The Challenge Of Treating Psoriasis   by Sandy Rutherforde

in Health / Diseases and Conditions    (submitted 2012-01-02)

Psoriasis is the most common autoimmune disease and is described as being a recurring inflammatory skin condition. It takes place when the immune system sends out incorrect signals mistaking the skin cells as being pathogens and accelerating the cycle of skin cells. This skin disease is not infectious.

Physically this skin disease produces red, dry plaques of thickened skin. The dry flakes and skin scales are believed to be a consequence of the rapid growth of skin cells that is brought about by abnormal lymphocytes in the blood.

Around 7.5 million Americans have already been diagnosed with this particular condition. It may be seen in any part of the body and it's been connected with various other serious health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and depression.

There are actually five varieties of psoriasis:

1. Vulgaris

Vulgaris is the most prevalent form of the five varieties. Around 80 to 90% of individuals have this variety. The symptoms of this type are raised, inflamed, red lesions covered with a silvery white scaly skin. These areas are usually called plaques. In addition, it is generally identified around the knees, elbows, lower back and scalp.

2. Guttate

Guttate often starts out in childhood or young adulthood. It can be characterized by a number of small, scaly, pink colored individual teardrop spots on the skin. These spots often appear around the scalp, trunk and arms and legs.

3. Inverse

Inverse can be present in the armpits, abdomen, under or just below the breasts, and in other skin folds. This condition is known to appear as bright red lesions which are smooth and shiny. It is usually irritated by rubbing and sweating because of its location around skin folds and tender areas. Additionally, it is vulnerable to fungal infections.

4. Pustular

Pustular is frequently found in adults. It's identified by white colored blisters of noninfectious pustules that consist of white blood cells and it is adjacent to red and tender skin. This particular issue can be localized to the hands or feet. Nevertheless, it could also be generalized with extensive patches developing at random on any area of the body.

5. Erythrodermic

Erythrodermic is a very inflammatory variety of this disease that has an effect on most of the body surface. Its symptoms are periodic, extensive inflammation, and the scales shed in sheets as opposed to small flakes. The erythrodermic variety is characterized by reddening and shedding of the skin that is frequently itchy, swelling and soreness, heart rate increase, and fluctuating body temperature.

This skin disorder will get better or worse spontaneously and can have periodic remissions. For this reason, there may be instances when there won't be any sign of this disease.

At present there's no identified cause of psoriasis, therefore there has been virtually no cure identified as of yet. In addition, researchers have established that the condition may be passed down. In spite of this fact, medication has been utilized that can help manage the disorder.

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