PSORIASIS
Created by: Bryce Benton
Overview of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease. The disease starts underneath the skin and is a chronic long lasting disease of the immune system. Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system, that causes the body to grow skin cells 10 times faster than the normal rate. Instead of shedding, the skin cells pile on top of one another and form red patches of skin called plaques. The plaques can cause irritation and sorness. The disease most commonly appears on the knees, elbows and scalp. Psoriasis can also affect the joints, nails and connective tissue.
Causes of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic disease. Thick and extensive skin lessions, called plaques, known to cause itching, scaling and pain. The cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, although scientists believe several factors could cause the disease. One major cause is from an overactive immune system. The immune system causes the body to grow skin cells quicker than normal. The skin cells do not shed either, they just keep piling on top of each other, causing irritation. Other causes could be from genetics or environmental factors. If you are diagnosed with psoriasis it is possible that someone in your family could have had it.
Symptoms of Psoriasis
Early signs of the disease vary from person to person. Usually one of the first signs are small red patches of skin. Normally, these areas can become itchy or sore. As the disease progresses, silver scales will form over the red patches of skin. Small scaling spots or dry cracked skin may appear as well. These areas of skin usually have an itching, burning sorness. Psoriasis can also affect joints, making them swollen or stiff. If you take medication for the disease the patches of red skin may go away, but that does not mean you are cured. The disease will always be present and could pop back up again at any moment. It is advised to not itch the areas of skin that are affected by the disease, as it may spread quicker.
Treatment for Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a very comon disease. You may go to a dermatoligist for treatment, but it is not curable. Doctors may perscribe a medicine such as ENBREL. Although the disease is not curable treatment may help. Treatment aims to remove scales and stop patches of affected skin from growing. Topical ointments, light therapy, and medications can offer relief. The patches may not be visible, but that doesn't mean you are cured. The patches can come back at any given moment.
Bibliography
"COST SAVINGS & INSURANCE COVERAGE." STELARA® (ustekinumab) for Plaque Psoriasis & Psoriatic Arthritis. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Dec. 2015.
"Symptoms | Types | Treatments | Research | Finding a Cure | Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis - National Psoriasis Foundation." Symptoms | Types | Treatments | Research | Finding a Cure | Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis - National Psoriasis Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Dec. 2015.
"Mayo Clinic." Mayo Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Dec. 2015.