Psoriasis is known as a persistent disorder of the skin characterised by reddish, scaly areas of inflammation. Psoriasis is generally located on the arms, legs, trunk, nails, or scalp, but it can be observed on almost any part of the skin. Probably the most commonly affected areas are the knees and also elbows.
Psoriasis is an immune system condition that impacts both men and women. Estimates vary but somewhere between 4.5 and 7.5 million people in the U.S. have already been diagnosed with psoriasis. 150,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. Psoriasis is not contagious. It's not something you can "catch" or that others might catch from you. Psoriasis lesions will not be infectious.
Thick, scaly, red plaques are the hallmark of psoriasis. In psoriatic skin, the cells belonging to the outer layer (epidermis) multiply too rapidly, which causes skin to thicken. Additionally, they adhere to each other more strongly and for longer than normal skin cells do, resulting in scaliness. The skin is infiltrated by white blood cells, causing inflammation, redness, and rarely pustules.
Why this happens isn't yet well understood, but genetics are clearly involved. Genealogy and family history can affect who is diagnosed with psoriasis - if a parent has psoriasis, a child has a 10 percent chance of developing it as well. However, the appropriate psoriasis triggers must also exist before symptoms start to appear.
Researchers now think that there might be an ethnic link to Psoriasis, as it is most commonly encountered in Caucasians throughout the US and Northern Europe. In addition, genetics seemingly plays a role. Studies have shown that one-third of the people diagnosed with psoriasis have at least one near relative with the condition. A study conducted in the US found the prevalence of psoriasis was 2.5% in Caucasians and 1.3% in African Americans.
Psoriasis could be mild or severe. When , it may detrimentally impact functions of daily life including work and social activities.
There is as yet no complete cure for psoriasis. Treating psoriasis is dependent upon its severity and location. Medical treatment options range from local (cortisone treatment application, emollients, coal tar, anthralin preparations, and exposure to the sun) to systemic (internal medicines, which includes methotrexate and cyclosporine).
Moreover, there are numerous natural and alternative healthcare treatments based on psoriasis natural treatment which have proven to work well. Every psoriasis sufferer is different. That which is the best psoriasis treatment for one may not do anything for another.
Copyright 2010 MBA Online Degrees | rss