3
Mar
2010
Knowing the Psoriasis
It is a disease that affects the process of skin renewal. The skin cells are formed too rapidly and cells accumulate abnormal flaking white on red spots.
Psoriasis is a common non-infectious disease. No known effective methods of reversal. The attacks can be prevented or minimized by strictly following a new treatment.
Causes
The specific cause is not yet known but is thought to consist of a hereditary abnormality. Individual attacks may be caused by a chemical alteration in the body, a hormonal disorder, stress, excessive sun exposure or skin deterioration.
Signs and Symptoms
The main symptoms shown by people with this disease:
Area pink or red skin covered with scaly white patches
Hives, especially in the scalp, elbows, knees and back
Itchingand pain in the area with rash
At first the spots are small, then spread and cover larger areas of skin.
Calling the Doctor
Any abnormal condition and persistent skin requires medical attention. Only your doctor can diagnose and distinguish psoriasis from other diseases.
For the dermatologist, the diagnosis of psoriasis is simple and usually done by simply examining the wounds. However, in some cases may resemble other skin conditions like eczema, lichen planus (a chronic skin disease that causes itching and purple beads), fungal infections, dermatitis, or certain cancer types. If the diagnosis is uncertain, it is necessary to do a biopsy of skin wounds.
Treatment
For severe cases using drugs that delay the cell division.
Another treatment involves a combination of drugs that slow cell division and exposure to ultraviolet light.
Care
Personal care is recommended if the disease is not very serious. In general, exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light reduces the attacks. However, excessive exposure to sunlight can worsen psoriasis. If you can identify the factors that trigger attacks, avoid them.
Some doctors recommend removing the scales daily with soap and water followed by application of ointments.