Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by raised patches of skin that are red with a silvery or white buildup on them. While the most common form of this disorder is known as plaque psoriasis, there are other forms known as pustular psoriasis and guttate psoriasis. Psoriasis is a non-contagious disorder that falls into the category of autoimmune diseases where the body attacks its own organs. Nail psoriasis, scalp psoriasis and genital psoriasis are fairly common characteristics of the disorder. For approximately 10% of the sufferers of psoriasis, arthritis in the form of psoriatic arthritis can cause pain and swelling in the joints. Left untreated, it can be crippling. Arthritis is a common symptom of many autoimmune diseases.

It is helpful to know the symptoms of psoriasis, especially since the predisposition for the disorder is known to be hereditary. The odds of developing the disorder will increase significantly when one or both parents suffer from psoriasis. While the symptoms can vary from person to person, the typical signs are red patches of skin that have silvery scales on them. These patches may be itchy, dry and they may also bleed. It can also affect the scalp or the nails. It is a disorder that has unpredictable periods of dormancy and flare ups, triggered by such things as certain medications, stress, smoking, infections and other causes.

Although there is no psoriasis cure as of yet, the basic psoriasis treatment is one that endeavors to disrupt the cycle of increased skin cell production. This is done through several methods. Topical creams and lotions containing retinoids or corticosteroids can be applied and oral medications that contain anti inflammatory properties can also be taken as well. One of the easiest treatments is light therapy. Small doses of sunlight are known to suppress the T cells that trigger increased cell production. This decreases the scaly patches that psoriasis causes. For worst case scenarios, a doctor may recommend a combination of any of these treatments.

For some, the answer to the disorder's inconvenient symptoms is the psoriasis diet. Although the subject of much debate, many believe by adjusting their diet, they can control their psoriasis or at least have longer periods of dormancy. Excluding certain foods with preservatives and opting for a wholesome natural diet has helped many sufferers to overcome or lessen their symptoms. The subject of vitamin B12 in psoriasis has been the subject of much study. For those who suffer from psoriasis, a vitamin B12 deficiency is often considered one of the underlying causes of the disorder. While results can take a while to show in individuals, injections over a two to three month period have been known to yield positive results.