Causes, Symptoms And Treatments Of Psoriasis

written by John Traven

Psoriasis, a chronic skin disorder, affects about 2 - 3% of the world's population. It's a condition that commonly causes red scaly patches on the skin, usually on the knees or elbows. It affects both sexes equally and can appear at any age, although it most commonly occurs in the 20s. Psoriasis is not contagious, it's not a rash and you can't catch it or give it to someone by touching them.

Multiple forms of psoriasis exist, there are actually five main different types. The most common type is plaque psoriasis, also known as psoriasis vulgaris. Other main types include guttate, pustular, inverse, and erythrodermic psoriasis.

What is the cause of psoriasis? No one knows for sure, but there are a number of different factors that can contribute to its development. Genetic predisposition, skin Injury, infections, abnormality in the immune system, environmental factors, and certain medications just to name a few.

One of the common symptoms of psoriasis is thickening, scaling and redness of the skin. These patches may itch or burn and are usually found on knees, elbows, hands, arms, trunk, or scalp. Abnormal fingernails can also appear.

How to treat psoriasis? Treatment depends on the type of disease, its location, extent, and severity. Numerous options are available, but the effectiveness of specific treatments vary greatly from individual to individual.

Psoriasis treatments can be sorted into 3 main types - Topical treatments that include ointments or creams, light treatments that include UVB, PUVA or lasers, and systemic treatments that include medications in a form of a pill or injection.

Besides those there are also many alternative options such as traditional chinese medicine, acupuncture, acupressure, ayurveda, water therapies, osteopathy, homeopathy, climatotherapy, herbology, epsom salt, and so on.

Working out regularly and a healthy and balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and grains can also be of great help. On the other hand, of course, smoking, heavy drinking, junk food and a general unhealthy lifestyle can only worsen the problem.