Friday, February 13, 2009

How to Avoid or Control Psoriasis

One of the most common type of skin problems around, psoriasis affects millions of people at any one time. In UK alone, it affects more than a million people.

Psoriasis is distressing. It appears in unsightly silvery scales with dry red patches over it. It can be very itchy and makes a person feel very conscious. However, the fortunate thing is that this skin disease is non-infectious. Thus, there is no risk of you passing to someone or catching it from others.

What Causes Psoriasis to Happen?

Psoriasis arises due to abnormal skin growth. It can affects different areas of your body including your scalp, armpits, and other body crevices. Some researchers has claimed that psoriasis could be caused by overgrown cells produced by the Human Growth Hormone. But it is has not been scientifically proven and studies are still on-going to find out the underlying factors that triggers psoriasis in us.

How to treat Psoriasis

Psoriasis is stressful and irritating. Dealing with chronic skin diseases like psoriasis requires patience and cooperation from the affected person. Stress management techniques would be useful to calm the individual down as it can be distressing to live with the unsightly look of the skin surface.

Here are some treatments you can explore to manage your psoriasis.

  1. Use emollients to moisturize your skin. Coal tar preparations can be used, but be aware that it can be smelly or messy due to coals ingredients.
  1. Dithranol is another chemical used to treat psoriasis. This is harsh chemical that can stain your skin. Do not used on your face, groin or armpit.
  1. Salicylic acid, retinoids, steroids and vitamin D can be helpful towards the healing of psoriasis-affected skin but take note that there could be side effects.
  1. If you have more severe form of psoriasis, you may need to seek your physician advice before undergoing more radical treatments like methotrexate. These drugs can be quite toxic and stop cell growth.

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