Psoriasis - Information on Psoriasis

Psoriasis Information

Psoriasis is basically a skin disease typical to youth, but it may occur to the people at any age. In severe cases, the itching and discomfort may keep a person awake at night, and the pain can make everyday tasks difficult. Between 10% and 30% of people who develop psoriasis get a related form of arthritis called “psoriatic arthritis,” which causes inflammation of the joints.

Psoriasis is an general kind of skin disorder in which inflammation of the skin takes place. It is the most common type of psoriasis and is characterized by red skin covered with silvery scales and inflammation. Patches of circular to oval shaped red plaques that itch or burn are typical of plaque psoriasis. Regardless of type, psoriasis usually causes discomfort. The skin often itches, and it may crack and bleed.

We have provided you here all symptoms, causes and treatment methods of Psoriasis.

Causes of Psoriasis

1) Problem with immune system in which some white blood cells cause the body to fight normal tissue in the skin and, sometimes, joints.

2) white blood cells also produce an abnormally large amount of "healing" chemicals that actually cause more inflammation in the skin and joints

3) Genetical problems

3) Family history or inheritance

4) Any type of injury to the skin

5) Smoking, sun exposure, alcoholism, and HIV infection may affect how often the psoriasis occurs

6) excessive alcohol consumption may be possible cause

6) The following drugs are known to either worsen psoriasis or induce a flare-up:

• Chloroquine
• ACE inhibitors such as monopril or captopril
• Beta blockers such as lopressor or atenolol
• Progesterone
• Lithium
• Indocin

Treatment of Psoriasis

Methods For Treating Psoriasis are :

1) Topical treatments such as topical corticosteroids, vitamin d analogues, anthralin, coal tar, moisturizers , topical retioids etc.

2) Exposure to sunlight

3) Light therapy or photo therapy

4) Avoid scratching

5) Oral medications :

• Psoralens: Methoxsalen (Oxsoralen-Ultra) and trioxsalen (Trisoralen) are commonly prescribed drugs called psoralens.
  
• Etanercept (Enbrel)It is a manufactured protein that works with the immune system to reduce inflammation.
  
• Methotrexate (Rheumatrex): This drug is used to treat plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. It suppresses the immune system and slows the production of skin cells
• Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral): This drug suppresses the immune system and slows the production of skin cells.
  
• Alefacept (Amevive): It suppresses the immune system to slow down the production of skin cells. Alefacept is given as an injection once per week..