Psoriasis
Olivia MacKenzie
What is Psoriasis?
A disease affecting the integumentary system or skin, causing red or pink patches of scaly skin to appear.
Types
- Plaque- most common, raised patches
- Guttate- common in kids, dotted
- Inverse- smooth, under folds in skin
- Pustular- pus with white blood cells, cannot infect
- Erythrodermic- rare red skin that covers most of the body, looks like a bad sunburn
How Psoriasis Works
Psoriasis creates new skin cells too quickly the new cells add to the old ones, creating bumps and itchy red skin. Also, cells called T-Cells attack the healthy skin thinking it is bad and that also contributes to the red skin.
How the skin normally works VS how Psoriasis affects it
Usually your skin will be one tone of color, clear and smooth. With Psoriasis, the skin has red itchy spots usually located around the knees, elbows, and chest. Psoriasis can be either mild, moderate or severe. Shown in the table below.
Target Population
Psoriasis affects whites most often. Males and females can have this disease. Psoriasis can happen at any age depending on what types. For example Guttate Psoriasis is most common in kids. All types of Psoriasis is most common through age 15-30 and ages 50-60.
How Does This Condition Arise?
It is most likely to be inherited. Psoriasis is not contagious although most people think it is and avoid people with the disease.
Diagnosis
If this condition is spotted you should see a doctor for more advice. The doctor can tell you if it really is Psoriasis, if so they can tell you the severity. They can determine by taking a "biopsy" this is when a piece of skin is removed and looked at under a microscope.
Signs and Symptoms
Mild Psoriasis you can notice rash like areas. For more moderate/severe Psoriasis you may notice more bumpy, loose, or shiny skin. With severe, the skin is itchy, and can hurt. Also, patches of Psoriasis are big and very troublesome.
Prognosis
You won't die from Psoriasis, you can have a normal, happy life and participate in regular activities.
People who have this disease usually cover it up because they are embarrassed. It will stay on the skin, you take treatments to reduce the Psoriasis.
Treatment
First of all, live a healthy lifestyle! This includes no smoking, a healthy diet, exercise, etc. You can buy prescribed lotions and ointments to help, See a doctor and cover up if you are uncomfortable showing your skin.
Connections
My grandfather had this disease. We noticed it on his legs and arms. It was a milder type because it had light coloring and resembled a rash.
World Free From Cancer - Psoriasis - 321 FastDraw