Psoriasis - A General Overview

Psoriasis is a skin disease that is more likely to affect people with fair skin complexion. It remains to be fully understood as to why Asian and African origin are less predisposed to it compare to Caucasian. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease with no permanent cure available as of today.

Genetic and hereditary factors seem to contribute to the triggering of Psoriasis. This skin disease usually runs in the family and affects both men and women alike. Psoriasis usually affects adults between the ages of fifteen to thirty five years of age.

Patches of red scaly skin usually appear on the armpit, elbow, leg, scalp, face and at times even as far as private parts of the body such as the chest, breast and genitalia region. Psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be contracted through physical skin contacts such as touch.

There are at least five different types of Psoriasis and blood test analysis can readily reveal and confirm if a person is suffering from it. Blood test can reveal the type of antibody generated by the body immune system in response to the different type of Psoriasis affecting a patient.

Psoriasis occurs when a person's skin replaces itself too quickly. This might occur if the persons immune system is compromised and faulty biological immune system signals causes the skin cells to grow quickly and uncontrollably.

Medical research conducted by a team from the University Of Michigan indicates the presence of a specific gene, designated 'PORS1' and scientists believed this gene contributes to the triggering of skin inflammation leading to Psoriasis outbreak.

Further research is needed to map out the genetic determinants of Psoriasis and with the knowledge acquired it is hope that doctors and medical scientists can someday develop better treatments to not only treat the symptoms but in addition to that a universal permanent cure for all those suffering from it.

Psoriasis can be quite difficult to cope with, both from physical and psychological aspects. The self-esteemed of a person could be deeply affected due to disfigurement caused by this skin disease, more so if it affects visible parts of the body such as the face. The pain and itch associated with it could be quite traumatic and unbearable at times.

Psoriasis is usually not a life threatening disease and does not require long-term hospitalization treatment. There are exceptional isolated severe cases whereby the skin starts to lose its protective functions and as such is unable to prevent bacteria and other substances from entering the body.

Various factors could trigger the outbreak and worsen the condition of Psoriasis. These include severe stress, hormone imbalance and poor detoxification of the body. Prolong exposure to pollutants and chemicals such as heavy metals, pesticides, uncontrolled intake of drugs such as beta-blockers, smoking and drinking exacerbates and worsen the condition of Psoriasis.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies such as zinc, selenium, chromium, vitamin A, B and E could worsen the condition of Psoriasis. It is important to maintain good health with strong immune body system to keep this skin disease at bay.

There are various medical treatments available to alleviate the pain and itch associated with Psoriasis. Doctors normally prescribed treatments based on the severity, the conditions and the type of Psoriasis that the patient is suffering from. Patients with suppressed immune system may experienced more severe painful symptoms and as such it is not surprising that doctors may recommend holistic treatments that involves the combinations of topical, laser light and other form of antibiotics treatments.