Natural Skin Care

Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects around one in fifty adults while at the same time causing significant mental distress to those folks that are afflicted with the condition Clinical studies have come to the conclusion that even though psoriaisis manifests itself as a skin condition, the actual cause is rooted in the immune system of the body.

There are a number of various symptoms associated with a flare up of psoriasis including salmon colored skin that becomes scaly, flaky and irritated. One of the more commonplace forms is termed plaque psoriasis where the afflicted area develops eliptical, circular or irregular shaped patches covered with scaly, silvery colored skin. There is no consistence in the size or shape of the patchy areas and on occasions, several small patches can merge together and appear as one big odd shape of irritated skin. As well as being unsightly, the skin in these areas [on occasions cracks and bleeds|These areas are unsightly and on occasions crack and start bleeding].

Affected skin can be very itchy and often has a burning sensation. Like the shape, there is no consistency as to how long a specific flare-up will last. It could last ten days or you may have to put up with it for several weeks. because psoriasis is classified as a chronic condition, the risks of repeated flare-ups in the same or different area of the body are very high.

Areas of the body that are most often affected include the torso, scalp, elbows and knees although any part of the body can develop symptoms of psoriasis. One strange anomaly is that flare-ups tend to be symmetrical in as much that both sides of the body will be affected in identical areas at the same time.

Genetic factors play some role in psoriasis which means that those individuals with parents or grandparents who have had psoriasis have a greater risk that they will develop it as well. For reasons that are not yet fully understood, T-cells, which are required by our bodies to produce infection fighting white blood cells, cause inflammation of the skin. These same cells also set off some bodily process which results in the over production of skin cells. With nowhere else to go, these excess skin cells pile up on top of one another and create the telling appearance of raised patches on the skin’s exterior. To nourish these additional skin cells, an increased blood supply is required which results in the red look.

Although not the causes of psoriasis, common triggers include sunlight, strep infections and traumas, both past and present, to the skin Anxiety and stress can also spark an outbreak as can alterations in hormone levels. Individuals with early stages of HIV appear to have higher instances of psoriasis as well. Cigarette smokers who also consume alcohol increase their chances of developing psoriasis.

In the absence of any recognized cure for psoriasis, there are several effectual treatments that can at least alleviate the symptoms. Start by keeping the affected areas damp and by resisting the temptation to scratch the area.

Localized treatments are used first with the goal of slowing down the excess production of skin cells. Coal tar, salicylic acid, corticosteroids, synthetic vitamin D, tazorac and anthrallin are common topical treatment choices as are specially developed bathing products and moisturizers. Systemic medications are prescribed to treat more serious cases. Phototherapy, where sufferers are exposed to medically-supervised ultraviolet radiation is also effective in the treatment of psoriasis.

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