Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes brittle patches of red skin with silvery scales. This condition usually attacks the scalp, knees, and elbows, but can also affect the nails, trunk, and legs. The Psychological and Emotional Costs of Psoriasis Psoriasis can have severe psychological damage due to the feeling of exclusion or isolation. Dealing with the chronic discomfort caused by psoriasis is difficult, which in turn affects your emotions. Evidence suggests that stressing about the condition makes treatment less effective. Patients diagnosed with psoriasis complain about the tremendous changes it creates in the quality of life such as diabetes and heart disease. Psychologists argue that the emotional effects brought about by psoriasis can be worse than the physical effects. People may treat those suffering differently, and their relationships may be affected. Depending on the affected area, people may be afraid of associating with the patients because some may not understand psoriasis as a medical condition. Such patients may find it difficult to turn up in social gatherings and their self-esteem may be greatly dented. Coping with Psoriasis People with psoriasis are advised to explain to people, especially friends and family, about the condition. Clarify that it is not curable, but can be managed.

Psoriasis is a common chronic skin condition that is manifested by red, brittle patches of the skin covered with silvery scales. Psoriasis is not curable, but manageable with treatment. Your doctor may direct you to an immunologist, rheumatologist, and dermatologist to help in treating your type of psoriasis. There are two ways through which psoriasis can be managed: medical treatment and natural treatment. Medical Treatment of Psoriasis Psoriasis can be treated medically with biologics, oral medications, topical medications, laser therapy, and phototherapy. The treatment methods vary because of several factors, such as the type of psoriasis, the age of the patient, stage of the illness, and severity of the ailment, among others. Biologics:  Biologics are proteins and must be administered by intravenous infusion or injection through the skin. These drugs are synthesized by living cells and target the immune response because they lead to rapid psoriasis skin cell growth. They are expensive, but not as effective as other forms of treatment, as they target the immune response. Biologics are recommendable for patients diagnosed with moderate and severe psoriasis. Oral medications:  Most oral drugs, except Soriatane, target portions of the immune responses, unlike biologics which target the entire immune response. Since a healthy immune system is essential for survival, systemic treatments have a weakness.

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.