Psoriasis

Psoriasis commonly appears on the skin as red, thickened scaly patches, but is not contagious, although it often used to be confused with leprosy. An autoimmune disease, it affects the skin and joints of the person effected. It will continually reappear, making it hard to treat. Not helping efforts to find an effective treatment is that there are around 7 different types of Psoriasis, the most common being the plaque type, effecting 80%-90% of sufferers.

The condition is graded by how much of the body it affects, the level of the thickness and scaling of the skin, and the level of pain and discomfort. To date there is no real way to diagnose a sufferer, although skin biopsies are often taken.

 Causes

The actual cause of Psoriasis is unknown, but it is believe that several factors contribute to the formation of the condition. Research has found genetic mutation can be a factor in the disease developing. They have so far found 9 different mutations, the most major one developing on chromosome 6. The mutations seem to mainly affect t-cells, which are a type of white blood cell. It seems in people with Psoriasis, the t-cells attacks the skin cells causing them to multiply to the point where the cells start stacking up upon themselves on the surface of the skin. The rejuvenation process of the skin cells normally taken 30 days, but when there is a flare up in a suffer takes 2-3. Normally these t-cells help the skin, but in the case of someone with the skin condition the t-cells release a large amount of chemicals causing the skin and joints to suffer from inflammation.

Triggers

Although there is no cure to prevent Psoriasis outbreaks, and a huge amount in the way of treatments, we do know some causes that may provoke the condition. They include

• Skin injuries

      This can include abrasion, friction from clothing, sunburn or even rashes from viruses, yet it can take from 2-6 weeks for the flare up to occur.

• Weather Conditions

Cold, short days can cause the rash to flare, but direct sunlight can improve it.

• Stress

Like most conditions, stress will only make outbreaks worse.

• Certain Drugs

Check with your doctor for a full list

• Bacteria and Viruses

Infections such as tonsillitis, strep throat, tooth abscesses and cellulitis have been known to result in a Psoriasis breakout occurring- just another reason you don't want to get sick.

• Low levels of Calcium