Understanding Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms, and Implications

Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin condition that alters the life cycle of skin cells. It causes cells to quickly build up, up to ten times faster, on the surface area of the skin. The extra skin cells appear to be thick, silvery scales that are itchy, dry, red patches that can be painful at times. Sometimes, the skin cells can crack and bleed. In severe cases, the irritated skin cells will grow together, covering large areas of the skin. The most common parts of the body where psoriasis occurs, are on elbows, knees, scalp, back, face, palms, and feet. However, it can show up on other parts of the body.

The Anatomical and Physiological Implications: Psoriasis is a problem with the immune system. With cell turnover, skin cells that are created

There may be periods when the psoriasis symptoms get better, while other periods the psoriasis worsens. Symptoms include areas of red, inflamed skin. The skin is often covered with loose, silvery scales that may be irritated or painful. Fingernail and toenails problems may arise, such as changing color, texture, or begin to separate. Scalp issues include patches of scales or crust that may form on the head.

Method of Diagnosis: Typically a family physician or dermatologist will be able to diagnose psoriasis simply by examining the skin. Nevertheless, psoriasis can be difficult to diagnose, because it can look similar to other skin diseases such as eczema. If the doctor is unsure whether or not it is psoriasis, he or she may order a biopsy. The doctor will remove a small sample of the skin and have it looked at underneath a

Scientists have discovered about twenty-five genes that are diverse in people with psoriasis. They have determined it takes more than one gene to cause the disease, and they are continuing to search for the main ones. About ten in every one hundred people have genes that make them more susceptible to get psoriasis, but only two or three of them are actually diagnosed with it. Generally, psoriasis is more common in adults and occasionally run in the family. People who are overweight or obese are more vulnerable to get psoriasis in their skin creases. An assortment of factors can influence an episode of psoriasis, such as emotional stress and trauma. As many as eighty percent of people have reported having an outbreak report a recent emotional trauma, such as a death of a family member. Injured skin and certain drugs can also aggravate psoriasis, for example, medications such as beta-blockers and ibuprofen can cause a flare-up.

Habits that Reduce the Disorder: To make one feel more in control of the skin condition and help to communicate more efficiently with the doctor, tracking flare-ups of psoriasis can assist. Psoriasis triggers can include emotional stress, medications, winter climates, shaving, and injury to the skin. To avoid such triggers, one may keep the skin moisturized, wear protective