Coping with Psoriasis

According to the National Institute of Health, "as many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis." It affects more women than men. It is most common in fair skin individuals and is rare in dark skin individuals. Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious condition which appears as thick red, patches of plaques or inflamed skin lesions. These skin lesions have silver white scabs of dead skin appearing on the arms, feet , back of the legs, elbows, scalp, fold of the buttocks, and nails.

The National Psoriasis Foundation reports that, "30% of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis is also associated with other serious conditions such as diabetes, heart diseases and obesity.

What Causes Psoriasis?

The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown and there is no cure. Researchers do agree that psoriasis is related to faulty signals sent by the body's immune system. The faulty signals accelerate the growth cycle in skin cells causing a skin maturity and replacement problem. Normal skin shedding takes 28 - 30 days. In psoriasis skin shedding takes less than a week to mature. This early maturity and skin shedding causes the skin cells to raise and pile up on the skin surface resulting in psoriasis.

Psoriasis is considered:

Mild when 5% or less of the body is affected.

Moderate when 5% - 30% of the body is affected.

Severe when 30% or more of the body is affected.

The National Psoriasis Foundation lists the types of psoriasis as:

Plaque: This type is the most common form of the disease it appears on the knees, scalp

and the lower back.

Guttate: This type appears as small red spots on the lower back and limbs.

Inverse: This type occurs in the armpits, groin, under the breast and other skin folds.

Pustular: In this type white blisters are surrounded by red skin.

Erythrodermic: This type is characteristic of intense redness over large areas of the body surface with severe itching and pain.

The Goal of Treatment in Psoriasis:

The main goal in the treatment of psoriasis is to reduce and eliminate the symptoms of the disease.

There are many approaches to the treatment of psoriasis such as:

Topical products

Systemic medications

Light Therapy

Biological Drugs

Complementary approach

Alternative approach,

Treatments include

Over the counter medications such as:

Soothing bath solutions.

The use of moisturizers.

Salicylic Acids

Coal Tar

Aloe Vera

Prescriptions

Anthralin topical

Dovonex vitamin D 3

Taclonex this slows the rate of the skin cell growth.

Tazoral in gel or cream form.

Topical Steroids

Alternative Approach such as:

Acupuncture

Meditation

Herbal remedies

Magnets

Each individual responds to treatment differently. It is important to communicate with your physician and actively participate in your treatment program to get the best benefit from the treatment. It may take a combination of different approaches to find out what works best for you.

Psoriasis can be a physically and emotionally painful disease, causing physical limitations, embarrassment and disfiguration. Managing the daily care of psoriasis can also be demanding. Consistent treatment and emotional support from friends, family and support groups will make it easier for you to cope.

The National Psoriasis Foundation is an excellent resource for getting information and support in dealing with the condition. This organization is working relentlessly to find a cure for this condition.

National Psoriasis Foundation

1-800-723-9166www.poriasis.org