While the cause of psoriasis is not completely understood, it is generally believed to have a genetic component. Additional factors that could play a part in either provoking or worsening the condition are bacteria, viral and upper respiratory infections, injury to the skin including cuts, burns, and insect bites, and some medicines that include antimalarial drugs, beta-blockers, and lithium.

The goal of treatment is to control the symptoms and delay and prevent further infections. In general, topical agents such as lotions and skin care creams are reliable for mild cases, whereas phototherapy is for more moderate levels and systemic agents such as pills or injections are for the severe levels.