Knowing The Basics Of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a persistent but a non-contagious skin disease. Causes of psoriasis have not yet been identified. Patients may exhibit no visible symptoms on their skin whereas some may develop a red flaking skin. This red flaking skin is called psoriatic plaque. Psoriatic plaque is the area of the skin where there is inflammation and excess skin production. Skin usually gathers in these patches and becomes silver in color. Plaques are mostly found on the knees and elbows, but they may affect any body part like the genitals, soles, palms, scalp and joints.
Psoriasis is a long lasting and recurrent condition of the skin. The effect of Psoriasis can be different from individual to individual. Psoriasis affects the nails causing psoriatic nail dystrophy. Some joints of the body will swell causing psoriatic arthritis. Amongst the total population suffering from Psoriasis, 10-15% of them have psoriatic arthritis.
People with dry skin are easily affected with Psoriasis than people with suitably moisturized or oily skin. Psoriasis can appear on a scratchy skin post like areas with scratches and cuts. This is known as the Koebner phenomenon. Dry skin is the effect of having been deprived of the oil that guards any infections from harming the skin. Consequently, persons who have dry skins are at risk of having psoriasis as the psoriasis-causing microorganism can easily grow on dry skin conditions.
Psoriasis is not the same as athlete’s foot. It is caused due to dry skin conditions whereas athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that thrives on wet skin conditions. Different from eczema, psoriasis is infections are visible on the external surfaces of the joints. In Psoriasis the infectious microbe causes swelling, rashes and scratchy skin. This causes the skin to dry even further as the microbe takes in the moisture of the skin leaving it drier than before.
If you wish to prevent psoriasis you should avoid the usage of shower scrubs. The use of shower scrubs causes the loss of natural skin oils and leaves scratches on the skin. After taking a bath you can use talcum powder. Fungal infection can be avoided because talc soaks up extra moisture on skin. The skin needs moisturizers to keep the skins oil glands functioning, keeping the body free from infection.
Although we are very clear about the definition of psoriasis, its causes are not yet clear. Genes or having a previous injury maybe the cause of this. Factors like withdrawal of systemic corticosteroid, stress, smoking, extreme alcohol consumption may worsen psoriasis. Psoriasis already has medicine readily available but it is extremely difficult to completely get rid of because of its persistence.