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Psoriasis What is psoriasis? Psoriasis
is a recurrent skin condition that affects around 2% of the population in the
What does it look like? Psoriasis
appears as raised red patches of skin covered with silvery scales. It can
occur on any part of the body although elbows, knees and the scalp are usual
sites. There is often accompanying irritation. Some parts of the body do not have
this typical scale. These are areas where two skin surfaces come together as
in the natural skin creases and folds e.g. the groin and genital area and
underneath women's breasts. Psoriasis, in these areas can look bright red and
shiny rather than scaly. Types of psoriasis The
symptoms of psoriasis can manifest in a variety of forms. Variants include
plaque, pustular, guttate
and flexural psoriasis. Plaque
psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris) is the most common
form of psoriasis. It affects 80 to 90% of people with psoriasis. Plaque
psoriasis typically appears as raised areas of inflamed skin covered with
silvery white scaly skin. These areas are called plaques. Flexural
psoriasis (inverse psoriasis) appears as smooth inflamed patches of skin. It
occurs in skin folds, particularly around the genitals, the armpits, and
under the breasts. It is aggravated by friction and sweat, and is vulnerable
to fungal infections. Guttate psoriasis is characterised by numerous small oval
(teardrop-shaped) spots. These numerous spots of psoriasis appear over large
areas of the body, such as the trunk, limbs, and scalp. Guttate
psoriasis is associated with streptococcal throat infection. Pustular psoriasis appears as raised bumps that are filled with
non-infectious pus (pustules). The skin under and surrounding pustules is red
and tender. Pustular psoriasis can be localised,
commonly to the hands and feet (palmoplantar pustulosis), or generalised with widespread patches
occurring randomly on any part of the body. Nail
psoriasis produces a variety of changes in the appearance of finger and toe
nails. These changes include discolouring under the nail plate, pitting of
the nails, lines going across the nails, thickening of the skin under the
nail, and the loosening and crumbling of the nail. Psoriatic
arthritis involves joint and connective tissue inflammation. Psoriatic
arthritis can affect any joint but is most common in the joints of the
fingers and toes. This can result in a sausage-shaped swelling of the fingers
and toes known as dactylitis. Psoriatic arthritis
can also affect the hips, knees and spine (spondylitis).
About 10-15% of people who have psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis. Is it catching? Most
definitely not. Psoriasis cannot be caught from other people nor can it be
transferred from one part of the body to another. How serious is it?
Psoriasis is known as a waxing and waning condition and there may therefore
be considerable variations in its intensity. There are also many clinical
forms with skin involvement varying from a few psoriatic patches to, at its
worst and very rarely, a widespread and serious eruption. Most people with
psoriasis have small patches that either get better spontaneously or need
very little treatment. The more severe forms may demand intensive medical and
nursing care. Widespread ignorance about the nature of psoriasis and the real
or imagined reactions of others may also lead to a withdrawal from society
and to feelings of isolation, depression and defensive shyness. What causes it? Certain
genes have been identified as being linked to psoriasis. It appears, however,
that a genetic tendency needs to be triggered off by such things as injury,
throat infection, certain drugs, exposure to irritant chemicals and physical
and emotional stress. Research is under way into all aspects of the causes of
psoriasis. What treatments are available? There are
a variety of topical treatments available i.e. creams and ointments that are applied
to the skin. When used properly they can be most effective and have minimal
side effects. Whatever treatment you use it is also vitally important to use
a moisturiser to make the skin more comfortable. Other treatments are
available for more serious cases; they will normally mean a referral to a
Dermatologist and involve treatment as an out-patient or in-patient. Many
people, however, lose the condition naturally for long periods at a time or
even entirely, especially if they reduce their exposure to the “triggers”
such as harsh chemicals in their environment. Many
people report that taking a combined approach of removing the harsh chemicals
contained in household cleaners or personal care products from their homes
and also using suitable moisturisers has had a dramatic beneficial effect….. “Eczema, Psoriasis and chemical residue Since replacing all the chemicals in my house and using
the Intensive Skin Therapy lotion, my eczema and psoriasis have disappeared.
My doctor admitted that we were treating the result of the problem – not the
cause! What was the cause? Irritating and drying chemical residue
He explained that our skin is our largest organ. Consequently, everything
that comes in contact with it can have an effect. That made me think… just about
all of the clothes detergents on the store shelves today leave some sort of
residue on your clothes. Then my attention turned to our personal care stuff,… everything from deodorant to shampoo and lotions. What
did I find? Many of our personal care products that come in contact with our
skin contain Formaldehyde!!!! Which by the way, goes by many different names
AND is NOT required to be listed on the label! For those who do not know,
this is used to preserve dead bodies! Can we say "EEEYYYEEEWWWW"? The Company has truly given me peace of mind, knowing that
their scientists do extensive research to provide only the safest ingredients
in their products.” Jean Smith |