Psoriasis

It is a chronic, benign disease. Psoriasis is common both in men and women. 2% of world population suffers from psoriasis. The disease is very rare in people with black skin. The disease is not serious but its evolution is very long and desperate. It can affect the quality of life because of physical changes, sometimes considerably. It is definitely not contagious. The cause of the disease remains unknown despite all the current research. Family history of psoriasis is very important. It is certain that there are specific disease triggers such as psychological factors, stress, illness ...

The mechanism of the disease is poorly understood: it is as if the renewing epidermal cells machine (cells from the surface of the skin) went crazy, the cells reproduce too quickly and elimination is not fast enough, resulting in their accumulation on the surface and thickening of the skin.

Preferred areas of psoriasis plaque

Psoriasis plaques affects the elbows, the knees, the scalp, the face, the feet and hands, the nails. The plates are red with white film more or less thick, they are pruritic, itchy , they can bleed, they can become infected especially if the child is scratching with dirty hands.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is another form of the disease with an osteo-articular pain attack which can lead to deformities in the joints.

Psoriasis remissions

This condition presents remission.

Psoriasis treatment

Psoriasis Treatment are varied but do not cure the disease, they diminish the multiplication of cells, lubricate the skin and thus improve appearance.

Phototherapy Psoriasis treatment

The extensive use of a UV (ultraviolet A) must be done under medical supervision, the danger of accumulation of irradiation with UV actually existed, contrary to what was said few years ago. It also uses UV B. It is possible to use dermo-corticosteroid ointment (thick texture), cream (smooth texture) or vitamin D derivatives.

The dermo-Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that result in strong reduction of cell proliferation but ultimately they can cause harmful side effects on the body. It is best to avoid giving children. Derivatives of vitamin D are quite effective: they lubricate the skin and reduce irritation and the skin can regain its normal appearance.

Other treatments are reserved for more severe forms: methotrexate and cyclosporine. These drugs require special supervision. Anti-TNF alpha give good results. This treatment (injection form) must be given for the first time (first "dose") in the hospital.

Psoriasis pictures

Scalp Psoriasis

Psoriasis of the scalp is common in extensive forms of psoriasis, but is more often a form of early psoriasis. It typically presents in the guise of either large, thick plates extending into the front beyond the limits of the scalp, although limited in rings or in the circumscribed spots.

Roots, located deep under the skin, are not affected. Unlike films, which cover almost the entire scalp, psoriasis is formed at very specific places while leaving healthy areas. In psoriasis, you can feel the psoriatic bump caused by the accumulation of scales held together by the hair. In the scalp, the scales have an important content in sebum. As with psoriasis vulgaris, reaching the scalp is characterized by red patches topped with thick white scales. These lesions cause itching and flaking as big films and even bleeding. The plates are generally thicker and can form a real shell on the scalp. Psoriasis of the scalp can be confused with seborrheic dermatitis, this condition can cause the same signs.

Psoriasis Symptoms - Psoriasis Signs

Before detailing the symptoms of psoriasis, note that most of the time, psoriasis occurs during childhood or adolescence or after quarantine.

The onset is gradual, usually between 10 and 40, without alteration of the condition. The scales correspond to dead cells that accumulate in excess. Cell renewal is accelerated in psoriasis. The scraping of the lesion with a curette revealed a thin transparent film that, once torn, discovers a congested skin (a sign of the bloody dew). Pruritus is rare. In younger patients, the rash sometimes forms psoriasis gout which can have a brutal beginning and become a classic form. Psoriasis topography of lesions is characteristic, reaching the front extension of the limbs (knees, elbows), back, buttocks, around the navel and the scalp. The lesions evolve in spurts, and spontaneously regresses appear under the influence of stress or during infection. Indeed, emotional stress, psycho-shock, infection (streptococci), a wound, an intense insolation, local medicines, treatment with chloroquine, a stop steroids, ENT infections are sometimes found at origin of the disease or of a relapse.

Psoriasis plaque Symptoms - Psoriasis skin

Symptoms of plaque psoriasis are rough red patches covered with whitish thick scales.

Psoriasis Causes

Inheritance: 1 / 3 of people with psoriasis have a family history of psoriasis.
ENT infection (strep) may trigger psoriasis, especially in children but sometimes in adults too.
Psychological trauma is often found in the genesis of psoriasis.
Psoriasis is linked with a dysfunction or a decrease in the immune system.

Psoriasis Diet

The relationship between the development of psoriasis and diet are unknown. However, alcohol is a factor promoting resistance to treatment. The essential fatty acids omega 3 and omega 6 had an effect on dry skin and are recommended in some cases (treatment with retinoids). There is much research done on vitamin D, calcium in particular. If you've found an aggravating role or benefit of certain foods, this may be due to the sensitivity of your digestive tract, but there was no specific abnormality in psoriasis. By cons, an intestinal infection may cause a flare of psoriasis.