Psoriasis is a
chronic, non-contagious skin disorder characterized by sudden or gradual
development of reddened, thick, itchy patches of silvery scales (raised
layers of dead skin flakes) usually in the elbows, knees, scalp, hands,
trunk and or nails. The skin may blister or have pustules (small,
raised, and pus-filled). The nails may show pitting (small punched-out
areas) and the joints may be painful. The most common causes are immune
system disorder and hereditary.
Psoriasis affects over seven million people in the United States alone.
In
a "normal" person, new skin cells gradually move from
lower layers to the surface in about a month's time, but if you have
psoriasis the process speeds up to a few days -- which results in
piling up of dead skin cells (scales) in patches.
There is evidence
of genetic factors which may cause a person to get psoriasis and a
strong family history in psoriasis sufferers. Your doctor may consult
with a dermatologist or send you to see one.
A
dermatologist might scrape some small areas of your lesions and look
at them under a microscope. A biopsy (taking a small piece) of the
patch is rarely needed for diagnosis and is often done to rule out
other possible causes. Psoriasis can occur at any age but is more
common between the ages of 15 to 60.
Factors that can
initiate a flare up of psoriasis include:
1. Local injury or irritation to the skin (sunburn,
insect bites, burns, and rashes)
2. Hormonal changes
3. Certain medications
4. Stress -- emotional or physical
5. Alcohol abuse
6. Obesity
7. Infections -- e.g., strep throat infections
or mono
8. Viral infections such as HIV
9. Weakened (e.g., in AIDS, cancer) or overactive immune system (as
in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis)
10. Cold climates
11. Lack of sunlight
12. Increased blood uric acid levels in some patients.
In addition to following your health care provider’s orders,
there is a lot that you can do on your own to help control and prevent
flare-ups of psoriasis.
Use moisturizing lotions. Psoriasis symptoms get worse when your skin
is dry, so keep it moist with creams and lotions. Thick and oily moisturizers
are often the best, since they're good at trapping moisture beneath
the skin. Moisturizers are also useful for removing scales.
Take care of your skin and scalp. People with psoriasis should always
be careful with their skin. Never pick at lesions or scales, since
that can just make your psoriasis worse.
Avoid dry, cold weather. Climate can have a big effect on psoriasis.
For a lot of people, cold and dry weather can make the symptoms of
psoriasis worse. In general, hot weather is better for people with
psoriasis, although some have worsening symptoms when the heat and
humidity rise. The sun may actually help some cases of psoriasis.
Use a humidifier during the dry seasons or in the winter when the
heat is on. Keeping your skin moist is important.
Avoid medications that cause flare-ups. Tell your doctor all the medications
you take, and ask if any could affect your psoriasis.
Get some sun, but not too much. Because ultraviolet rays in sunlight
slow the growth of skin cells, getting moderate doses of sun is a
good idea. However, make sure they're brief -- about 20 minutes or
so. Use sunscreen if you're out in the sun for any longer period of
time. Remember that sunburn can make your psoriasis worse, and too
much sun raises your risk of skin cancer. If you're on medication
that makes your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet rays as part of
your phototherapy, ask your doctor about whether you should always
use sunscreen when outside.
Decrease stress. Easy to say, harder to do. See Stress
Skills and Stress Management.
AVOID drinking alcohol. The connection between alcohol and psoriasis
isn't completely clear, but many people are convinced that alcohol
can worsen psoriasis.
Also
See:
