Psoriasis typically manifests itself as patches of the skin that are dry, red, and covered in silver scales. There are different types of this skin condition and each may have its distinct symptoms. However, the most common symptoms of psoriasis include: Common Symptoms of Psoriasis: Red, inflamed patches Painful, swollen joints Thick, pitted nails Burning and itching sensation around the areas affected Soreness around the patches Dry skin that may break and bleed Silver-white scales Diagnosis of Psoriasis: Physical examination: Your doctor can suspect or diagnose psoriasis by examining your scalp, skin, and nails. Since psoriasis can also be genetically inherited, the doctor may also check your family’s medical history. Biopsy: Further tests may be required as psoriasis resembles other skin diseases, such as eczema. Your doctor takes a small piece of skin and sends it to a pathologist for further examination. X-rays and blood tests: For patients with joint symptoms, such as painful and swollen joints, blood tests and x-rays are vital to rule out other forms of arthritis.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes brittle patches of red skin with silvery scales. Dermatologists believe that psoriasis commonly occurs when the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells mistaking them for dangerous substances. However, the exact reason remains a mystery. But it’s most likely a combination of triggers and genetics. Possible triggers of this troublesome condition include certain medicines, throat infection, and injury to your skin. Psoriasis flare-ups can last for days, weeks, even months, and can fade away and then return. Let’s look at some of the common causes of psoriasis. Psoriasis Causes: Immune System Disruption: The immune system plays a major role in psoriasis. A disruption in the normal functioning of the immune system abnormally triggers inflammation in the skin, as well as in other parts of the body, and this can lead to psoriasis. What happens is that a certain type of white blood cells, known as T-lymphocytes, can sometimes produce inflammatory chemicals that cause cells to multiply, resulting in changes in skin blood cells, which in turn causes psoriasis. Typically, the white blood cells are meant to provide immunity to the body by attacking and destroying invading bacteria and fight infections. But when the T-Cells mistakenly attack the skin cells, they cause inflammation, and eventually psoriasis.

What is Psoriasis? Psoriasis is a common chronic skin condition that is manifested by red, brittle patches of the skin covered with silvery scales. This condition usually attacks the scalp, knees, and elbows, but can also affect the nails, trunk, and legs. Although rarely, it can also be found in other parts of the skin. Psoriasis affects more than 130 million people worldwide and can affect people of all ages. About 7.5 million people in the United States alone have plaque psoriasis, that’s about 2% of the total population. Male and female are affected equally, but the number of Caucasians diagnosed with psoriasis is higher than that of the people of color. While this skin condition is not contagious, it is inheritable, and there is no known way to prevent it. It’s easy for people to think psoriasis as just a common physical skin condition, but it actually starts underneath the skin and can range from mild to severe. Like other chronic conditions, psoriasis can be brought about by other illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases, Type 2 diabetes, and psoriatic arthritis. What’s more, psoriasis can also lead to other chronic conditions such as psoriatic arthritis. It is reported that 15% of people suffering from this condition develop psoriatic arthritis, a condition that is commonly mistaken for gout or rheumatoid arthritis.

Smoking is the number one cause of preventable death in the United States. Approximately one in every five deaths is due to complications related to smoking. The harmful effects of smoking are due to several factors including the smoke from tobacco and nicotine. Given below are the effects of nicotine and tobacco on the body. Metabolism Nicotine has a profound effect on metabolism. On a molecular level, nicotine promotes the release of neurotransmitters called catecholamines which activate the autonomic system. Nicotine enhances the breakdown of glycogen in the blood through stimulation of adrenoceptors, thus reducing blood sugar levels. Nicotine also increases the breakdown of fat, resulting in weight loss. However, nicotine can also have negative effects on metabolism as it alters the body’s response to insulin, which can promote metabolic syndrome. Cardiovascular System Cigarette smoke consists of two forms: tar and gas. The smoke contains 8% tar and 92% gas. Both types of smoke have billions of free radicals per puff. While the free radical in the tar can last up to months, the free radicals in the gas portion have a relatively short lifespan on the side of seconds. The tar also contains nicotine. Cigarette smoke increases susceptibility to atherosclerosis (a thickening and narrowing of the arteries) and related syndromes like angina, stroke, and acute coronary syndrome.

Smoking is the number one cause of preventable death in the United States. Approximately one in every five deaths is due to complications related to smoking. The harmful effects of smoking are due to several factors including the smoke from tobacco and nicotine. Nicotine is an extremely potent and toxic chemical. Its effects can be experienced almost immediately. Green Tobacco Sickness Green tobacco sickness is experienced when skin comes into contact with green tobacco leaves for a long period of time. Green tobacco sickness is similar to directly ingesting a larger dose of nicotine in that the symptoms include nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms include headaches, happiness, loss of appetite, tiredness, and fast and abnormal heartbeat (tachyarrhythmia). Nicotine and Cancer Nicotine promotes several types of cancers primarily by promoting progression of cancer cells. However, nicotine can also activate pathways in noncancerous cells that promote transformation. Activation of nACHRs by nicotine activates signaling pathways that promote survival of unhealthy cells. Nicotine is also converted into carcinogenic tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), specificallynitrosonornicotineine (NNN), and Nicotine-derived nitrosamine ketone (NNK), through a process called nitrosation in the mouth. Nicotine also activates factors such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) that enhance cancer cell division and survival.