Psoriasis

From CopperWiki

Psoriasis is a prolonged inflammation of skin, the cause of which is still unclear. It is not infectious nor does it affect the general health. It is common in both genders both the genders and may start at any age. Though it affects an average of 2 percent of the people, those with mild symptoms may not be aware of it.

Psoriasis is believed to be one of the oldest recorded skin conditions.

[edit] Why should I be aware of this?

• Psoriasis is a lifelong condition and there is currently no cure. Life-long therapy is needed to control the signs and symptoms.
• Between 10% and 30% of people who develop psoriasis get a related form of arthritis called “psoriatic arthritis,” which causes inflammation of the joints.

[edit] All about psoriasis

Though psoriasis was first described around 35 AD, until recently little was known about the disease. Though full knowledge is still not available, research has significantly advanced our understanding with the discovery that kidney-transplant recipients who had psoriasis experienced clearing when taking cyclosporine. Since cyclosporine is a potent immunosuppressive medication, this indicates that the immune system is involved.

[edit] Causes

• Immune Mediated. Researchers now believe that psoriasis is caused by faulty signals in the body’s immune system. It develops when the immune system tells the body to over-react and accelerate the growth of skin cells. Normally, skin cells mature and are shed from the skin’s surface every 28 to 30 days. When psoriasis develops, the skin cells mature in 3 to 6 days and move to the skin surface. Instead of being shed, the skin cells pile up and cause the visible lesions.
• Genes. It has also been identified that genes cause psoriasis. When a close blood relative has psoriasis there’s greater risk of developing psoriasis or another immune-mediated condition, especially diabetes or Crohn’s disease.
• Trigger. However, some people do not develop psoriasis even if they have a family history. Research indicates that a “trigger”, such as stress, skin injuries, a strep infection, certain medications, and sunburn, is needed. Medications that can trigger psoriasis are anti-malarial drugs, beta-blockers (medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions), and lithium.

Psoriasis research continues to accelerate at a rapid pace and will continue to advance our knowledge about what causes psoriasis.

[edit] Physical and mental effects

• Itching, soreness, and cracked and bleeding skin are common. Nail psoriasis can be painful. Even the simple act of squeezing a tube of toothpaste can hurt. In a number of cases, psoriasis limits activities and makes it difficult to perform job responsibilities.
• Studies also have shown that stress, anxiety, loneliness, and low self-esteem are part of daily life for people living with psoriasis.
• One study found that thoughts of suicide are three times higher for psoriatics than the general population.
• Embarrassment is another common feeling.

[edit] CopperBytes

• More than 4.5 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with psoriasis, and approximately 150,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. An estimated 20% have moderate to severe psoriasis. ^[1]
• Research shows that the signs and symptoms of psoriasis usually appear between 15 and 35 years of age. About 75% develop psoriasis before age 40. ^[1]
• About 1 in 10 people develop psoriasis during childhood, and psoriasis can begin in infancy. The earlier the psoriasis appears, the more likely it is to be widespread and recurrent. ^[1]
• Psoriasis occurs about equally in males and females. Recent studies show that there may be an ethnic link. ^[1]

[edit] References:

• Psoriasis
• What is Psoriasis?

[edit] Source

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3} PsoriasisNet