Psoriasis: Causes and Treatments
Even our immune system makes mistakes and this can lead to an autoimmune disease called psoriasis, which affects the skin. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies skin cells as pathogens or disease carrying organisms. This causes accelerated skin cell growth. Psoriasis affects approximately 1-3% of the total population on Earth, specifically those at the age of 15 to mid 30s.
There are five kinds of psoriasis namely guttate, plaque, pustular, inverse, and erythrodermic. Among the five, the most common is plaque psoriasis, which is characterized by
scaly patches of red and white on the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). These may appear in various areas of the body including scalp, hands, toes, knees, and elbows. These patches can cover the whole body if the condition becomes severe.
It is not a contagious skin disorder. The treatment of psoriasis, however, can last for a long period of time. The disease is also recurring, which means that recovering from it does not make a patient psoriasis-free for life.
Based on studies, researchers found an anomaly in gene mutations, particularly the chromosome 6 or PSORS-1, which eventually affects the T-cells. On a normal cycle, the human body sheds skin every 30 days but people with psoriasis experience the changes in one week or a little over.
Psoriasis Treatments
When a person acquires psoriasis, the only things that he or she can do is to limit the symptoms and prevent further infections. The treatment of psoriasis may not only last long but may also be costly since skin creams and medications are a little expensive.
There are topical that can be bought without doctor’s prescriptions but it is still advisable to expert advice. Most of these topical may include shampoos, lotions, and ointments that have cortisone, anthralin, salicylic or lactic acid, vitamin D, and retinol or vitamin A.
Injectable medicines and pills that address the immune system will be likely recommended but most often, a patient will have to get approval from a physician.
Most doctors recommend immune suppressants like cyclosporine or methotrexate fortreatment of psoriasis that is already critical. If these do not work, biologics may also be prescribed.
Phototherapy is another known psoriasis treatment that works by carefully exposing the skin to ultraviolet rays. This is usually done after ingesting drugs that makes the skin vulnerable to light.
Psoriasis can also be treated at home using oatmeal. A person can mix oatmeal with bath water or buy oatmeal soap. This is believed to cause loosening of the scales. A little bit of sunlight is also good for the skin as long as the person does not get overexposed. These and ample amount of rest and sleep would help cure the disease.
There are lots of treatments, most of them involve heavy medication considering that psoriasis can affect the whole body. Intense treatments are recommended for those whose cases are severe. Usually, treatments include a combination of topical, pills, and phototherapy. This can go on for several years until the patient has fully recovered.
scaly patches of red and white on the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). These may appear in various areas of the body including scalp, hands, toes, knees, and elbows. These patches can cover the whole body if the condition becomes severe.
It is not a contagious skin disorder. The treatment of psoriasis, however, can last for a long period of time. The disease is also recurring, which means that recovering from it does not make a patient psoriasis-free for life.
Based on studies, researchers found an anomaly in gene mutations, particularly the chromosome 6 or PSORS-1, which eventually affects the T-cells. On a normal cycle, the human body sheds skin every 30 days but people with psoriasis experience the changes in one week or a little over.
Psoriasis Treatments
When a person acquires psoriasis, the only things that he or she can do is to limit the symptoms and prevent further infections. The treatment of psoriasis may not only last long but may also be costly since skin creams and medications are a little expensive.
There are topical that can be bought without doctor’s prescriptions but it is still advisable to expert advice. Most of these topical may include shampoos, lotions, and ointments that have cortisone, anthralin, salicylic or lactic acid, vitamin D, and retinol or vitamin A.
Injectable medicines and pills that address the immune system will be likely recommended but most often, a patient will have to get approval from a physician.
Most doctors recommend immune suppressants like cyclosporine or methotrexate fortreatment of psoriasis that is already critical. If these do not work, biologics may also be prescribed.
Phototherapy is another known psoriasis treatment that works by carefully exposing the skin to ultraviolet rays. This is usually done after ingesting drugs that makes the skin vulnerable to light.
Psoriasis can also be treated at home using oatmeal. A person can mix oatmeal with bath water or buy oatmeal soap. This is believed to cause loosening of the scales. A little bit of sunlight is also good for the skin as long as the person does not get overexposed. These and ample amount of rest and sleep would help cure the disease.
There are lots of treatments, most of them involve heavy medication considering that psoriasis can affect the whole body. Intense treatments are recommended for those whose cases are severe. Usually, treatments include a combination of topical, pills, and phototherapy. This can go on for several years until the patient has fully recovered.
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