How Do You Get Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects approximately one in fifty adults while also causing considerable psychological suffering to those that are afflicted with the problem. Clinical studies have concluded that although psoriasis manifests itself as a skin condition, the actual cause is rooted in the immune system of the body. Genetic factors play some role as well, which means that those individuals with parents or grandparents who have had psoriasis have an increased chance that they will develop it themselves.

There are a variety of symptoms associated with an outbreak of psoriasis including salmon colored skin that becomes cracked, flaky and irritated. The area of affected skin can become itchy and feel as though it is burning.

One of the more common forms is called plaque psoriasis where the affected area develops oval, round or irregular formed patches covered with scaly, silver colored skin. There is no consistency in the size or form of the patchy areas and sometimes, several small patches can fuse together and appear as one large odd shape of irritated skin. These areas are unsightly, sometimes crack, and start bleeding.

There are no hard and fast rules as to how long any certain flare-up will last. It could disappear within a week but on the other hand, you may be suffering for weeks on end. Since psoriasis is classed as a chronic complaint, the chances of recurrent flare-ups in the same or different area of the body are very high.

Areas of the body that are most often affected include the torso, head, elbows and knees although any body part can develop psoriasis. One unusual anomaly is that flare-ups are inclined to be balanced in as much that both sides of the body will be affected in identical areas at the same time.

For reasons that are not yet fully understood, T-cells, which are needed by our bodies to produce infection fighting white blood cells, cause inflammation of the skin. T-cells also in some way trigger the production of an overabundance of skin cells. Since these skin cells are surplus to requirements, they simply pile up on top of each other and in turn, produce the telling raised patches on the skin surface. To sustain these additional skin cells, an increased blood supply is needed which results in the red look.

Injuries to the skin, sun and streptococcal infections are common triggers of psoriasis. Anxiousness and stress can also trigger an outbreak, as can alterations in hormone levels. Individuals with early stages of HIV seem to have higher instances of psoriasis as well. Those who smoke cigarettes and who consume alcohol increase their risks of developing psoriasis.

In the absence of any known cure, several effective treatments can at least alleviate the symptoms. Start by keeping the affected areas moist and by resisting the temptation to scratch.

Localized treatments are used initially with the goal of slowing the excess production of skin cells. Commonly used topical treatments include anthrallin, coal tar, corticosteroids, salicylic acid and synthetic vitamin D. There are also a range of specially formulated skin moisturizers and bathing products. For more severe cases, where topical treatments maybe ineffectual, systemic medications may be prescribed by the doctor. Another effective method of treating psoriasis is with the use phototherapy, where, under strict medical supervision, the patient is exposed to ultra violet radiation.