What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. It is not contagious and seems to have a genetic link ( it runs in families).
The immune system of psoriasis sufferers overreacts and causes skin cells to be produced very rapidly. Generally skin cells grow slowly and are shed every 4 weeks or so, but this process is sped up in psoriasis with new skin cells being produced every few days. This results in a build up of skin cells forming plaques. A psoriasis plaque appears as a round or oval patch of thickened skin. They are scaly with the scales being white or silvery on a reddened inflamed background.
The plaques formed in psoriasis do not generally affect the whole body although they may be extensive in severe cases. The areas most often affected by psoriasis include the elbows, knees, scalp and back. Although eczema also commonly affects the elbows and knees it is different from psoriasis in that it affects the inner surface of the joints whereas psoriasis affects the outer surface (ie behind the knee or elbow).
Treatment for Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic condition which cannot be cured. Flare ups often seem spontaneous but there are a few factors which tend to worsen the condition. These include cold dry weather, infections, stress, and certain medications. Smoking also exacerbates psoriasis and people with psoriasis should consider smoking cessation.
If you suspect you have psoriasis you should visit your doctor as most cases would require some treatment with prescription medication. However, psoriasis can be controlled to some extent with good skin care. Keeping the skin well moisturised on a daily basis is important and helps to lessen the intensity and frequency of flare ups.
If you have psoriasis you should use a good emollient on a daily basis. This will give relief from the drying, scaling and cracking and should be used in conjunction with prescribed medication. Over the counter products which contain coal tar, salicylic acid and urea can also be used on the plaques and help to remove scales and soften the skin.