What Is Psoriasis?

It is estimated that two people out of a hundred in the US have psoriasis. Babies and toddlers normally do not suffer from this condition but it can affect teenagers and adults from 20 to 40 years of age. Although most of us have probably already heard of the condition, not all of us truly understand what it is.

What it is

The name of the condition is Greek in origin and means “to itch.” Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition which means that an affected individual can have it for a long time in periods or episodes. The condition happens when a person does not have a normal cycle of skin shedding and replacement. Normally, human skin cells are replaced by new ones after 21 days or more. Individuals with the condition however, generate new cells in less than half a week. This results in an accumulation of skin cells on the surface.

Symptoms

The simplest description for psoriasis areas in the body is that they appear to have thick patches of scales. Sometimes, they may also have pustules. In most cases, the affected areas are red and the scales are colored silver. Some patients may have the condition throughout the body but most of the time, specific areas are affected. These include elbows, scalp, knees, arms, nails and legs.

The condition itself is not life threatening but it can be very inconvenient. At the very least, the affected areas may itch a little and may be uncomfortable. In a lot of cases, it does not itch at all. The main concern however of psoriatic patients is the appearance of the skin itself. The scales and flakes look unsightly and are a cause of embarrassment especially if others in the work place or in social groups do not understand the nature of psoriasis. Among some individuals, the condition may lead to depression and social withdrawal.

Psoriasis is not a contagious disease. You can’t just catch it from someone suffering from it.

Cause

It has been determined that genes and the immune system play roles in the development of psoriasis. In genetically predisposed individuals, their immune systems mistakenly bring about inflammation of the skin and increased production of skin cells. It is believed though that psoriasis does not erupt just by itself. It is possible that the condition could be triggered by some factors. Skin injuries, infections, climate conditions, stress, too much drinking and smoking are some of the possible triggers of psoriasis conditions.

Severity of the Condition

Different individuals may suffer from varying degrees of severity. A single individual may also have episodes of psoriasis that vary in intensity. It has been observed that psoriasis may be more intense among young individuals.

What You Should Do

There is no known permanent cure for psoriasis. Sometimes it may go away by itself. Most patients however would benefit from topical treatments and moisturizers. Contact a dermatologist to get proper relief from the symptoms of psoriasis. You should also ask your doctor for home self care tips.