Psoriasis Info

Psoriasis [pronounced sore-EYE-ah-sis] is a noncontagious, lifelong skin disease that has been diagnosed in approximately 4.5 million adults in the United States alone. About 10 to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints..

Five types of Psoriasis
As detailed below, there are five types of psoriasis:

1. Plaque - the most common form of psoriasis. About 80 percent of all those who have psoriasis have plaque psoriasis. It is characterized by raised, inflamed, red lesions covered by a silvery white scale. It is typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back.
2. Guttate - appears as small red spots on the skin. This form of psoriasis often starts in childhood or young adulthood. The word "guttate" is from the Latin word meaning "drop." Guttate psoriasis resembles small, red, individual spots on the skin. Guttate lesions usually appear on the trunk and limbs..
3. Inverse - Occurs in armpits, groin and skin folds. This type of psoriasis first shows up as lesions that are very red and usually lack the scale associated with plaque psoriasis. It may appear smooth and shiny. Inverse psoriasis is particularly subject to irritation from rubbing and sweating because of its location in skin folds and tender areas.
4. Pustular - usually identified by white blisters surrounded by red skin and is primarily seen in adults. It may be localized to certain areas of the body – for example, the hands and feet. Pustular psoriasis also can be generalized, covering most of the body. It tends to go in a cycle–reddening of the skin followed by formation of pustules and scaling.
5. Erythrodermic - characterized by intense redness over large areas. is a particularly inflammatory form of psoriasis that often affects most of the body surface. It may occur in association with von Zumbusch pustular psoriasis. It is characterized by periodic, widespread, fiery redness of the skin.
   

Causes of Psoriasis
The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but it is believed that a combination of several factors (as detailed below) may contribute to the development of this disease:
- Malfunctioning immune system
- Weather; cold, dry weather commonly starts a psoriasis flare-up, and hot, damp, sunny weather makes psoriasis symptoms better.
- Stress, unexpressed anger, and emotional disorders such as depression and anxiety are strongly associated with psoriasis flare-ups
- Infections caused by bacteria or viruses can cause a psoriasis flare.
- Sometimes even mild injuries to the skin such as abrasions can trigger a psoriasis flare.
- The following drugs are known to either worsen psoriasis or induce a flare-up: Chloroquine, ACE inhibitors such as monopril or captopril, Beta blockers such as lopressor or atenolol, Progesterone, Lithium and Indocin.

Psoriasis Treatment
Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis have no cure, but many different therapies can reduce, or nearly stop, their symptoms. No single treatment works for everyone, but something is likely to work in most cases. You may need to experiment before you find a treatment that works for you. Common Psoriasis treatment options include:
- Topicals, including steroids
- Phototherapy (exposing the skin to wavelengths of ultraviolet light under medical supervision)
- Systemics (prescription medications that affect the entire body), including biologics
- Alternative approaches (note - many are not tested and studied to the same extent as traditional medical treatments)
- Diet (many claim that particular diets will reduce the risk of flareup)
- Sun and water therapy (said to be natural therapies that can help improve psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis for many people)

Additional information about Psoriasis
Please visit the official website for the National Psoriasis Foundation - http://www.psoriasis.org/

Coming Soon; information about:
- Herbs For Psoriasis
- Latest Psoriasis Treatment Options
- Photos Of Psoriasis
More Soon!