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Psoriasis is a disease which affects the skin and occasionally affects the joints as well. There are actually seven different kinds of psoriasis that are classified by their different symptoms, which can include red scaly skin patches in a variety of hues and severities anywhere on the body, along with skin that may flake off.

Psoriasis can also appear under the finger and toes nails. 10 to 20 percent of people with psoriasis will also develop psoriatic arthritis, or an inflammation of the joints.

What causes psoriasis?

The cause of psoriasis on the skin is the rapid production and accumulation of skin cells, which build up and create the symptoms that are seen on the skin. Researchers are still not sure if the problem lies with these cells, or whether there is a problem somewhere else in the body which is causing these cells to behave abnormally.

Despite the lack of knowledge on what causes psoriasis, researchers do know what makes the condition worse. Stress, infection, alcohol abuse, changes in climate or season, smoking, and obesity can all worsen psoriasis or make it more difficult to treat, and so these things should all be avoided as much as possible by those with psoriasis.

Psoriasis treatment

Treatment of psoriasis is difficult because it is a chronic disease that will reoccur throughout life for those who have it. Psoriasis is not contagious however, so there are no special precautions needed for being around those with psoriasis.

Treatment typically takes three different forms. The least harmful treatment for psoriasis is topical treatments such as moisturizers, followed by phototherapy or UV radiation and, finally, pills and injections which are typically reserved for those with psoriasis which is otherwise unresponsive to other treatments.

For those with psoriatic arthritis, treatment is accomplished with an anti-inflammatory, since inflammation is what causes psoriatic arthritis.


More about psoriasis around the Web:

National Psoriasis Foundation

Psoriasis - MayoClinic.com

What Is Psoriasis?

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.

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