Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition which causes skin cells to grow too quickly.  It is characterized by thick red, white, or silvery patches of skin that are inflamed or flaking.  With normal skin, the skin cells grow and gradually flake off every four weeks or so; new skin cells continually grow to replace the outer skin layers as they flake off.  With psoriasis, though, the new skin cells do not wait for the skin cells to flake off; instead, they rapidly move to the surface within days.  These new skin cells build up on the skin and are called plaques.

Causes of Psoriasis

Psoriasis sometimes runs in families.  Regardless, though, experts say that psoriasis is caused by an immune system overreaction.  The cause of the disruption in the immune system isn’t yet known.

People who suffer from psoriasis may notice that their condition is not always constant.  This is because psoriasis flare-ups are often caused by certain triggers.  Psoriasis outbreaks can be triggered by the following:

• Cold and dry climates
• Stress
• Infections
• Dry skin
• Smoking
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• High blood pressure medications
• Certain medications for mental illness

Symptoms of Psoriasis

Although psoriasis can appear rash-like at times, it is important to note that it is not a contagious condition.  Psoriasis cannot be spread from person to person.

Psoriasis can appear different in some people.  Or the condition can appear mild, moderate, or severe, depending upon the type of outbreak.  Mild outbreaks are typically small areas of rash.  Moderate or severe psoriasis outbreaks tend to be inflamed and raised patches of skin that are covered with loose, scaly skin.  The patches can be silvery or red in color.  The skin may be very itchy and tender and quite uncomfortable.  Several patches can join to cover a large area of the body, such as the back.

For some people psoriasis can become painful.  It can cause the joints to swell and become tender as well.  This is called psoriatic arthritis, and it can affect the fingernails and toenails.  Psoriatic arthritis can cause the nails to pit and change color.  Dead skin can build up under the nails and the nails can separate from the nail bed.

Psoriasis Treatment

Treatment for psoriasis usually involves keeping the skin moist with creams and lotions.  Ultraviolet light may also be used for some patients, along with medications.  Baths and soaks are often recommended, as is peeling off the loose crusts to allow the creams to be better absorbed.

Tags | Psoriasis