What Are The Primary Causes of Psoriasis

Psoriasis causes a person to feel self conscious about their appearance. Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects millions of Americans. It is estimated that 120-180 million people suffer from psoriasis. Psoriasis can develop at any age, but usually develops during adolescence. This can be due to a change in hormone levels. The risk of a person developing psoriasis is 2-3%. It is important to remember that psoriasis is not contagious.

Psoriasis causes the patient to form thick, red skin. They may also experience flaky spots on the skin. Psoriasis mainly affects skin of the elbows, scalp and knees, but can affect any area of skin. The appearance of psoriasis takes on many different forms. It may appear as small red bumps, large flakes of dry skin, pink patches of skin or thick plaques of skin. Psoriasis on moist area of the skin may look like flat red spots. Psoriasis of the nails look like small pits. Psoriasis on the scalp closely resembles dandruff. The skin may also be itchy. Psoriasis may form over an extended period of time or rapidly.

The cause of psoriasis is not known. It is thought to be linked to people with weakened immune systems. People with psoriasis may have triggers. These triggers include stress, heavy alcohol consumption, stress, dry skin, dry air, to much or to little sunlight, smoking or injury to the skin. Those with weakened immune systems may have worse flareups.

Psoriasis causes joint problems in some patients. This is known as psoriatic arthritis. It is estimated that 10-35% of patients with psoriasis will develop this condition. Inflammation can appear in any of the joints, but the joints of the knees, elbows and hands are most commonly affected. Medication can stop the disorder from progressing. The average age for developing psoriatic arthritis is 30-40. A physician can diagnosis the disorder. He/she will rule out other conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

When looking for treatment options for psoriasis, there are many to choose from. The treatment plan will depend on severity and type of psoriasis. If only a small part of the body is affected, creams and lotions may be used. Steroid injections may also be useful. For psoriasis that cover 20% or more of the body, light treatment and steroid injections are helpful. For large areas of psoriasis, medication may be needed. If the psoriais is affecting the scalp, a medicated dandruff shampoo may help. Most physicians suggest rotating treatments every 6 to 24 months. An antibiotic may be needed if the area becomes infected.

Psoriasis causes the patient to deal with lifelong flareups. At this time there is no cure for psoriasis. It is a chronic condition, but can be controlled. Psoriasis can go into remission. A patient with psoriasis may experience pain and discomfort during flareups. Many patients with the disorder will develop depression. This is due to embarrassment of going out in public. They may develop a low self image. It is important for psoriasis to be diagnosed as soon as possible.