• About Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells. It causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. The extra skin cells form scales and red patches that are itchy and sometimes painful. Psoriasis is a chronic disease that often comes and goes. The main goal of treatment is to stop the skin cells from growing so quickly.
There is no cure for psoriasis, but you can manage symptoms. Lifestyle measures, such as moisturizing, quitting smoking and managing stress, may help.

• Areas of Psoriasis

These occur anywhere on the body and are more common in the following areas
• Hands
• Elbows
• Legs
• Back
• Chest
• Fingernails
• Toenails
• Scalp
• Folds in the buttocks and groin

• Symptoms of Psoriasis

Psoriasis signs and symptoms are different for everyone. Common signs and symptoms include:
• Red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales
• Small scaling spots (commonly seen in children)
• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
• Itching, burning or soreness
• Thickened, pitted or ridged nails (Nail Psoriasis)
• Swollen and stiff joints (Joint Psoriasis)

• Causes of Psoriasis

The person's immune system and genes play key roles when a person has psoriasis, the T cells (a type of white blood cell that fights unwanted invaders such as bacteria and viruses) mistakenly trigger a reaction in the skin cells.
Not everyone who inherits genes will get this disease. It seems that a person must inherit the right mix of genes and be exposed to a trigger.

• Treatment of Psoriasis

There are many effective psoriasis treatment choices. The best treatment is individually determined by the treating doctor and depends, in part, on the type of disease, the severity, and amount of skin involved.
For mild disease that involves only small areas of the body (less than 10% of the total skin surface), topical treatments (skin applied), such as creams, lotions, and sprays, may be very effective and safe to use. Occasionally, a small local injection of steroids directly into a tough or resistant isolated psoriatic plaque may be helpful.
For moderate to severe psoriasis that involves much larger areas of the body (>10% or more of the total skin surface), topical products may not be effective or practical to apply. This may require ultraviolet light treatments or systemic (total body treatments such as pills or injections) medicines. Internal medications usually have greater risks. Because topical therapy has no effect on psoriatic arthritis, systemic medications are generally required to stop the progression to permanent joint destruction.
It is important to keep in mind that as with any medical condition, all medicines carry possible side effects. No medication is 100% effective for everyone, and no medication is 100% safe. The decision to use any medication requires thorough consideration and discussion with your health care provider. The risks and potential benefit of medications have to be considered for each type of psoriasis and the individual. Of two patients with precisely the same amount of disease, one may tolerate it with very little treatment, while the other may become incapacitated and require treatment internally.

• Ways to Treat Psoriasis

• Take dietary supplements
• Prevent dry skin
• Avoid fragrances
• Eat healthfully
• Soak your body
• Get some rays
• Reduce stress
• Avoid alcohol
• Try turmeric
• Stop smoking