Psoriasis Treatment

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the skin, resulting in the quickened process of skin growth. This leaves the skin looking dry and patchy. Because of its appearance, people believe it to be contagious. However, this is not true. Though the actual cause of this condition is not clear, psoriasis is believed to be linked with genetic and environmental factors.

Psoriasis is an incurable skin disorder.

However, flare-ups can be avoided only with the help of timely treatment. For psoriasis treatment, over the counter drugs are available, but it is always better to consult a dermatologist before using any medication as they may have adverse side effects. Washing the scalp with apple cider vinegar may be useful in scalp psoriasis treatment. For mild guttate psoriasis treatment, plaque psoriasis treatment and pustular psoriasis treatment, ointments or medicated creams or lotions may be prescribed for use on the affected area. For severe cases, ultraviolet light therapy may be advised. Diet can also help in skin psoriasis treatment. Drinking plenty of water helps to flush out infectious germs from the system as they may be responsible for aggravating the condition. Washing fruits and vegetables well before consumption and opting for home cooked meals also helps in minimizing the risk of infection. Salads are known to be beneficial in controlling the severity of a flare-up. The intake of red meats and dairy products should be minimized. Stress and anxiety should be avoided.

Psoriasis Symptoms

In the normal course of life, it takes around a month for skin cells to mature. However, in the case of people suffering from psoriasis, it takes less than a week for the skin cells to mature. This leads to the formation of layers of dry, flaky skin. There are a number of forms of psoriasis based on the manifestation and area of the skin that it affects. In some people with psoriasis, the symptoms may be seen on a specific part of the body such as the scalp. However, it is not uncommon for others to experience the appearance of these dry patches all over their body. Many people mistake scalp psoriasis for a severe dandruff problem. Besides the scaly dry skin, scalp psoriasis symptoms also include red patches of skin. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of this condition. It causes the appearance of reddish patches of scaly, dead skin that accumulates, usually on the elbows as well as the knees, and leaves the affected area with a silvery tinge.

Plaque psoriasis symptoms may also be seen in other areas such as the scalp, the genitals, on the palms of the hands and on the soles of the feet. In the case of inverse psoriasis, symptoms include the formation of dry patches in the folds of skin such as the underarms, groin or buttock region as well as the navel and pain may be triggered by friction. Psoriasis symptoms on the face are similar to those experienced when it affects other parts of the body. However, the main challenge in this case is coping with facial appearance and this tends to affect confidence levels in most individuals. Psoriasis symptoms in children also include flakiness and itchiness. In the case of children, timely treatment has to be administered as children tend to scratch their skin in an effort to relieve the itching and this may lead to bleeding caused by cracking of the skin.

Psoriasis Causes

There are a number of factors that contribute to psoriasis. Being an autoimmune disorder, the main cause of psoriasis is a faulty immune system that attacks healthy cells instead of infection cells. Genetic factors also contribute to psoriasis. The main psoriasis causes in children is the HLA genetic factor known as HLA-CW6, but one must keep in mind that only a tenth of the children with these genes actually develop psoriasis. Children are also known to inherit this condition. Scalp psoriasis causes as well as plaque psoriasis causes include climatic conditions. When the weather is cold and dry, the itchy patches increase immediately. During the warm and humid parts of the year, most people with psoriasis tend to face minimal discomfort or no discomfort at all. Certain forms of skin injury, infections and the use of specific drugs could also lead to a psoriasis eruption. Stress, emotional trauma and frustration are other psoriasis causes and cures are not found as yet. Psoriasis can only be treated so as to minimize the discomfort experienced.

Psoriasis in Children

Psoriasis can prove to be a very difficult to deal, especially in the case of children suffering from this skin condition. Since a child finds it difficult to express his or her feelings effectively, coping with psoriasis could prove to cause lot of discomfort for the child, as it could lead to a delay in treatment of psoriasis in children. Guttate psoriasis in children is often mistaken for chicken pox as it affects the scalp, trunk and limbs. Scalp psoriasis in children can leave the child scratching his or her head and this can prove to be a very embarrassing situation for the child. Because of its appearance, psoriasis can affect a child’s self esteem and hence, the role of the parents and siblings in comforting the child is of great importance.

Submitted on January 16, 2014