Psoriasis
By: Katelynn Everett
What is Psoriasis?
A condition in which skin cells build up and form scales and itchy, dry patches.
Symptoms:
- Pain in the joints
- rashes
- dryness
- fissures
- flakiness
- peeling
- small bumps
- thickness, or redness
- depression
- inflamed tendons
- itching
- joint stiffness
- plaque
- small dents in nails
Causes:
- Infections, such as strep throat or skin infections
- Injury to the skin, such as a cut or scrape, bug bite, or a severe sunburn
- Stress
- Cold weather
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Certain medications — including lithium, which is prescribed for bipolar disorder; high blood pressure medications such as beta blockers; antimalarial drugs; and iodides.
Treatments:
Self-care
Petroleum jelly, Light therapy, Ultraviolet light therapy, Moisturizer, Urea, Coal tar extract, and Stress management
Medications
Steroid, Vitamin, Vitamin a derivative, Immunosuppressive drug, and Anti-Inflammatory
Medical procedure
Photodynamic therapy