Psoriasis is a common skin condition, considered to be an automimmune condition, that causes skin to appear red and scaly and is typically accompanied by itching and irritation of the affected areas. Common areas affected are major joints, such as knees and elbows, and often around the scalp. As these areas appear they often gain a white scale over top, as a result of dead skin cells.
These areas are the result of the skin cells in the affected areas multiplying at a far higher rate than normal. This rapid reproduction cycle also leaves large numbers of thosse skin cells on the outside to die, forming the white scale typically associated with the condition.
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation Up to 8 million Americans, and up to 125 million people worldwide are affected by it.
Read on for more specific information on the causes of Psoriasis, how to tell if you have Psoriasis, extreme symptoms of the condition and natural remedies for Psoriasis.
What Causes Psoriasis (& Psoriasis Triggers)
So far Doctors haven't been able to confirm 100% the cause of Psoriasis, but there are a number of factors that are known to affect it. It is believed that genetics plays a role in how likely you are to have Psoriasis. The condition is considered to be an autoimmune disease, meaning the body develops these areas of rapidly reproducing skin cells in response to factors the immune system considers to be an attack on the body. Common factors that contribute to a flare up of Psoriasis include:
Weather; in particular, dry cold appears to contribute to outbreaks the most
Alcohol; heavy alcohol consumption contributes to Psoriasis outbreaks
Medications; Various medications are known to set off Psoriasis outbreaks, particularly blood pressure and anti-malarial medications
Drugs; pharmaceuticals that affect blood pressure can cause a flare up of Psoriasis symptoms, specifically making blood vessels appear visible
Infections; if you find yourself getting sick you are more likely to experience a Psoriasis outbreak, strep infections are specifically linked to outbreaks
Damage to your body; cuts and scrapes all cause damage to your body can help trigger immune responses as your body tries to prevent and fight off infection, this damage will leave you more likely to suffer a Psoriasis outbreak
Yourself: Whether its anxiety, strong emotions, or even just exercising, how we feel and live, affect Psoriasis, large amounts of stress can cause Psoriasis outbreaks
How do I tell if I have Psoriasis?
The most surefire way to see if you Psoriasis is to consult a medical professional. However if you're unable to see a doctor, or are curious if there might be a possibility you have psoriasis then asking yourself some questions and a brief self physical examination can help tell you if you may have the condition and should start adapting your lifestyle or if needed see a doctor:
Does your skin look scaly?
Is your skin dry and flaky?
Is your scalp dry and flaky?
Does anyone in your family have Psoriasis?
Are there are red irritated areas of your skin you can't explain?
Does your skin get dry and scaly in the cold?
A physical self examination for signs of the condition should be conducted, pay careful attention to the follow areas, looking for red scaly areas particularly if they have any white buildup on top:
feet
hands
elbows
knees
scalp
There are number of reasons for any of those to be happening, but if you have the phsyical signs and have been asking yourself those questions then you should consider the possiblity that you may have Psoriasis. To be sure if it's Psoriasis see if you match any of the risk factors.
Risk factors for Psoriasis
Ethnicity: Psoriasis can occur in everyone, but is much more common for people with fairer skin
Age: Psoriasis usually develops between the ages of 15 and 35
Gender: Men and women are equally suscepitible to Psoraisis
Family History: Almost one in three Psoriasis sufferers have a familiy member with the condition
Symptoms of Psoriasis
The most common symptom of Psoriasis is inflamed areas of the skin that are red, feel scaly, and often develop a white plaque on top of dead skin. This area usually feels irritated and itchy. There are however a number of seven specific forms of Psoriasis:
Plaque Psoriasis
Guttate Psoriasis
Pustular Psoriasis
Inverse Psoriasis
Nail Psoriasis
Psoriatic Arthritis
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
What is Plaque Psoriasis?
Plaque Psoriasis is a form of Psoriasis is the most common form of Psoriasis, .affecting about 80% of Psosriasis sufferers. Another common name for it is Psoriasis Vulgaris. It appears as lesions of raised red skin, dry and usually scaly, with grey or silver scaling. These patches of skin are often tender and itchy, typically found in the major joints and extremities (feet, hands, knees and elbows), though they can appear anywhere. The size and number of these patches vary with each individual case and the severity of that outbreak.
What is Guttate Psoriasis?
Guttate Psoriasis is a rarer form of Psoriasis that is normally found in children and young adults. It appears as small red dots, often a bit scaly, across the trunk, arms and legs. It's typically triggered by an infection such as strep throat.
What is Pustular Psoriasis
Pustular Psoriasis is a form of Psoriasis that results in small pustules (small blisters filled with pus) appearing in larger patches of red, scaly skin.These pustules are not the result of any kind of infection, nor are they contagious in anyway. They are most commonly found on the hands and feet.
What is Inverse Psoriasis?
Inverse Psoriasis is a form of Psoriasis that appears as large areas of red skin in and around folds in the body. Unlike Plaque Psoriasis these lesions are not scaly, but are often smooth and shiny. It often appears around the armpits, buttocks, groin and breasts and usually accompanies other forms of Psoriasis.
What is Nail Psoriasis?
Nail Psoriasis is a form of Psoriasis that affects the fingernails or toenails. It causes pitting and discoloration and may cause the nail to grow abnormally. Nails affected by Psoriasis may even loosen or separate from the nail bed entirely.
What is Psoriatic Arthritis?
Psoriatic Arthritis causes similar symptoms to regular Arthritis. It causes the joints to swell, leaving them in pain, stiff, and can cause progressive joint damage. It typically appears with other forms of Psoriasis, but in certain cases can be the only sign of any form of Psoriasis. In the most severe cases it can cause permanent joint damage.
What is Erythrodermic Psoriasis?
Erythrodermic Psoriasis is the rarest form of Psoriasis. It usually appears as large areas of red skin that can go as far as covering the entire body. These rashes are usually peeling and are accompanied by an itching or burning sensation.
Living With Psoriasis
If I think I have Psoriasis should I see a doctor?
It's always a good idea to see a doctor about possible medical conditions. They can refer a dermatologist who can provide treatment plans and prescriptions to help manage Psoriasis. For severe sufferers this may be the best option. However millions of people live without ever even being diagnosed and many others without ever needing medical intervention. It's perfectly possible to live with Psoriasis and there are natural treatments for Psoriasis.
How to treat Psoriasis naturally?
There are number of natural remedies for Psoriasis. Life style and diet are usually major influences on any health condition, and a healthy lifestyle with a good diet will provide a strong foundation to treating with our Psoriasis. Minimize or avoid alcohol entirely. Avoid extended exposure to cold and dry conditions. If you take any blood pressure or anti-malarial medications and have either experienced Psoriasis or believe you may be at risk for it consult your doctor. You can also use a variety of natural topical treatments to help manage the symptoms of Psoriasis.
Is there a cure for Psoriasis?
There is no set cure for Psoriasis. However, proper care given to lifestyle choices and the use of natural treatments to help control the symptoms you can minimize the effects of Psoriasis and live your life to the fullest.
If you're interested, there is a program called 'Psoriasis Free For Life', from former Psoriasis suffered Katy Wilson on how she overcame the condition using natural remedies.
If you have any comments or questions, be sure to leave them below!